Where is Col des Saisies?
France, europe
26.8 km
1,657 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to the French Alps? You HAVE to check out Col des Saisies! This beauty sits at 1,657 meters (that's 5,436 feet!) in the Savoie department. You'll cruise along the iconic Route des Grandes Alpes in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France.
The road, known as D218B, is paved the whole way, so no need for the off-roader this time! It’s a sweet 26.8 kilometers (or 16.65 miles) winding from Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe to Villard-sur-Doron.
Cyclists, take note! This pass is a Tour de France regular, and for good reason. Some sections get seriously steep, hitting gradients of up to 11.4%! Now, be warned: the summit itself is a bit of a letdown. Don't expect a dramatic peak; instead, you'll roll into a somewhat abandoned ski resort. Still, the views along the way are worth it!
While generally open year-round, keep an eye on the weather. Being high up in the Alps means snow can shut things down in a heartbeat. So, pack your camera, check the forecast, and get ready for an epic alpine adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 26.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,657 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateIs TF-24 Road paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, Tenerife road trip, anyone? You HAVE to check out TF-24, also known as Carretera de la Esperanza! This beauty clocks in at about 43 km (26.5 miles) and winds its way from San Cristóbal de La Laguna in northern Tenerife, all the way up to a natural viewpoint, a whopping 2,305m (7,562ft) above sea level, making it one of Spain’s highest roads! The pavement is smooth, and the climb is pretty gentle overall, but don’t get too comfy! Expect some fun turns and hairpin bends that'll keep you on your toes – think an average speed of around 60 km/h. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Imagine cruising above the clouds in an almost alien landscape. The views are insane, and there are plenty of spots to pull over, snap some pics, and just soak it all in. Seriously, the drive itself is a total knockout. It’s not quite as wild as the “Petit Alpe d’Huez” (which boasts 23 hairpin turns!), but it’s still a delightful and slightly challenging ride to the summit. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
moderateCim Fontcalda
🇪🇸 Spain
# Cim Fontcalda: A Hidden Mountain Gem in Catalonia Tucked away in the Tarragona province of southern Catalonia, Cim Fontcalda is a charming mountain pass that sits just 488 meters (1,601 feet) above sea level. Don't let the modest elevation fool you—this route packs personality and history in equal measure. The drive itself is a delightful 4.5 km climb from the C-43 road, featuring 20 hairpin turns that wind through gorgeous forested terrain. The paved road (with some concrete sections mixed in) takes you on a pretty mellow ascent, with an average gradient of just 2.46%—until those final 2 kilometers kick up to a maximum of 10%. You'll gain about 111 meters in total, making this an accessible but scenic drive. What makes Cim Fontcalda truly special is where it leads: the Fontcalda sanctuary, home to natural hot springs that maintain a refreshing 25°C year-round. It's the perfect spot to stretch your legs and soak in some local culture. The area sits within the striking Serres de Pàndols-Cavalls mountain range and carries significant historical weight—this landscape witnessed some of the Spanish Civil War's most intense chapters. Expect peaceful driving conditions; traffic here is virtually nonexistent, so you'll have the winding roads largely to yourself. It's the kind of understated mountain pass that rewards those who venture off the beaten path.
extremeWhere is the D13 road?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the D13 in the Pyrénées-Orientales, that gorgeous corner of France near the Spanish border. This isn't just any drive; it's a 22.6km rollercoaster snaking from Las Illas up to Llauro, and it's a total balcony road experience! Think seriously curvy. We're talking hairpin after hairpin, barely 200 meters of straight road at any point. The road is paved, but it's narrow, a bit rough, and seriously steep in places, with some serious drop-offs. You'll wind through a cork oak forest – beautiful, but watch out for harvesting vehicles! Locals use this road to get to their weekend chalets, so keep an eye out, especially around blind corners. The views? Postcard-perfect, especially on a sunny day. The stone walls that edge the cliff protect you from taking a tumble, but motorbikers, be extra careful! You might be on your own if you come off. Meeting another car, especially on the "balcony" sections, can be a puzzle. Someone's definitely reversing! But it’s worth it. Pack a picnic, find a safe spot to park, and soak in the views of the gorges below. Just remember to fill up your tank beforehand – gas stations are rare around here. The D13: a truly unforgettable drive!
moderateAn iconic Tour de France road to Col de Jau
🇫🇷 France
Col de Jau is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,509m (4,950ft) in the Occitania region of southern France. It marks the boundary between the Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales departments, and if you're into exploring off-the-beaten-path spots, you'll want to check out the atmospheric ruins of the Cistercian abbey of Sainte-Marie de Jau nearby. This Eastern Pyrenees gem is fully paved, making it a solid choice for any road trip. The route runs 27.1 km (16.83 miles) total, connecting Mosset in the south to Sainte Colombe sur Guette in the north. You'll drive the D84 on the northern side and the D14 on the southern side. Now, let's talk about what you're getting into. This isn't a leisurely cruise—the road definitely tests your driving skills with grades hitting up to 9.8% in the steeper sections. From Mosset heading up, you're looking at a 13.6 km climb that gains 806 meters of elevation at an average gradient of 5.9%. Coming from the Sainte Colombe sur Guette side, the ascent stretches 13.4 km with 896 meters of elevation gain, averaging a punchier 6.7%. It's challenging but absolutely doable if you're prepared for some serious elevation gain.