Chalet-Refuge des Mottets

Chalet-Refuge des Mottets

France, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

18,719 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Chalet-Refuge des Mottets

Perched at a breathtaking 1,872m (6,141ft) in the Savoie department of southeastern France, the Chalet-Refuge des Mottets sits just south of the legendary Mont Blanc range. Getting there? That's half the adventure.

The drive up to this alpine gem is not for the faint of heart. You're looking at a narrow, mostly paved road that climbs steeply through the stunning vallée des Glaciers—think dramatic mountain scenery at every hairpin turn. Fair warning: this route hibernates during winter months, so you'll want to plan your visit for the warmer seasons.

Once you arrive, you'll discover a poignant piece of history tucked into the landscape. A boulder near the refuge honors American aviators, adding a meaningful layer to your mountain experience.

Where is it?

Chalet-Refuge des Mottets is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 44.8156, 2.6476

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
18,719 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
44.8156, 2.6476

Related Roads in europe

The unpaved road to the summit of Mount Yamahard

The unpaved road to the summit of Mount Yama

🇹🇷 Turkey

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna conquer a seriously cool peak in Turkey? I'm talking about Mount Yama (Yama Dağı), straddling the border of Malatya and Sivas. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 2,673 meters (8,769 feet)! The road up? It's a dirt track, but usually well-maintained. Think wide enough to pass, but definitely STEEP! Your reward at the summit? A super cool NATO radar installation, unmistakable with its huge 'soccer ball' sphere. Good news – the road's generally open year-round! The real fun starts in Köylüköyü. From there, you've got a 15.8-kilometer climb ahead of you, gaining a massive 1,168 meters in elevation. That translates to an average gradient of 7.39%, so get ready for a workout. The views alone are worth the effort!

Miranda de Llaberiahard

Miranda de Llaberia

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Catalonia, Spain, straddling the Baix Camp and Ribera d'Ebre regions, lies the beastly Miranda de Llaberia peak. We're talking about hitting 918 meters (that's a cool 3,013 feet) above sea level in the Serra de Llaberia mountains. The "road" – and I use that term loosely – up here is called Senda de la Miranda, and it's an experience. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta shaking. If you're not comfortable on seriously rugged, unpaved mountain tracks, maybe skip this one. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this trek! The views? Totally worth it! You’ll wind 3.1 kilometers through woodlands climbing 226 meters from TV-3111 road. The climb is steep, averaging over 7%, with some pitches even steeper. At the top, besides bragging rights, you'll find a cool meteorological radar station perched dramatically on the edge. Get ready for some epic photos!

Where is Baros Pass?hard

Where is Baros Pass?

🇬🇷 Greece

Okay, picture this: you're carving your way through the heart of Greece, right on the border of Epirus and Thessaly. You're tackling Baros Pass, a historic route winding through the Pindos Mountains that once marked the Greek-Turkish border. This isn't your average Sunday drive! The road, fully paved since 2013, stretches for about 24.4 kilometers (15.16 miles), linking Matsouki and Anthousa with non-stop views. You'll be snaking through canyons, clinging to steep slopes, and diving into thick forests. Trust me, the scenery is absolutely unreal! But hold on tight, because this baby is challenging. We're talking hairpin turns, some seriously steep inclines topping out at 18%, and sections without guardrails that will test your nerves. Plus, there are some narrow spots where the drop-offs are, well, let's just say you don't want to get too close. Keep an eye out for falling rocks, and be aware that from October to May, snow can make this pass impassable. But if you hit it right, Baros Pass delivers an unforgettable adventure high in the Southern Pindus Mountains!

Where is Ziyarettepe Pass?moderate

Where is Ziyarettepe Pass?

🇹🇷 Turkey

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the D.300, one of Turkey's longest highways, right in the heart of the country where Kayseri meets Sivas. You're heading for Ziyarettepe Pass, a cool 1,887 meters (that's 6,190 feet!) above sea level. This isn't some crazy off-road adventure; the road is paved, so your ride will be smooth. The pass itself stretches for about 26.4 km (16.4 miles) between Olukkaya and Yazyurdu. Now, while the slopes aren't too wild, there are some steep-ish bits to keep things interesting. Just a heads-up: this route is pretty remote. Think quiet roads with not much in the way of gas stations or restaurants between Pinarbasi and Gurun. Word of caution, though: winter here can be brutal. This road gets icy and snowy, and blizzards can shut it down. Even though it usually stays open, be prepared for possible closures and lots of snow if you're traveling between November and March. But hey, think of the views!