Col de la Coche
Col de la Coche is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.783m (5,849ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France. The road to the summit is extreme. One mistake and it's a free fall to your death. It’s one of the most dangerous roads on Earth.
The road is certainly breathtaking and it has a fearsome reputation. It still remains an adrenaline-pumping journey and is definitely not for the faint of lungs, heart, or legs. This pass is only asphalted from the northwest. It’s gravel in the upper area . Words can’t describe the road and pictures don’t do it justice. It shouldn’t be attempted by those who don't know how to reverse. Do not travel this road in severe weather conditions. Avalanches, heavy snowfalls and landslides can occur anytime, being extremely dangerous due to frequent patches of ice.
There is little room for error on this road. Starting from Saint André d'Embrun, the ascent is 11.00 km long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 795 m with an average gradient of 7.23%. But the climb is brutal and very steep in some places with up to 17%.
The surface of the road is gravel, very narrow and bordered by a drop of hundreds of meters (many hundreds of feet) unprotected by guardrails. This road tests the skill, and courage, of any driver. It’s definitely not for anyone suffering from vertigo or a fear of landslides. There are some drainage gullies on the road higher up and you should take care going down this road as it can be quite dangerous. A 4WD vehicle and an experienced driver are recommended. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. Stay away if you're scared of heights. It is recommended that beginner riders avoid this road.
Pic&more info: http://jerandonne.blogspot.com/2015/05/le-col-de-la-coche-en-foret-de-saluces.html