Where is Col du Couvercle located?
France, europe
5 km
2,296 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Col du Couvercle! This insane mountain pass punches through the Beaufortain Massif in the Savoie department of France. You'll find it chilling at 2,296m (that's a lofty 7,532ft!). Think of it as the link between the Arêches valley and the sweet Treicol pastures, nestled between Roche Parstire and Mont des Acrays.
The views from the top? Unreal. We're talking jagged limestone peaks of the Beaufortain and the iconic Mont Blanc massif stealing the show. Keep your eyes peeled for some wildlife too – the area's buzzing with marmots!
Now, let's get real about the road itself. Forget smooth asphalt, this is a gnarly, unpaved mountain track. The first part's gravel near Route du Cormet d'Arêches, but trust me, it gets technical higher up. We're talking exposed bedrock, deep ruts, and slippery shale. You absolutely, positively need a 4x4 with serious ground clearance to tackle the rocky steps and off-camber sections.
The climb from Route du Cormet d'Arêches is only 5 km (3.1 miles), but don't let that fool you. The average gradient is over 9%, with some spots hitting a crazy 14%! The track's narrow – basically wide enough for one vehicle – and there are zero safety barriers. Those hairpin turns demand laser-like precision.
Heads up: this pass isn't a year-round playground. From October to late June, it's a no-go zone thanks to snow. Even in summer, rain turns the track into an ice rink. Always check local conditions in Arêches-Beaufort before you head out, since the route can close temporarily for pasture management.
Where is it?
Where is Col du Couvercle located? is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.6460, 6.6064
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,296 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.6460, 6.6064
Related Roads in europe
hardA wild road to Mont Fallere in the Pennine Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Mont Fallère: A High-Alpine Adventure in Italy's Valle d'Aosta Ready for some serious mountain driving? Mont Fallère is a stunning 2,377-meter (7,798 ft) peak tucked away in northwestern Italy's Valle d'Aosta region, part of the majestic Pennine Alps. At the summit sits Rifugio Mont Fallere, a cozy mountain refuge, plus a rougher gravel track that continues north to Les Crottes at 2,404 meters (7,887 ft). Here's the real deal: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. Starting from Vetan, the unpaved road stretches 7 kilometers (4.34 miles) and climbs a serious 684 meters of elevation—that's an average gradient of nearly 10%. Expect plenty of hairpin turns and steep sections that'll keep you on your toes. You'll definitely need a proper 4x4 vehicle to tackle this one. Timing matters here too. The road's only open from late June through late September, when the snow finally melts and conditions allow access. Fair warning: private vehicles aren't allowed on this route, so plan accordingly. The payoff? Incredible alpine scenery and that satisfying sense of accomplishment when you reach the top. This is mountain driving at its finest.
hardA road in Goli Otok: the abandoned prison in the Croatian sea
🇭🇷 Croatia
Ever heard of Goli Otok? This wild, rocky island sits in the northern Adriatic, nestled between the mainland and the islands of Rab and Krk. Once home to a chilling prison during Yugoslavia's reign, it's now a hauntingly beautiful, uninhabited spot whipped by fierce Adriatic winds. Forget paradise – this island is barren, raw, and steeped in history. A narrow, paved road snakes its way across the island, connecting the west to the east. It's a short but sweet 5.22 km (3.25 mi) ride, with a few steep sections and five hairpin turns to keep things interesting! Don't expect luxury – but you'll find a visitor's reception, an old admin building, and a Konoba (restaurant) serving up local flavors from late May to the end of September. Prepare for incredible, desolate scenery and a journey back in time on this unforgettable island.
extremeWhere is Col de Sarenne?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps in the Isère department, heading for the Col de Sarenne. This baby tops out at a cool 2,004 meters (6,574 feet), nestled in the Rhône-Alpes region, high in the Grandes Rousses massif. There's even a tiny parking lot and a restaurant waiting for you at the summit! Heads up though, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The Route du Col de Sarenne is mostly paved, but it throws in some unpaved sections just to keep you on your toes. The road quality can be rough, especially along the edges. We're talking steep drops, no guardrails, and the kind of narrow sections that make you hold your breath – definitely not for larger vehicles or the faint of heart! A slip-up could mean a 30-meter tumble. But trust me, the views are worth it. Even though you're not far from civilization, it feels remote and quiet, especially with those rough patches. The pass stretches for about 20.9 km (12.98 miles) from Mizoën to Huez, and it's a real leg-burner in places, hitting gradients of up to 14.1%! The Tour de France even tackles this beast. Just a heads-up: this road is usually closed from late October to early June. Plus, it parallels the GR54 hiking trail for a good chunk of the way. So, gear up for an unforgettable Alpine adventure!
hardWhere is Dallıkavak Geçidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, road trippers, listen up! I've got the lowdown on Dallıkavak Geçidi, a real hidden gem nestled way up in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey's Erzurum Province. We're talking serious altitude here, peaking at a cool 2,349m (7,706ft) above sea level. You'll find this bad boy clinging to the mountainside on the D925, stretching for 29km (18 miles) between Eğerti and Toprakkale in a South-North direction. The road's mostly paved but be warned, it's seen better days! Trust me, you'll want your own ride to soak in those incredible views. Now, don't think this is a Sunday drive. Those ramps are steep, hitting an 8% gradient in places. Winter? Forget about it! The weather can get seriously gnarly up there. But hey, good news! They're building a massive 6,200-meter tunnel (the Dallıkavak Tunnel, naturally) to bypass this tricky mountain pass. It'll shave off 4.4 km and around 15 minutes of driving time. Keep an eye out for that!