Col de l’Iseran Alpine Military Road

The Col de l’Iseran stands as Europe’s highest paved mountain pass, carved through granite peaks at 2,764 meters above sea level. Originally blasted from solid rock as a WWI military supply route, this engineering marvel connects Val-d’Isère with Bonneval-sur-Arc through 48 kilometers of alpine switchbacks. The route includes the notorious Tunnel de l’Iseran, a 300-meter bore through solid granite that marks the true summit crossing.

This is a moderate technical drive requiring careful throttle control and engine braking on steep descents exceeding 12% grade. Any capable vehicle can make the crossing, but altitude affects performance above 2,000 meters. Open only June through October due to avalanche danger, with sudden weather changes common even in summer. The reward is unfiltered access to glaciated peaks, alpine meadows, and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Europe.