Where is Col de Ste-Anne?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Col de Ste-Anne, nestled in the Alpes-Maritimes of southeastern France. You're cruising through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, right in the heart of the Mercantour National Park. Talk about scenic!
This little gem, also known as Route des Launes (D28), links up the high alpine areas and it's all paved. But hold on – it's not just a simple drive. Think narrow sections, winding roads cutting through pine forests, and serious alpine vibes.
Clocking in at just a handful of miles between Roure and Beuil, don't let the distance fool you. It's an intense climb to a decent elevation. The views of the Mercantour peaks are unreal. Keep an eye out for slick spots, especially in the shade. During winter, you'll definitely want your snow tires or chains – those curves can get tricky! And, heads up, the road hugs the mountain tight as you drop down towards Beuil, so keep your speed in check. Get ready for some serious mountain driving magic!
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow to get by car to the abandoned Val Pelouse resort in Savoie?
🇫🇷 France
# Val Pelouse: A Forgotten Alpine Adventure Perched at 1,728 meters (5,669 feet) in France's Savoie department, Val Pelouse is an abandoned ski resort that feels like stepping back in time. Nestled in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France, the summit parking lot greets you with nothing but silence—not even a welcoming sign. The story of Val Pelouse is a classic tale of alpine ambition. Back in 1969, local leaders from Arvillard and La Rochette caught the winter sports fever sweeping through the Alps. They threw down an access road and started small with a few drag lifts and a chalet. By the mid-1970s, things were looking up: five ski lifts served nine runs, a striking Signal 2000 building (designed by master craftspeople) opened with dormitories and dining, and the resort employed 25 people. But here's the catch—the terrain was steep, the access road was long, and the money never seemed to flow in the right direction. The ambitious Signal 2000 building became a financial burden rather than a goldmine. Competition from nearby resorts didn't help either. After La Rochette pulled its funding, the resort quietly shut down in 1985 and officially dissolved in 1986. The lifts were ripped out and resold; even the Signal 2000 building was dismantled and relocated elsewhere. Today? Val Pelouse has found new life as a paragliding paradise and hiking hub, offering access to peaks like the Grands Moulins and Pointe de Rognier. **The Drive Up** The 13.5-kilometer (8.4-mile) ascent starts from Arvillard on the paved D208. The first 4 km are pretty tame, but then things get serious—the remaining stretch averages a brutal 9% grade, with the final 10 km never dipping below that. The road winds through dense forest before breaking above the treeline with genuinely stunning views. Fair warning: potholes and rough patches demand your full attention, especially on descent. The pavement's seen better days, though ongoing maintenance keeps it passable thanks to summer hikers and paragliders. During winter, the road closes above Molliet (728 meters).
extremeA challenging narrow road to Giogo della Bala in the Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Giogo della Bala: A High-Alpine Adventure Nestled in the Brescia province of Lombardy, Giogo della Bala sits at a breathtaking 2,129 meters (6,984 feet) in the heart of the Italian Alps. If you're hunting for an unforgettable mountain drive, the Strada Provinziale 345B—lovingly nicknamed "Delle Tre Valli" (Of the Three Valleys)—is calling your name. This 17.4 km (10.81 mile) stretch connects Passo del Maniva's Anfo Ridge Road to the SP 669 intersection, and it's an absolute character builder. The route kicks off and finishes with proper asphalt, but surprise—the middle chunk is pure gravel, keeping you on your toes the entire way. Here's where it gets real: this isn't your Sunday cruise. The road clings to dramatic cliff faces without guardrails, and in places, it narrows so much that only one vehicle can squeeze through at a time. You're winding along mountain peaks over 2,000 meters up, with some sections dropping hundreds of meters straight down. The speed limit sits at a cautious 20 km/h—and honestly, you'll understand why once you're up there. The surface has its rough patches, especially around the curves where rocks and damage are pretty common. While it's still drivable in either direction, overtaking is strictly off-limits, and you'd better use proper pull-offs if you need to stop. But if you're after stunning alpine scenery combined with a serious driving challenge, this road delivers both in spades.
hardWhere is the Millau Viaduct?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Southern France, the Massif Central mountains, and YOU cruising along a ribbon of road suspended way, way up in the sky. That's the Millau Viaduct! Seriously, this isn't just a bridge, it's a *statement*. Think Eiffel Tower meets modern engineering genius. This beauty is part of the A75-A71 autoroute, your ticket from Paris to Béziers and Montpellier. You'll be floating over the River Tarn for a cool 2,460 meters (that's over 8,000 feet!). It's a toll road, but totally worth it for the views. Now, heads up: this isn't a leisurely drive for everyone. If you're hauling a big caravan, those long, steep climbs and descents might be a bit much. And keep an eye on the weather – sudden snowstorms in winter can shut things down fast. High winds? Proceed with caution, especially if you're in a larger vehicle. Slow and steady wins the race here, folks! But the real kicker? This thing is *tall*. We're talking taller than the Eiffel Tower, with the mast summit reaching a whopping 343 meters (1,125 ft) above the ground. You might actually find yourself looking DOWN at the clouds. Crazy, right? And the views of the Tarn River Valley? Unforgettable. Trust me, you'll be spotting that elegant white silhouette from miles away. It cost around 400 million euros to build, and it's worth every penny just to drive it once!
hardCol de Pierre Vesce
🇫🇷 France
Alright, fellow road trip lovers, let's talk about the Col de Pierre Vesce, a sweet little pass nestled in the Drôme region of southeastern France. You'll find it clocking in at 1,042 meters (that's 3,418 feet for my American friends) above sea level. The road, known as D65B, is paved, so no need to worry about getting your tires dirty. However, don’t get too comfortable! This route isn't playing around, with some seriously narrow and steep sections reaching up to 10%. You'll find it connecting the charming villages of Villebois-les-Pins to the north and Laborel to the south. If you're coming from Laborel, get ready for a 3.3 km climb, gaining 229 meters in elevation at an average gradient of 6.9%. Starting in Villebois les Pins, the ascent is shorter at 2.3 km, but don’t let that fool you. You’ll be climbing 201 meters at a steeper average gradient of 8.7%. This one will definitely get your heart pumping!