La Montagne de Lure

The D53 rises 17.7km through wooded valleys and open mountainside, gaining 1,054m to 1,746m. Averaging 6%, the road kicks to 10.2% at its steepest — a testing gradient that demands respect. 19 hairpins punctuate the ascent, offering brief respite in the corners before the gradient bites again. The road reaches 1,746m — high enough to feel the altitude on tired legs. Located in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France.