Where is Col du Val d'Ese?
France, europe
15 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Col du Val d'Ese! Nestled in the Corse-du-Sud department of France, high up in the heart of Corsica, this pass is a must-see. You'll find it perched between the Prunelli and Taravo valleys. At the top, there's a ski station to kick off more adventures, and you'll be at the starting point to what some say is the highest road in Corsica!
The road itself? It's called D27A, and it's a paved ribbon of twists and turns—think curvy and narrow, not exactly pristine. Starting in Bastelica, you'll embark on a 15 km (9.32 miles) climb, gaining around 930 meters (3,051 feet) in elevation. That's an average gradient of 6.2%! This route provides incredible views of the Gorges de Trente-Pas, and you can visit Sanctuaire de Notre Dame de la Salette. Get ready for some epic scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhat are the highest roads in Corsica?
🇫🇷 France
# Corsica: A Mediterranean Gem Waiting to Be Explored Picture this: dramatic rocky coastlines, towering mountain peaks, and some of the most stunning Mediterranean scenery you'll ever see. That's Corsica for you! Nestled southeast of France and just west of Italy, this island is a paradise for adventurous travelers and road-trippers. What makes Corsica so special? The terrain is incredibly diverse and jaw-droppingly beautiful. The island is dominated by mountainous landscapes, with Mont Cinto standing as the crown jewel at 2,706 meters high. And if that's not impressive enough, there are over 30 other peaks that exceed 2,000 meters—perfect for those who love dramatic alpine scenery. As one of France's 18 regions, Corsica brings a unique blend of Mediterranean charm and Alpine wilderness. The capital, Ajaccio, serves as your gateway to exploring everything this island has to offer. Want to know how big we're talking? Corsica ranks as the fourth largest island in the entire Mediterranean, trailing only Sicily, Sardinia, and Cyprus. So you're not dealing with a tiny speck—this is a proper destination with plenty to explore. Whether you're hugging those rugged coastal roads or tackling mountain passes with panoramic vistas around every turn, Corsica delivers an unforgettable driving experience that combines seaside beauty with serious alpine adventure.
moderateAlto del Torno
🇪🇸 Spain
Get ready for Alto del Torno, a killer mountain pass in Asturias, northern Spain! This road, also called Collado del Torno, winds up to 534m (1,751ft), serving up seriously stunning scenery in unspoiled countryside. Trust me, the views from the top are worth the drive, especially the coastal ones! The road itself (AS-340) is paved, though watch out for some potholes. You won't find much traffic, but the endless twists and turns will keep you on your toes, even if you're a pro driver. It's generally open year-round, but snow can cause closures in winter. Expect a thrilling ride and views that'll make your camera work overtime! You'll cruise through charming villages, lush forests, and open landscapes, catching glimpses of both the Picos de Europa mountains and the gorgeous Cantabrian Sea coast. This road is pure driving bliss! The Vuelta a España race has even tackled this climb. Don't be fooled – it's not a walk in the park! It's constantly up, down, and all around. Starting in Nueva, it’s 8.3 km of climbing with a 479 meter elevation gain, averaging a 5.77% gradient and hitting some pretty steep 12% sections. If you’re coming from Igena, it’s a shorter 5.1 km climb, gaining 175 meters at an average of 3.43%.
extremeAn Old Military Road to the Summit of Mont Malamot in the Cottian Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Mont Malamot: A Mountain Adventure in the French Alps Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Mont Malamot rises to a dramatic 2,885 m (9,465 ft) and commands some seriously impressive views of the northern Cottian Alps. Spoiler alert: this isn't your typical Sunday drive—the road to the summit is permanently off-limits to cars, so you'll need to lace up your hiking boots or grab a mountain bike. The route starts from the paved D1006 Road just south of Col du Mont-Cenis and stretches 10.9 km (6.77 miles) to the top, climbing a seriously brutal 1,018 m with an average gradient of 9.33%. Fair warning: the final push features gradients that exceed 20%, so bring your A-game. Here's what you're working with: the old military road (Strada militare Bivio Varisello-Giaset-Malamot) kicks off in decent shape behind a wooden barrier, complete with original stone walls and functioning drainage systems. But don't get too comfortable—the middle section turns into a real beast, pummeled by rainwater and winter frost into something approaching impassable conditions. The upper stretches are narrow, rocky, and relentlessly steep. At the summit sits Fort Malamot, a fascinating military fortress built by Italian forces back in 1889. This two-story stronghold once housed around 200 troops and was further enhanced between 1932-1940 as part of France's famous Alpine Wall fortifications. Plan your visit between July and August only—snow and weather make this route completely impassable from September through June. It's one of France's most extreme mountain roads, and honestly, that's part of its wild appeal.
moderateCan I drive to Mount Kösedağ?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, so you wanna tackle Köse Dağı? This beast sits way up high in eastern Turkey, clocking in at a whopping 8,795 feet! Quick heads-up though: the area's a military zone, so exploring might be a no-go. Now, if you *could* drive it, the road’s a wild 3.85-mile off-roading adventure. You’ll start from Karakaya Hill and climb like crazy, gaining some serious elevation along the way. Expect some steep sections too. Basically, you'll need a serious 4x4 and some serious driving skills. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, the views are supposed to be epic!