How to get by car to Pre de Madame Carle?
France, europe
21.4 km
1,879 m
extreme
Year-round
# Pré de Madame Carle: Alpine Adventure Awaits
Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France sits Pré de Madame Carle, a stunning alpine meadow perched at 1,879m (6,164ft) above sea level. This is where the Pays des Écrins meets serious mountain country—think dramatic peaks, pristine glaciers, and some seriously rewarding views.
The real star here is the road itself. Built back in 1934, the D204T is a fully paved 21.4 km (13.29 miles) drive from L'Argentière-la-Bessée that'll test your driving skills. We're talking genuinely narrow sections, tight hairpin turns, and steep climbs that max out at a lung-busting 13.4% gradient. It's intense, but totally doable if you respect the road.
You'll find a cozy mountain refuge—Chalet Le Pré de Madame Carle—waiting at the top, plus a spacious car park where you can finally catch your breath. From here, adventurers can tackle the walking trail to Glacier Blanc or explore countless mountaineering routes through the Southern Alps. It's basically mountaineer central.
Fair warning though: winter closes the road somewhere around the Claux tunnel (between Pelvoux village and the hamlet of Ailefroide), and avalanche danger is real. Summer? That's peak season, and I mean *peak*—nearly 150,000 visitors annually make this the most visited spot in Écrins National Park. Come prepared, check conditions before you go, and get ready for one heck of an alpine experience.
Where is it?
How to get by car to Pre de Madame Carle? is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.5052, 1.9740
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,879 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 46.5052, 1.9740
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