Here's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Refuge de Moede Anterne
France, europe
N/A
1,984 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Refuge de Moëde Anterne, perched way up in the Fiz Mountains in the French Alps? Get ready for an adventure! This mountain refuge sits at almost 6,600 feet, and getting there is half the fun.
The road? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps. You'll definitely want some experience tackling unpaved mountain roads before attempting this one. It's pretty steep in sections, and if it's been raining, expect some seriously muddy conditions. Definitely not a place to be if you're afraid of heights. On the bright side, the views are incredible! Plus, this area has some cool history – it was actually used as a hideout by French Resistance fighters during World War II. Just a heads up, this road is usually closed during the winter months.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,984 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
easyDriving the scenic Cares Canyon Road in Asturias
🇪🇸 Spain
# Cañon del Rio Cares: Spain's Hidden Canyon Gem If you're looking for one of the most breathtaking canyon drives in all of Spain, look no further than Asturias. The Cañon del Rio Cares is an absolute must-see, tucked away in the northern reaches of the country and carved dramatically by the Cares River itself. The road—AS-264—winds through some seriously stunning gorge scenery as it connects Arenas de Cabrales to Poncebos. And here's the best part: it's totally paved, so you don't need to worry about rough terrain. The whole drive is just 6.1 km (3.79 miles) long, making it perfect for a quick but spectacular adventure. Most people can blast through it in 10-12 minutes, though honestly, you'll probably want to pull over constantly to snap photos and soak in the views. Nestled within the legendary Picos de Europa mountains, this route has serious history too. Construction kicked off way back in September 1893, and the road officially opened to traffic on October 1, 1916—over a century of delivering jaw-dropping views to travelers. Whether you're a road-tripping enthusiast or just looking for an incredible scenic detour through northern Spain, the Cañon del Rio Cares delivers in spades. The sweeping vistas and dramatic canyon walls make this one you absolutely won't forget.
hardHow is the drive from Valle de Lago to Murias Chongas?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in Northern Spain, deep in Asturias' Somiedo Natural Park. Limestone peaks tower above you, the landscape is rugged and wild, and you're about to tackle the Camino PR AS-15.1 to Braña de Murias Chongas. This isn't your average Sunday drive! This 6.2km track climbs 410 meters from Valle de Lago to a lofty 1,650m. We're talking loose gravel, embedded rocks, and serious ruts—4x4 with high clearance is essential. It averages a 6.61% gradient, but the real challenge is the constantly changing surface carved by mountain runoff. You'll need to pick your line carefully to avoid damage. The main things to watch out for? Sheer drops and limited space to pass. Rain can quickly turn the track into a mess of potholes and loose scree. And the Cantabrian Mountains are notorious for unpredictable weather; fog can roll in fast, and winter brings snow and ice that can make the pass impassable. While "technically" open, this route is best attempted in the dry season. Even then, lingering snow can stick around well into spring. Remember, you're in a protected Natural Park, so stick to the designated track. Venturing off-road is a big no-no and comes with hefty fines. Always check local conditions in Somiedo before you head up!
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering Mur de Peguere in the Occitanie
🇫🇷 France
Mur de Péguère is a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,375m (4,511ft) in France's Occitanie region, specifically in the Ariège department down in the southwestern Pyrenees. This beast is also known as Col de Péguère, and it's definitely earned its fearsome reputation among cyclists. The road here is D17—a fully paved route that's narrow in stretches and runs 27km (17 miles) from Serres-sur-Arget to Massat, heading north-south through the stunning Massif de l'Arize. The climb's gotten the attention of the Tour de France for good reason. Here's where it gets spicy: while the average gradient is a deceptive 7.9%, don't let that fool you. If you're tackling it from Massat (the shorter route), you're looking at 9.8km (6.1 mi) with 726m (2,382 ft) of elevation gain at an average 7.4% grade. Sounds manageable until you hit the section after Col des Caougnous—that's where the road ramps up to brutal 18%+ pitches that'll have your legs screaming. Coming from the Serres-sur-Arget side? You're in for the long haul: 18km (11 mi) climbing 872m (2,861 ft) at a gentler 4.8% average. The scenery alone makes the effort worth it, but those steeper kicks will test your mettle. You can also connect via the descent from Col de Portel if you're chaining climbs together.
moderateWhere is Lac de Roterel?
🇫🇷 France
Nestled high in the French Alps, within the stunning La Vanoise National Park near the Italian border, lies the breathtaking Lac de Roterel. This alpine gem sits pretty at a cool 1,941 meters (6,368 feet) above sea level. Heads up: the route up to this lake is no joke! We're talking about a seriously old-school military road, dating back to the 1910s. You might even spot remains of an old railway line along the way! Forget smooth asphalt; this is an unpaved, bumpy adventure that demands a 4x4. Think of it as an awesome, rugged alternative to the busy main roads. You'll be traversing an old supply route, passing forts around Mont Cenis, and tackling some seriously tight hairpin turns with cool retaining walls. The road follows a ridge just before the border passes through the small lake. Word to the wise: after you round the lake, the road gets even more challenging! But hey, the scenery is totally worth it.