Where is Mont Ventoux?
France, europe
6 km
1,912 m
extreme
Year-round
Mont Ventoux! Situated in France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, this iconic peak soars to 1,912m (6,273ft).
The road to the top, D974, is an amazing drive tucked inside the Mont Ventoux Natural Regional Park. Leaving from Bédoin, the 21.4 km (13.29 miles) route takes you through incredible scenery. The road opened in 1900!
After the Chalet Reynard ski station, it gets a little steeper. The last 6 km wind through a treeless, lunar-like landscape.
Nicknamed the "Giant of Provence" or "The Bald Mountain", it's notorious for its crazy winds. They can hit speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph)! In fact, winds over 90 km/h (56 mph) are common over 240 days a year!
The road is usually open from mid-April to mid-November, but weather can close it anytime. Expect strong winds, especially near the summit.
This climb is tough, with exposed conditions, heat, and wind! It's considered one of France's most challenging. It takes most people 30-45 minutes to drive straight up, but you'll probably want to stop and take some photos of the incredible views. The view stretches for miles, and on a clear day, you can see the Mediterranean and even Mont Blanc! Be warned though, this is a popular spot and can be very crowded.
Starting in Bédoin, the climb is 21.4 km long, with a whopping 1,639 meters of elevation gain and average gradient of 7.6%. Some ramps hit nearly 13%!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,912 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardPuerto de Honduras
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Honduras: Spain's Twisty Mountain Challenge Perched at 1,433 meters (4,701 feet) in the northern mountains of Cáceres, Spain, Puerto de Honduras is a mountain pass that'll get your adrenaline pumping and your steering wheel working overtime. The road up is the CC-102, and let's be honest—it's seen better days. The asphalt's rough in places, the lane is tight, and there are more hairpin turns than you can count. But here's the payoff: the views of the Jerte Valley are absolutely spectacular. Fair warning though—if your travel buddies have sensitive stomachs, they might want to skip this one. All those curves mixed with a hearty meal beforehand? That's a recipe for regret. Pack some ginger candies and maybe eat light. Coming from Hervas, you're looking at a 15-kilometer climb with 750 meters of elevation gain (averaging 5%), though some sections hit a steep 9.6%. If you're starting from Cabezuela del Valle instead, it's an 18-kilometer push with 844 meters of gain at around 4.7% average gradient. The road is narrow, winding, and demands your full attention, but if you love a proper mountain drive with killer scenery, this Spanish gem won't disappoint. Just grip that wheel tight and enjoy the ride.
hardSedlo Pass is the highest paved mountain road of Montenegro
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Prevoj Sedlo Pass in Montenegro is calling your name. Nestled in Durmitor National Park, this high-altitude stunner tops out at 1,907m (6,256ft). The P14 road winds for almost 50 km (30+ miles) from Žabljak (the Balkans' highest town!) to Plužine, and trust me, it's an experience. Think paved roads, but with a twist: narrow sections that demand cooperation (and maybe a little patience) with oncoming traffic. Oh, and keep an eye out for unlit tunnels! Larger vehicles might want to sit this one out. Word to the wise: winter snow can shut this route down, so check with the locals for the real scoop on road conditions. Apparently, bus drivers are the pros here, especially when the weather gets dicey. Budget around 1.5-2 hours to soak it all in (without stops). The views from the summit? Totally worth it! Get ready for panoramic vistas, including the shimmering Valovito Jezero lake and the dramatic Stožina peak. It's the highest point on the road and supposedly the highest paved pass in Montenegro. Seriously epic!
extremeIs the road to Berghaus Nagens paved?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Nestled high in the Swiss Alps, in the Imboden Region of Graubünden, you'll find Berghaus Nagens, a mountain escape sitting pretty at 2,172 meters (7,121 feet). It's smack-dab in the middle of the Flims-Laax-Falera playground. Okay, road trippers, here's the deal: getting there is an adventure in itself! The 8.0 km (4.9 miles) gravel service road from Flims is strictly off-limits to private cars, so this is one you'll have to earn with your hiking boots or bike tires. Don't let that deter you though, because this climb is intense! Prepare for a serious workout as you gain a whopping 1,031 meters in elevation. We're talking average gradients of 13% and some thigh-burning stretches hitting 20%. Ouch! The views? Absolutely worth the sweat. This track serves up panoramic vistas of the Graubünden mountains. As you snake up those steep Alpine slopes, the entire Flims-Laax-Falera region unfolds beneath you. Heads up, this road is usually a no-go from September to June. Winter brings heavy snow, burying the track until things thaw out. So plan accordingly for a summer or early fall trek!
hardWhere is the bendiest road in Britain?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, gearheads and wanderlusters, let's talk about Zig Zag Hill in Dorset, England. Seriously, this one-mile stretch of the B3081, near the charming town of Shaftesbury, is rumored to be the twistiest mile you'll find anywhere in Britain! Forget endless straights, this is like a little shot of Alpine driving right in the English countryside. They resurfaced it recently, so the surface is smooth. Don't let that fool you, though. This isn't for the faint of heart! You'll be climbing sharply (up to a 13% gradient!), snaking through hairpin after hairpin as you leave Cann Common behind. Is it worth the trip? Absolutely! Especially in autumn when the foliage is blazing with color. Just a heads up: those hairpins can be tight, steep, and slick with leaves, so keep your wits about you. But trust me, if you're craving a bit of excitement behind the wheel, Zig Zag Hill delivers.