Where is Col du Pré?

Where is Col du Pré?

France, europe

Length

10.9 km

Elevation

1,703 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps in the Savoie region, and you stumble upon the Col du Pré. This high mountain pass sits at a cool 1,703m (5,587ft), with a sign calling out "Monte de Col du Pre" just a bit higher at 1,755m (5,757ft).

This road is totally paved, but don't think it's a breeze! It's narrow and quiet, packed with hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. Because it's sheltered, it can get super warm.

The Col du Pré stretches for about 10.9km (6.77 miles) from somewhere near Les Gérats, and let me tell you, it's steep! We're talking a max gradient of 13.0% in spots. Three sections hit around 11%, and the final stretch averages over 10%. Ouch! It even showed up in the Tour de France.

So, is it worth the effort? Absolutely! The views from the top are unreal – think deep blue Lac de Roselend and its dam surrounded by mountains. Plus, you get mind-blowing glimpses of Mont Blanc as you get closer to the summit. Seriously, this road is a feast for the eyes.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
10.9 km
Max Elevation
1,703 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Which road is Snake Pass?hard

Which road is Snake Pass?

🇬🇧 England

Okay, picture this: you're in Northern England, craving a drive that'll make your palms sweat and your jaw drop. Look no further than Snake Pass! This 26-mile stretch of road, officially the A57, winds its way between Manchester and Sheffield, climbing to a respectable 1,679 feet. Built way back in the early 1800s by the legendary Thomas Telford, Snake Pass earns its name. It's a rollercoaster of bends and blind summits as it crosses the Pennines. Trust me, driving it is an *experience.* Now, let's be real: Snake Pass isn't for the faint of heart. It's known for being hazardous, with tricky curves and elevation changes that can catch you off guard, especially when the weather turns. Expect a maximum gradient of around 10% in places. In winter, it's frequently closed due to snow and ice - on average, it's shut for 70 days a year! It can also get closed due to subsidence after heavy rain, so be sure to check conditions. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are insane, especially as you descend towards Glossop. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Manchester. Just make sure your car is in tip-top shape, and be prepared for a challenging but rewarding drive.

Gorges d'Omblèze, a French balcony roadhard

Gorges d'Omblèze, a French balcony road

🇫🇷 France

Get ready for the Gorges d'Omblèze, a mind-blowing canyon road carved by the Gervanne River in the Drôme region of France. Seriously, this is one of those famous "balcony roads" that France is known for. The D578 winds right through the gorge, following the river's path. It's all paved, but super narrow, clinging to the cliffs carved out by the Gervanne River. I'm talking single-track in sections, so watch out for oncoming traffic! Rock slides are a real risk here, so keep your eyes peeled. Surrounded by the stunning Vercors Regional Natural Park, this 8.1 km (5 mile) stretch runs from Plan-de-Baix to Omblèze. Even looking at pictures will get your adrenaline pumping. The views are insane, especially considering there weren't always guardrails! Definitely a heart-racer! And don't forget to check out the Cascade de la Druise waterfall, a massive 72-meter drop! As far as balcony roads go, this is one of the most famous. Hairpin turns, narrow, unlit tunnels... you name it! It is not for the faint of heart. There's no room for error here, so take it slow, enjoy the incredible scenery and keep an eye out for those little parking spots to pull over!

Is Anfo Ridge Road unpaved?moderate

Is Anfo Ridge Road unpaved?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Lombardy region of Italy, nestled in the province of Brescia, you'll find the wild and wonderful Passo del Dosso Alto. This bad boy tops out at 1,727m (5,666ft) and is traversed by the legendary Anfo Ridge Road! So, is Anfo Ridge Road paved? Mostly, the answer is NO! This is an old military route, maybe even dating back to Roman times, and it feels like it. Think dusty, stony, and raw. The road stretches for 20.1km (12.48 miles) from Anfo, climbing and dipping as it goes. Now, let's be real – this isn't a Sunday drive. You'll be tackling some serious hairpin turns, navigating a narrow path riddled with holes, and praying to the gods of motoring that no rogue rocks decide to join you for the ride. Oh, and did I mention the unsecured precipices and dangerous drop-offs? Maximum grade hits 12% in places. They limit your speed to 20 km/h, and trust me, you won't want to go faster! Keep an eye out for 4 short, unlit tunnels. There are restrictions: vehicles wider than 2.50m and taller than 3.20m need not apply. You'll actually be summiting four passes: Passo del Maniva (1,450m / 4,757ft), Passo di Baremone (1,521m / 4,990ft), Passo di Valledrane (1,527m / 5,009ft), and finally, Passo del Dosso Alto (1,727m / 5,666ft). The road is usually open from June to the end of October, weather permitting. Heavy rains can shut it down, so check conditions before you go. It was closed for 6 years because of a landslide. In short, Anfo Ridge Road is hard, scenic, beautiful, and not for the faint of heart. But if you're craving an adrenaline-pumping, off-the-beaten-path adventure, this is your ticket. Just be prepared for a dusty, stony, and unforgettable ride!

Puerto de Piquerashard

Puerto de Piqueras

🇪🇸 Spain

# Puerto de Piqueras: Spain's Thrilling Alpine Challenge Perched at 1,710 meters (5,610 feet) in La Rioja, northern Spain, Puerto de Piqueras is a mountain pass that'll definitely get your heart racing. The road up is completely paved, but don't let that fool you—it's incredibly steep with what feels like an endless parade of hairpin turns that keep you on your toes the entire way up. There's actually a tunnel that bypasses the climb now, but where's the fun in that if you're after an adrenaline rush? Here's the catch: this pass sits high enough that winter snowfall isn't just possible—it's pretty much guaranteed. When the snow rolls in, the road can shut down completely until crews clear it out. So if you're planning a visit, definitely check conditions before heading up. The dramatic elevation and winding asphalt make this one of those drives you'll remember for ages, especially if you catch it on a clear day when the views are absolutely stunning.