A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Lac de la Glère
France, europe
N/A
2,152 m
hard
Year-round
# Lac de la Glère
Tucked away at 2,152 meters (7,060 feet) in the stunning Néouvielle range of the French Pyrenees, Lac de la Glère is an alpine gem worth the adventure. Located in the Hautes-Pyrénées region of southwestern France, this pristine mountain lake sits in some seriously remote territory.
Here's the real talk: the road up here is completely unpaved and basically a no-go zone from October through June (unless conditions are unusually favorable). Mountain weather is notoriously moody, so come prepared for anything. A 4x4 is seriously recommended if you want to tackle this properly. The trail itself is steep with some gnarly hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes, so save this one for when you're feeling confident behind the wheel.
Once you make it to the lake, you'll find the charming Refuge de la Glère, a mountain hut that's been welcoming hikers and adventurers since 1953. The scenery alone makes the challenging drive worthwhile—you're looking at some of the most dramatic alpine landscape France has to offer.
Where is it?
A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Lac de la Glère is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.4590, 3.3827
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,152 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.4590, 3.3827
Related Roads in europe
extremeIs The Shelf in Wales paved?
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, so picture this: The Shelf. It's a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,141 feet up in Denbighshire, Wales. We're talking the Clwydian Range, northeast Wales, for those of you who like specifics. The road *is* paved, mostly, but heads up: you'll find potholes and gravel throwing a little spice into the mix. Honestly, climbing up is way easier than trying to come down, just take it slow and steady. It's a quiet road, so the peace and quiet are a definite plus. This little gem is about 4.8 miles long, and it's narrow, let me tell you! There's this one bend halfway up with a 12% gradient that’ll get your attention, but don't worry, it mellows out soon after as you head towards Moel Y Waun. It's not the toughest climb out there, but the views from the top? Totally worth it.
hardB873 is a scenic narrow road along Loch Naver
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: you're in the Scottish Highlands, Sutherland to be exact, and you stumble upon the B873. This isn't just any road; it hugs the northern shore of the stunning Loch Naver, a freshwater beauty stretching 6 miles long and hidden away in the Flow Country. Think dramatic hills, vast moorlands, and seriously breathtaking views. Now, for the adventurous part: this road is NARROW. We're talking single-track narrow, the kind where two cars meeting is a puzzle you might not want to solve. Reversing skills? Essential. Don't expect a traffic jam, though. This is a pretty desolate stretch. It's mostly flat and paved, but keep an eye out for potential flooding right by the loch! The whole shebang is about 11.4 miles, connecting Syre (off the B871) to Altnaharra (where you'll find the A836). It's an east-to-west trek that will leave you speechless – if you dare to take it!
hardHow to get by car to l'Abellera Chapel in Tarragona?
🇪🇸 Spain
# Santuari de la Mare de Déu de l'Abellera Perched at 1,008 meters (3,307 feet) in the Baix Camp region of southern Catalonia, this mountain shrine is absolutely worth the drive. Located in Tarragona province in northeastern Spain, the views from up here? Absolutely stunning. This historic chapel is a beauty with serious history. Built into a cave on a cliff face (possibly dating back to 1570), it's got that legendary vibe—locals say a shepherd found a Virgin statue in an oak tree that mysteriously kept returning to its original spot no matter how many times he moved it. Pretty cool, right? The chapel's also got connections to some serious historical figures, including Queen Margarida of Prades and Friar Bernat Boïl, who actually lived here back in the 15th century. The modest façade we see today was built in stages, with the bell tower added around 1578. Inside, you'll find a single nave and the crowned Virgin statue replica (crowned in 1956). It's become a major pilgrimage site—especially beloved by beekeepers thanks to its historical bee connections. Pilgrims flock here on Easter Monday and September 8, with a traditional procession from Prades around Christmas. The drive itself is pretty straightforward. Starting from the paved T-704 south of Prades, the road (Camí de l'Ermita de la Mare de Déu de l'Abellera) is totally paved but steep and narrow—think winding mountain road vibes. It's only 1.9 kilometers (1.18 miles) long with a modest 64-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 3.3%. The speed limit is 40km/h, so just take your time and soak in those mountain views along the way.
hardColle della Cavallina: a narrow paved road to the summit
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle della Cavallina Ready for a serious Alpine challenge? Head to the Province of Cuneo in Piedmont, Italy, where Colle della Cavallina awaits at a breathtaking 1,934 meters (6,345 feet). The approach via Strada Provinziale 335 is asphalt all the way, but don't let that fool you—this is no leisurely Sunday drive. The road is narrow enough that two cars passing each other is basically a no-go situation, and the gradients regularly hit 15%, making your engine work hard for those 13.9 kilometers climbed from the starting point at Stroppo on the SP422. Fair warning: this pass is frequently closed, so check conditions before heading up. But if you catch it open, you're in for an incredible alpine experience with some seriously curvy paved roads and stunning scenery that'll make every hairpin turn worth it. The nearby Lago di Morasco and Colletto di Canosio offer equally memorable drives if you're looking to explore the area further. This one's definitely for drivers who love a good mountain road adventure—just bring patience, respect for the conditions, and maybe some good brakes.