Where is Col de la Pierre Carrée?
France, europe
15.3 km
1,849 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Col de la Pierre Carrée, a seriously stunning mountain pass hanging out in the Haute-Savoie region of France. At 1,849m (that's 6,066ft!), it's the highest pass in the northern French Alps that stays open year-round. You'll find it in the Rhône-Alpes region, way out east. Legend says it’s named after a soldier and alpine hunter named Pierre Carrée.
The road itself (the D106) is completely paved, making for a smooth (ish) ride. Get ready for a wild cul-de-sac adventure with a whopping 20 hairpin turns. Trust me, the views are worth it!
The pass stretches for 15.3 km (9.50 miles), connecting Les Carroz to Flaine. Since it's the main access to the Flaine ski station, it's usually open all year, but keep an eye out for winter closures due to bad weather.
Now, let's talk about the climb. It gets intense! Expect a maximum gradient of 11.8% in places. Think of it in three stages: The first few kilometers are brutal, with a peak of 8.4% on one kilometer. Then it mellows out for a bit until the halfway point. Finally, brace yourself for the second half – another 10 kilometers at around 6.5% average, with peaks hitting 9%. The good news is the slopes get easier as you near the top!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,849 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardAlto Mirador de Veixia
🇪🇸 Spain
# Alto Mirador de Veixia Nestled in the rugged hills of A Coruña, Galicia, this mountain pass sits at a cool 600m elevation and serves up some seriously dramatic views of northwestern Spain. The fully paved route—known locally as the A-1702—might look deceptively short on paper at 11.2km with a 4.8% average gradient, but don't let that fool you. Here's the real deal: the road splits into two distinctly brutal sections. The first 6.7km climbs at a punishing 6%, which will definitely get your heart pumping. Just when you think you've got it beat, there's a brief breather before the final 4km kicks in at a mean 7% average. Yeah, it's narrow and steep—the kind of road that demands respect from anyone behind the wheel. But trust us, the effort is worth every meter. At the summit sits the absolutely stunning Mirador Vixía da Herbeira, a natural lookout perched dramatically on the cliffs of Costa Artabra. The views? Spectacular. Just pack a windbreaker—the summit can get seriously blustery, and you'll want to actually enjoy that panorama without getting knocked over. This gem has even caught the attention of the Spanish Vuelta race organizers, which should tell you something about its credentials. If you're hunting for an authentic, challenging, and visually rewarding mountain drive in Galicia, this is it.
hardWhere is Colle Lauson?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Colle Lauson, a super-high mountain pass sitting way up in the Italian Alps (Turino Province to be exact) at a cool 8,192 feet above sea level! You'll find it nestled inside the Parco Naturale del Gran Bosco di Salbertrand. We're talking about the Strada Provinciale 173, or what the locals call the Assietta Road. It's nearly 40km of mostly unpaved awesomeness, clinging to the mountainside, almost entirely above 2,000m! Now, here's the catch: this beauty is only open from June to October, and they're super strict about vehicle size. The road was built in the early 1900s by the 3rd Reggimento Alpini. Plus, during July and August you can only drive it on certain days and times: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plan ahead and prepare for some unreal views!
easyRoad 258 is an awe-inspiring drive in the Czech Republic
🌍 Czech Republic
Road 258 in the Ústí nad Labem Region of the Czech Republic is a total hidden gem! Located in the northern part of the country, super close to the German border, this paved beauty takes you on a 29.4 km (18.26 miles) ride from Duchcov to Ústí nad Labem. Think winding roads, charming villages, and lush forests – it's picture-perfect! The drive only takes about 40 minutes without stops, and the smooth, sweeping turns make it an easy cruise. Be ready for some climbs, though, as you'll reach a peak of 464m (1,522ft). The best part? You'll most likely encounter minimal traffic. This road is a must-do for any road trip lover!
moderateWhere is Bellecombe?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're carving through the Alps, right on the French-Italian border, heading for Bellecombe. This peak sits way up high at 2,602 meters! Forget paved paradise, though; this 12-kilometer stretch is all rugged, unpaved adventure. You'll be linking Savoie in France to the Aosta Valley in Italy, with Mont Blanc looming in the distance. Word to the wise: you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this one. Oh, and pro tip: don't even think about it in the winter – this road is buried in snow. But when it's open? Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery, with views for days!