How to get to Glacier du Varet in Savoie?
France, europe
4.6 km
2,883 m
extreme
Year-round
# Glacier du Varet: Alpine Adventure Awaits
Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Glacier du Varet sits at a breathtaking 2,883 meters (9,458 feet) and ranks among the country's most impressive high-altitude drives. This gem lies within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, protected within the Réserve Naturelle des Hauts de Villaroger—and for good reason.
Picture this: a crystal-clear day where you can spin around 360 degrees and see nothing but the snow-capped Alps stretching endlessly in every direction. That's what awaits you here.
Now, let's talk real talk about getting there. This isn't your typical scenic cruise. Starting from Col de la Chal, you're looking at 4.6 kilometers (2.85 miles) of pure unpaved road—think service track for the chairlift. It's relentlessly curvy, pinches narrow in places, and climbs at an average gradient of 8.47% while gaining 390 meters of elevation. Translation? You'll need a capable 4x4 to even attempt it.
Here's the catch: this road is off-limits to regular vehicles and only opens seasonally from July through September. Even then, avalanches frequently close it without warning. It's not for the faint-hearted, but for those ready to conquer it, the rewards are absolutely unforgettable.
Where is it?
How to get to Glacier du Varet in Savoie? is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.7217, 1.5795
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,883 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 45.7217, 1.5795
Related Roads in europe
hardD29 is a scenic balcony road in the Alpes-Maritimes
🇫🇷 France
# D29: The Alpine Balcony You Need to Drive Looking for one of France's most stunning mountain drives? The D29 is a gem that connects the quaint villages of Guillaumes and Valberg in the Alpes-Maritimes, and honestly, it's an absolute must-do if you're exploring southeastern France. This scenic 14.3 km stretch winds through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and climbs nearly 900 meters as it takes you from the charming village of Guillaumes (795m elevation) up to the alpine beauty of Valberg (1,672m). The journey is short but packed with drama—think narrow, winding sections, 13 hairpin turns that'll keep your palms slightly sweaty, and tunnels that add an extra layer of adventure to your drive. Starting in Guillaumes, you're at the gateway to Mercantour National Park, nestled in the stunning Var River valley. From there, the road climbs relentlessly toward Valberg, tucked into the magnificent Mercantour Massif. The whole route is fully paved, but don't let that fool you—it's genuinely thrilling with its tight curves and steep sections. The best part? Valberg sits just an hour from the French Riviera, making this an incredible addition to any Nice-area road trip. It's the kind of drive that makes you feel alive—mountains, switchbacks, and some seriously breathtaking Alpine scenery all rolled into one unforgettable experience.
extremeWhere is El Moixer located?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: El Moixer, also called Roc del Comptador, a major player on the French-Spanish border. It’s the highest point in Alt Empordà and the Serra de l'Albera range. Translation? Epic views and a serious off-road challenge. You'll find this beast straddling the border between Spain (Catalonia) and France (Occitania), looming over Maçanet de Cabrenys. Forget about driving up the French side, though. The fun (and challenge) is on the Spanish side, thanks to a gnarly service road built for maintaining the comm towers up top. Ready for some numbers? From Maçanet de Cabrenys, it's a 13km push to the summit. Sounds easy? Think again. You're climbing 1,067 meters, averaging an 8.20% gradient. Prepare for a relentless ascent and a whopping 27 hairpin turns. Seriously, this is one of the most technical mountain tracks you'll find in the eastern Pyrenees. The road is unpaved, mostly loose rock and dirt, so a high-clearance 4WD is non-negotiable. Some of the super-steep bits and the tightest hairpins have been reinforced with concrete to help maintenance trucks get through. Be warned: the track is narrow. Passing another vehicle often means finding a shoulder or reversing to a wider spot. So, what are the dangers? First, that relentless steepness combined with a serious lack of safety barriers on those 27 hairpins. Then there's the altitude. The Tramuntana wind can be brutal up here, making the drive a real test of skill, especially near the top. Winter? Forget about it. Snow and ice often block the road above 1,200 meters, turning those concrete sections into a death trap. Keep an eye on your engine temp on the way up and give your brakes a good once-over before heading back down those 13 km. The reward? Massive antennas and telecommunication towers mark the summit. And the views! At 1,441 meters, you can see forever, from Cap de Creus and the Gulf of Roses on the Mediterranean to the imposing Canigó peak in France. This ridge is like a 360-degree viewing platform over the wild Albera range. Trust me, it's worth the white knuckles.
hardClue de Chasteuil, a balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Clue de Chasteuil: France's Most Thrilling Balcony Road Nestled in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in southeastern France, the Clue de Chasteuil is one of those legendary drives that road enthusiasts absolutely need to experience. This stunning route—officially Route Departementale D952—winds between Castellane and Palud-sur-Verdon, cutting through dramatic limestone cliffs where the Verdon River has carved its way into a spectacular canyon below. What makes this drive so special? Picture yourself navigating a narrow asphalt ribbon hugging sheer cliff walls, with that gorgeous river glittering hundreds of meters down in the gorge beneath you. It's genuinely unique in Europe, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. If you're someone who gets nervous about heights or long drop-offs, you might want to think twice. But if you can handle the adrenaline rush, this is absolutely unmissable. The road itself is lined with tight hairpin turns and unexpected switchbacks that keep you constantly engaged. Bring your camera—seriously, fill those memory cards—because the scenery is absolutely spectacular. Fair warning though: finding a decent spot to stop and photograph is tricky, so plan accordingly and use those designated parking areas wisely. This is peak balcony road territory: a narrow, winding lane carved directly into the cliffsides with virtually no room for mistakes. Drive carefully, take your time, and respect the road's demands. Trust us, it's worth every careful turn.
moderateAn old military road to Cima di Morissolo
🇮🇹 Italy
# Cima di Morissolo: A Historic Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Piedmont's Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, right near the Swiss border, sits Cima di Morissolo—a 1,311m (4,301ft) peak that's basically a time capsule of WWI military history. The summit is crowned with the Fortificazione del Morissolo, and you're surrounded by the remnants of the Cadorna Line, an entire defensive network of trenches, artillery positions, and mule tracks built in 1916 to guard against a potential German invasion through Switzerland. The 1.7 km (1.05 miles) journey from Piancavallo to the top takes you along the Sentiero Strada Cadorna—an unpaved military road that feels authentically rugged and atmospheric. Just heads up: it's closed to regular cars, and those old unlit tunnels carved into the mountainside add a genuinely eerie vibe to the experience. Once you reach the summit's famous "three crosses," you're rewarded with absolutely stunning views stretching across Lake Maggiore. On a clear day, you can take in Cannero, Luino, and the entire southern shore of the lake—a view that definitely justifies the trek through that historic, tunnel-laden path. It's the kind of drive that blends adventure, history, and natural beauty into one unforgettable experience.