A bumpy scenic road to Lac de Roterel in the Alps
France, europe
N/A
1,941 m
moderate
Year-round
# Lac de Roterel: A Hidden Alpine Adventure
Nestled at 1,941m (6,368ft) in the Savoie department of France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Lac de Roterel is a stunning high-altitude destination that rewards adventurous drivers. Sitting within La Vanoise National Park—nestled between the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys in the French Alps—this lake sits near the French-Italian border and offers something truly special.
The route itself is steeped in history. Built as a military road back in the 1910s, you'll spot remnants of an old railway line scattered along the way. The entire Franco-Italian alpine frontier is dotted with similar WW1-era military roads, a fascinating reminder of the region's past.
Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved and genuinely rough in spots, so you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle it properly. But that's part of the charm! This forgotten military supply route winds past old forts around Mont Cenis, offering a wonderfully scenic escape from the crowded D1006/SS.25 highways below.
The Italian approach is particularly thrilling—it climbs through several switchbacks before hugging a ridge that skirts Lago d'Arpon near the border. The highlight? A technically interesting set of four super-tight hairpin turns flanked by impressive retaining walls. Just remember that conditions deteriorate considerably after you pass the lake itself, so plan accordingly and come prepared for adventure.
Where is it?
A bumpy scenic road to Lac de Roterel in the Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.3848, 2.2388
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,941 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.3848, 2.2388
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