Where is Crête de la Pendine?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk about Crête de la Pendine, nestled way up in the Hautes-Alpes department of France! Seriously, this is one of the highest roads you'll find in the country, smack-dab in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
Now, heads up, it's not exactly a Sunday drive. Part of the "road" is actually a chairlift access trail! The route to the peak is long. You'll be climbing a serious amount, so get ready for those hairpin turns. This one's definitely a summer adventure, though – think snow-covered wonderland in the winter! But hey, the views from the top? Totally worth it. Trust me.
Related Roads in europe
hardA memorable road trip to Lago di Place Moulin
🇮🇹 Italy
Lago di Place Moulin is a stunning high mountain reservoir perched at 1,968m (6,456ft) in the Aosta Valley region of northwest Italy. The drive from Bionaz kicks off on a paved road that's definitely on the narrow side with some genuinely steep pitches—but that's exactly what makes it so special. This is one of those classic winding mountain drives that'll have you grinning the whole way up. Most of the route follows a decent-sized road with minimal traffic and surprisingly few hairpin turns. Instead, you'll cruise slowly uphill through charming little villages, each with their own cute town signs proudly displaying the altitude. The lake itself sits nestled in the Bionaz valley, making for picture-perfect surroundings. Once you reach the lake, things get a bit more rugged. A rough dirt road branches off toward a high mountain refuge at 2,005m, and if you're up for it, this gravel stretch is worth exploring. The 4.6km route is surprisingly well-maintained for several kilometers, offering gorgeous views along the narrow lake before things get rougher toward the far end.
moderateAutostrada dei Fiori: A Stunning Coastal Road from Genoa to Nice
🇮🇹 Italy
# Autostrada A10: Italy's Stunning Coastal Thrill Ride Buckle up for one of northern Italy's most exhilarating drives! The Autostrada A10, also known as the Fiori Autostrada, opened back in November 1971 and remains a jaw-dropping feat of engineering. This 158.1 km (98.2 miles) stretch hugs the breathtaking Ligurian Coast from Genoa all the way to Ventimiglia at the French border, where it connects seamlessly with France's A8 autoroute heading toward Provence. What makes this drive so unforgettable? Picture yourself navigating dramatic hillside terrain, zooming through 78 tunnels, crossing countless bridges, and tackling endless winding curves—all while soaking in absolutely incredible sea views. Seriously, you'll struggle to keep your eyes on the road (but you must!). The highway is fully paved and part of the European E80 route, serving as the main artery between Italy and southern France and Spain. Here's the catch: this isn't your typical leisurely coastal cruise. Heavy truck traffic, tight curves with minimal margin for error, and speed restrictions throughout demand your absolute attention. You'll want to maintain that steady 80-100 km/h pace—fatigue or wandering focus could spell disaster. Most sections lack service lanes too, so mechanical trouble becomes especially stressful. The road comes equipped with guardrails and markings, but remember the sobering reality: a tragic bridge collapse in 2018 claimed 43 lives. That reminder underscores why concentration and respect for this route aren't negotiable. Drive it with care, soak in those magnificent coastal vistas responsibly, and you'll experience one of Europe's most dramatic and memorable journeys.
hardSchattberg West
🇦🇹 Austria
# Schattberg West: A High-Alpine Adventure in Austria Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Schattberg West towers at 2,087 meters (6,847 feet) in Austria's Salzburg region, nestled within the stunning Kitzbühel Alps. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a chairlift access trail that demands respect and proper preparation. The path itself is rocky and gravelly, steep enough to make your palms sweat. Loose stones dominate the lower sections, but things get genuinely gnarly as you push toward the summit, where the terrain becomes even more treacherous and boulder-strewn. Fair warning: you've got a pretty narrow window to attempt this—basically late August when conditions are most favorable during the summer months. But here's what makes the effort worthwhile: a jaw-dropping 360° panoramic view that sweeps across the entire region. On a clear day, you'll spot the iconic peaks of Kitzsteinhorn, Grossglockner, Grossvenediger, Wilder Kaiser, and Hochkönig stretching out in every direction. It's absolutely breathtaking. Don't let the summer timing fool you into thinking this is easy. These mountains play by their own rules. Winds howl here relentlessly year-round, and even in summer you might find yourself dealing with unexpected snow. The ski-station service road sections? Some pitch up to a brutal 30% grade. Winter? Temperatures here are genuinely brutal—not for the faint-hearted. The good news? The Westgipfelhütte mountain refuge sits at the summit, so you've got shelter and sustenance once you reach the top.
hardCol de Meraillet is a chillout in the French Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Méraillet Nestled in the French Alps at 1,612 meters (5,288 feet), Col de Méraillet is a stunning high-altitude pass tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France. This is your gateway between Cormet de Roselend and Col du Pré—two other legendary Alpine crossings. The 39.7-kilometer (24.66-mile) drive stretches west to east from Beaufort to Bourg-Saint-Maurice along the iconic D925, part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes. And yep, this road is famous enough to have featured in the Tour de France. Here's what makes it special: the entire route is beautifully paved and winds through dense forest with countless hairpins and flowing curves. You'll get treated to jaw-dropping views of the glittering Lac de Roselend and its impressive dam—seriously, the deep blue waters are absolutely worth the climb. That said, respect the road. It's steep—we're talking gradients that hit 13% in some sections. Most of the pass is reasonably wide, but there are tighter spots that demand your attention and careful maneuvering. Take your time on those narrow stretches, and you'll be fine. If you're chasing Alpine passes and epic driving experiences, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list.