Where is Col de la Platriere?
France, europe
23.6 km
2,220 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, because Col de la Platrière in the French Alps is a stunner! This paved road winds its way up to 2,220m (7,283ft) in the Hautes-Alpes department, offering insane views. You'll find it in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, not far south of the well-known Casse Deserte.
The D902, as it's known, is a twisty thrill ride. Think narrow sections, hairpin turns galore, and a serious climb of 23.6 km (14.66 miles) from Arvieux to Cervières. Be prepared for some steep ramps, with gradients hitting up to 12%! And yes, those dramatic drop-offs are definitely a thing, so keep your eyes on the road.
Once you conquer the climb, there's a small parking lot waiting. Don't miss the short walk to the orientation boards at the top – the panoramic views are SO worth it! This legendary climb even makes appearances in the Tour de France, so you know it's epic.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,220 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Col de la Moutiere?
🇫🇷 France
Col de la Moutière is a total hidden gem in the French Alps, smack-dab in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This baby tops out at a cool 2,450m (8,038ft)! Okay, let's be real – this drive isn't for the faint of heart. The road? Super narrow. Think one-car-width narrow. And those drop-offs? Seriously intense. Once you're committed, there's no turning back! You'll find it straddling the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments in southeastern France. Starting from Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, it stretches for 11.1 km (6.89 miles) with some seriously steep sections – we're talking a max gradient of 15%! Prepare for a climb – 952 meters of elevation gain, averaging about 8.57%. Expect a bunch of hairpin turns winding through sparse woods that eventually open up to mind-blowing views above the tree line. Heads up: this road is usually closed from late October to late June/early July. Oh, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, a short, gravel road north of the pass leads to Faux Col de Restefond. But be warned: that 3.2km stretch is strictly 4x4 territory and prone to landslides! Don't forget to check out the old military fort, Ouvrage La Moutière, right at the summit – it's part of the Maginot Line.
hardA scenic road across Piva Canyon in Montenegro
🌍 Montenegro
Get ready for an epic adventure through Piva Canyon! This stunner is tucked away in northwestern Montenegro, practically waving hello to Bosnia and Herzegovina. We're talking the M18, a piece of the E742, and thankfully, it's all paved. You'll be snaking along for about 81.6 km (50.7 miles) from Nikšić up to the Bosnian border, running south-north. But here's the kicker: you're diving into a canyon carved by the Piva River, between mountains like Bioč, Volujak, and Maglić. It’s a whopping 33 km long and can plunge down 1,200 m! Keep your eyes peeled because this beauty comes with a few quirks: there’s a high risk of landslides. The road itself is a masterpiece, clinging to the cliffs and diving through 56 small tunnels. You'll be hugging the shores of Lake Piva, a vibrant green reservoir created by the Mratinje Dam – one of Europe's tallest at 220m (720 ft)! The whole area feels like something out of a fairy tale. Some even whisper that Piva Canyon outshines the famous Tara Canyon! Just remember, keep your eyes on the road (and those other drivers!) while soaking up the extreme beauty!
hardWhere is Tuc de Costarjàs located?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Tuc de Costarjàs! This peak sits high up in the Catalan Pyrenees, way up in the province of Lleida. We're talking serious altitude here, so prepare for some epic views overlooking the Aran Valley. The road? Well, "road" might be a generous term. It's more like a rocky, unpaved trail, a little over long. Get ready for some seriously steep climbs – we're talking gradients hitting 18% in places. And don't even think about bringing your sedan; a 4x4 is absolutely essential for this beast. You'll be following what is essentially a chairlift access trail, and there's this crazy straightaway that just shoots right toward the summit. Keep in mind this is ski country. You'll want to plan your trip for the summer months because this road is completely snowed under in winter and spring, becoming a ski run.
moderateIs Baremone Pass unpaved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Lombardy, Italy, ready for an adventure. You're about to tackle Passo Baremone, also known as Anfo Ridge Road, a wild ride up into the Orobie Alps. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. This old military route, possibly dating back to Roman times, is mostly unpaved and can get pretty dusty and stony. Think four mountain passes in one go: Baremone itself at 1,450m, then tackling others reaching up to 1,727m! The 20.1km (12.48 mile) road is usually open from June to late October (weather permitting). It's got four short, dark tunnels, tight corners, unsecured edges, serious drop-offs, and a surface riddled with holes. Rock fall risk is real, and the road is narrow. Speed is limited to 20 km/h for a reason! This route has a max grade of 12 percent. But trust me, the scenery is worth it. The views are incredible, plus you can start excursions from the pass to places like Corna Blacca, Forte di Cima Ora and the fortress of Rocca d'Anfo, a Napoleonic era complex. Just a heads-up: from Anfo, the climb is 11.26 km long, with a 1,012 meter gain in elevation. That's an average gradient of 9%!