Col du Parpaillon – France

Col du Parpaillon stands as one of Europe’s most challenging mountain passes, a 2,637-meter beast that connects the Ubaye and Embrun valleys through terrain that’ll humble even seasoned alpine drivers. The approach from Crévoux climbs relentlessly through 47 switchbacks carved into crumbling limestone, while the infamous 500-meter WWI military tunnel at the summit adds claustrophobic drama to an already intense drive. Built by Italian military engineers during the Great War, this pass saw action again in WWII when French resistance fighters used it to move between valleys.

Expert-level difficulty demanding serious mountain driving skills, low range gearing, and absolute mechanical reliability. The upper sections stay snow-bound until July, and weather can turn deadly fast above 2,000 meters. Open typically July through September, but check conditions with local authorities. No permits needed, but carry emergency gear, extra food, water, and warm clothes—rescue operations up here are complicated and expensive. The Parpaillon rewards the prepared with some of the Alps’ most spectacular and uncompromising terrain.