Where is Col de la Lombarde-Colle della Lombarda?
France, europe
41.6 km
2,354 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between France and Italy, high in the Alps, at the Col de la Lombarde (or Colle della Lombarda, if you're feeling Italian). This beauty connects the Alpes-Maritimes in France with Piedmont in Italy, and let me tell you, the views are worth the drive.
The road? Totally paved, so no need for a monster truck. But don’t get complacent! This isn't a Sunday drive. Think 41.6 km (25.84 miles) of pure adrenaline, snaking from Isola, France, up to Vinadio, Italy. We're talking about 75 hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills! The road is known as M97 on the French side, and SP255 when you cross into Italy.
You'll climb to 2,354m (7,723ft) above sea level, and some sections are seriously steep – we're talking gradients of up to 17%! Budget around 1 to 1.5 hours for the drive, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The scenery is incredible and you'll see remains of military structures from World War II near the top. Plus, there’s a small parking area at the summit to take it all in. Keep in mind that this pass is usually only open during the summer months. It’s even been part of the Tour de France!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 41.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,354 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardCueva del Agua, a road recommended for drivers with strong nerves
🇪🇸 Spain
Cueva del Agua ('Water Cave’) is a natural cave at an elevation of 1.748m (5,734ft) above the sea level, located in the municipality of Deifontes, in the province of Granada, autonomous community of Andalusia, in southern Spain. Nestled in the Sierra Arana/Sierra Harana rango, the road to the rather unique cave (also known as Cueva de la Sabina, Cueva del Asno and Cueva de Deifontes)is unpaved and very steep. It´s a really tough climb. A classical one between cyclists. Unfortunately the entrance to Cueva del Agua is closed due to previous acts of vandalism. It can be visited by making an appointment at the Deifontes town hall and with a guide service. The summit hosts a natural viewpoint called Mirador Cañada Larga, with stunning views. Best visited in winter and spring, when the high mountains around are capped with snow. The road to the cave was built in 1969. Starting from Collado del Torreón (Camino a Iznalloz) the road to the summit is 6km long. The average gradient is 9.6% hitting a maximum gradient of 10% through some of the ramps.It's a really tough climb. Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez An Explorer's Guide to Mina de Ventana Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhere is Şekersu Yaylası?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to northeastern , make sure Şekersu Yaylası is on your radar. This high mountain pass sits way up in the clouds, so be prepared for some serious elevation. You'll find it snuggled in the , east of the infamous D915 (Bayburt-Of) Road. The road is , so you'll be jostling around for a bit. The journey to the top is about 20.6 km (12.80 miles), winding from south to north from Ardici Tepe. Now, getting to Ardici Tepe isn't a walk in the park, so buckle up! But trust me, the views from the top are SO worth it. Just make sure the weather is on your side before you go!
extremeThe narrow paved road to the international Col des Veaux
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Veaux Nestled right on the French-Spanish border in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Col des Veaux sits at a modest 540 meters (1,771 feet) above sea level—but don't let that fool you. This mountain pass packs a punch with its characteristically narrow and steep paved road that'll definitely keep you on your toes. Fair warning: winter can be brutal up here. Snow closures aren't uncommon, so you'll want to check conditions before you head up. But if you catch it on a good day, you're looking at a genuinely rewarding alpine crossing that rewards confident drivers with some fantastic Pyrenean scenery. It's the kind of pass that reminds you why mountain driving is so addictive—technical enough to be interesting, but totally doable if you respect the road.
easyWhere is Passo Staulanza?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in northern Italy, cruising along the Strada Provinciale 251 (SP251). You're headed for Passo Staulanza, a sweet mountain pass sitting at 1,773 meters (5,817 feet) above sea level. It's nestled in a cozy valley between majestic peaks like Mount Coldai, giving you views that are just unreal. The road stretches for about 21.6 km (13.42 miles), a ribbon of asphalt winding its way through the landscape. You'll find a cute little restaurant with a parking lot up there, perfect for a pit stop. Oh, and keep an eye out – this route is so epic, even the Giro d'Italia cyclists have tackled it! So get ready for some seriously awe-inspiring scenery and a ride you won't soon forget!