Where is Col de Joux Plane?
France, europe
23.7 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Col de Joux Plane, sitting pretty at a lofty elevation in the Haute-Savoie department of France, is a cycling legend. Seriously, this climb is up there with the toughest in the French Alps!
You'll find it nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, close to the Swiss border and chilling at the southern end of the Chablais Alps.
What awaits at the summit? A welcome sight: Le Relais des Vallées bar! Keep going north, and you can actually climb a bit higher to the true summit. The views overlooking Mont Blanc are totally worth it.
Heads up: the road is paved, but it's narrow—sometimes just a single lane—and seriously steep. Some sections hit a brutal gradient! If you're tackling this climb in summer, start early. The whole slope faces south, making it a scorcher.
The road stretches for 23.7 km (14.72 miles), connecting Morzine and Samoëns. From Morzine, it's 12.2 km with a 825m elevation gain and 6.7% average gradient. Samoëns gives you 11.7km, a 851m gain, and a slightly steeper 7.3% average.
Considered a Tour de France beast, expect some seriously tough climbing, especially from Samoëns. It might not be super long, but it is relentless. Forget the famous climbs, this one's just a brutal challenge.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23.7 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardThe road to Kehlsteinhaus, a teahouse for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday
🇩🇪 Germany
# Eagle's Nest Road: A Mountain Marvel in the Bavarian Alps Nestled high in Bavaria's Berchtesgaden Alps sits the Kehlsteinhaus—or Eagle's Nest, as it's commonly known. This historic chalet perches at a stunning 1,685m (5,528ft) above sea level on the Obersalzberg Mountain in southeastern Germany, and getting there is half the adventure. Built in 1938 as a 50th birthday gift for Adolf Hitler, the building has since been transformed into a restaurant and tourist hotspot with absolutely jaw-dropping panoramic views. These days, visitors flock here during summer months (typically mid-May through October) to soak in the scenery and the historical significance of this alpine retreat. The real star of the show, though? The Kehlsteinstrasse road itself. This engineering masterpiece was blasted straight out of solid rock in just 13 months—seriously, only 13 months to carve 6.5km (4.03 miles) of paved perfection through the mountainside. The road climbs an insane 736m in elevation with an average gradient of 11.32%, peaking at a white-knuckle 24% on some sections. You'll navigate through 5 tunnels and 5 hairpin turns as you ascend the steep northwest face of Kehlstein mountain. In 1952, the road closed to regular traffic and was replaced by a special mountain bus service—a decision that's proven wise given the extreme conditions. The final ascent to the chalet actually requires taking an elevator blasted through the rock. Before each season opens, crews meticulously clean the rock walls to prevent dangerous rockfall. It's one of Germany's highest roads and a genuine architectural wonder.
hardIt’s raining rocks on the road from Kato Alepochori to Psatha
🇬🇷 Greece
# The Wild Coastal Drive from Kato Alepochori to Psatha Ready for a road trip that'll get your adrenaline pumping? The coastal stretch connecting Kato Alepochori to Psatha on Greece's Attic Peninsula is definitely not your typical scenic drive—it's an edge-of-your-seat adventure that packs serious thrills into just 6.9 km (4.28 miles). This stunning but seriously sketchy route hugs the coastline as it winds south to north, treating you to sweeping views of the Corinthian Sea. But here's the catch: Mother Nature hasn't been kind to this road. The narrow asphalt is battered and weathered, with potholes and cracks that'll rattle your car—and your nerves. The real drama unfolds above and below: crashing waves regularly wash over the road, while massive rock formations loom overhead, literally threatening to crumble at any moment. The mountain towering above the road is genuinely precarious. Heavy rains and even minor earthquakes can trigger landslides here, which is no joke considering the area sits near the Alkionides fault line. The rocky cliffs seem to hang over drivers like a sword of Damocles, creating that stomach-dropping feeling that something could give way at any second. It's the kind of drive that's utterly mesmerizing if you love dramatic scenery and don't mind a healthy dose of danger. Just know what you're getting into—this road demands respect, a solid vehicle, and nerves of steel. For thrill-seekers and adventure-hungry travelers, though? It's unforgettable.
hardTseramio-Anavryti Road
🇬🇷 Greece
# The Tseramio – Anavryti Road: A Thrilling Greek Mountain Adventure Nestled west of Sparta on Greece's Peloponnese peninsula, the Tseramio–Anavryti road is an absolute gem for anyone who loves twisty mountain drives. This 9.5 km stretch winds above the Evrotas valley, connecting two charming villages while delivering heart-pounding thrills and spectacular views. Fair warning: the asphalt here has seen better days, so take it slow and steady. But honestly? That's part of the charm. Starting at just 220 meters above sea level in Tseramio, you'll climb 570 meters over the course of the journey, tackling ten hairpin turns that'll keep you thoroughly entertained. With an average gradient of 6% (and some gnarly 10% sections), this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. The views of Sparta sprawling below are absolutely worth the effort, making every hairpin a photo opportunity. Just be prepared for a genuinely steep ride—if your passengers are prone to car sickness, maybe save this one for when you're traveling solo. This is the kind of road that reminds you why mountain driving exists: pure, unadulterated fun with a side of Peloponnese beauty.
hardCol de Furfande
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Furfande: A High-Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, Col de Furfande sits at a respectable 2,500m (8,202ft) above sea level and serves up a proper mountain challenge for those ready to take it on. Fair warning: this isn't your typical smooth alpine pass. The road to the summit is gravel and rocky, with plenty of bumpy stretches that'll keep you on your toes. It's steep too—no gentle climb here. That said, the track is well-maintained, so at least you're not dealing with complete chaos. Just be prepared for some serious terrain. Winter essentially closes this route from October through June, so plan your visit for the warmer months when conditions cooperate. Once you make it to the top, there's a small parking area where you can catch your breath and take in the views. Here's the real talk: this is one for experienced off-road drivers only. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, do yourself a favor and pick a different route. The southern section of the summit is closed off anyway, so there's a natural endpoint to your adventure. If you've got the skills and the nerve, though, Col de Furfande offers genuine alpine adventure in one of France's most dramatic mountain regions. Just come prepared and respect what this pass is asking of you.