Where is Col de la Faucille?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because Col de la Faucille is a *stunner* of a mountain pass! You'll find this beauty perched high in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of eastern France. We're talking summit views from way up high!
The road itself is completely paved and winds its way through the mountains with hairpin turns galore - get ready to put those driving skills to the test! Clocking in between Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux (in the Jura department, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region) and somewhere in the Ain department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it's a fairly popular route for cyclists. Plus, because it’s a shortcut for drivers, expect to share the road! Keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the ride! It has been featured in the Tour de France, so you know it's iconic.
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extremeDriving the road to Col de l’Abelle is not a piece of cake
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Col de l’Abelle in the French Alps is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a nail-biting 19.7 km (12.24 miles) stretch of pure adrenaline in the Alpes-Maritimes department. Perched at a cool 925m (3,034ft), the D332 winds its way between the Vésubie and Tinée valleys with views that'll make your jaw drop. But hold on tight, this paved road is narrow – seriously narrow! – and not exactly in pristine condition (think potholes). Two cars passing simultaneously? Forget about it. Oh, and did I mention the climb? Get ready for some seriously steep sections, with gradients reaching a thigh-burning 13.3%. It’s a challenging drive from La Tour to Les Granges de la Brasque, but the scenery? Totally worth it! Just remember to take it slow, keep your eyes peeled, and prepare for an unforgettable Alpine experience.
hardThe brutally steep road to Coll Blanc
🌍 Andorra
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Coll Blanc, nestled high in the Andorran Pyrenees near the French border, is calling your name. We're talking a whopping 2,542 meters (8,339 feet) above sea level in the Grau Roig sector of the Grandvalira ski resort! Heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The entire road is unpaved, and you'll likely need to wait until late June or even July for the snow to clear. This road is closed to private vehicles. A 4x4 is a MUST to tackle this beast. Clocking in at just 1.4 km, don't let the short distance fool you. This climb is STEEP, with gradients reaching a butt-clenching 18.2%! You'll gain 131 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of 9.35%. The views? Absolutely epic. You're deep in the Pyrenees, so expect stunning mountain vistas. And the final destination? The beautiful Lake Les Abelletes right on the French-Andorran border. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road adventure!
hardWhere is Sella di Russis?
🇮🇹 Italy
Sella di Russis, or Russiskreuz as the locals call it, is your off-the-beaten-path ticket to Alpine bliss! Nestled high in South Tyrol, Italy, at 1,729m (5,672ft), this pass is a real hidden gem in the Dolomites. Where exactly? Think Autonomous Province of Bolzano, connecting the Isarco Valley (Eisacktal) to the Gader Valley (Val Badia). It slices right through the Plose mountain – stunning scenery guaranteed! The SP29, as it's officially known, is totally paved and generally in good shape, but don't let that fool you. This 45 km (28 mile) route, stretching from Bressanone (Brixen) to San Martin de Tor, is a twisty, turny adventure with hairpin turns that demand your full attention. Fair warning: Some sections are carved into steep hillsides, so keep an eye out for potential rock slides, especially after rain or during the spring thaw. The climb from Bressanone is a beauty, winding through alpine forests with peeks at the dramatic Odle (Geisler) peaks. Up at the top, you'll find the Russiskreuz (Russis Cross), a peaceful spot away from the Dolomite crowds. It's a great jumping-off point for exploring other legendary areas in the region. Heads up: Sella di Russis usually closes for the winter (November to May) because of the altitude and avalanche risk. The southern side stays open, though, so you can still hit the slopes at the Plose ski resort!
extremeWhen was the road to Furggen built?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Furggen! Nestled in the Swiss canton of Valais, this high mountain meadow sits at a lofty 2,457m (8,061ft). This isn't your average Sunday drive. Dating back to World War II, this old military road, built by the Swiss army, is seriously rugged. We're talking totally unpaved, people. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. Some say it's one of the toughest roads in the Alps. The road stretches for 21.6 km (13.42 miles) from Grengiols to Heiligkreuz, hugging the landscape south of the majestic Breithorn, near the Italian border. Expect super-narrow sections, a relentless series of 27 hairpin turns, and some serious inclines hitting up to 17%. Up top, you'll find the charming Kapelle Maria zum Schnee Furggen, a tiny chapel perched on a hill – its ridge beam dates way back to 1662! So, if you're craving a true off-road alpine adventure with stunning scenery and a touch of history, Furggen is calling your name.