Moucherotte
France, europe
4.3 km
1,863 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got the inside scoop on an insane climb in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France: Moucherotte!
This beast of a peak tops out at 1,863 meters (6,112 feet), and the road to the summit is pure, unadulterated gravel. Heads up, it's usually snowed in from October to June, weather depending.
Here’s the backstory: there used to be this super swanky hotel, Le Ermitage, built in '59, complete with a cable car straight from Grenoble. It was THE place to be, attracting the jet set, even Brigitte Bardot! There was also a 90-meter ski jump built for the 1968 Grenoble Olympics. Sadly, the good times didn't last, and the hotel and lift were abandoned, falling into disrepair. The hotel and summit even played a role in Brigitte Bardot's movie "La Bride sur le cou" ("The Bride of the neck"). The ruins of the hotel were finally demolished along with the cable car station in the summer of 2001.
Now, about that climb… It's only 4.3 kilometers from Saint Nizier du Moucherotte, but pack your courage! You'll gain a whopping 698 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 16.23% – seriously steep! But trust me, the views are SO worth it. You’re smack-dab in the Vercors Natural Regional Park.
The Moucherotte is the most northerly summit of the Vercors massif, which means panoramic vistas galore. There are official viewpoints, but honestly, you'll want to pull over everywhere. From the top, you can see the French Alps (including Mont Blanc!), Grenoble, and the Chartreuse massif. To the west lies the Four Mountain region of the Vercors. And if you look south, you'll spot peaks like Pic Saint Michel, Grand Moucherolle and Mont Aiguille. Get your cameras ready, because the Moucherotte summit is a photographer's dream!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,863 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardPassage de la Petite Clue is a balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Passage de la Petite Clue: A Hidden Gem in the French Alps Tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France, Passage de la Petite Clue is one of those legendary French balcony roads that'll make your jaw drop. Located within Mercantour National Park, this scenic stretch sits right above the stunning Gorges du Cians, carved out over millennia by the River Cians. Here's the thing though—this road isn't exactly your typical drive anymore. The old D-28 section, measuring just 457.71 meters long, was permanently closed to vehicles and bypassed by a tunnel decades ago due to serious safety concerns. But if you're up for exploring on foot, it's totally worth the adventure. The narrow, paved pathway is a visual feast. Those deep crimson rock faces—the signature of this gorge—create an almost otherworldly landscape. Below, you'll spot the river with its charming little waterfalls and natural rock sculptures that look like nature's own artwork. The downside? The road is narrow enough that two cars could never pass each other anyway, and it's genuinely treacherous. Rockfalls, landslides, and mudslides are constant threats here, with debris frequently scattered along the way. These days, the 430-meter Tunnel de la Petite Clue handles the traffic instead, but if you're a road enthusiast or adventure seeker, this closed section is still worth experiencing. Just remember—admire it on foot and respect why it was shut down.
extremeA very demanding road to Bergstation Schaufeljoch in the Alps
🇦🇹 Austria
# Bergstation Schaufeljoch: Austria's Ultimate Alpine Challenge If you're looking for one of Europe's most intense high-altitude driving experiences, Bergstation Schaufeljoch delivers. Sitting at a jaw-dropping 3,168m (10,393ft) in Austria's Tyrol region near the Italian border, this mountain cable car station is seriously high up there—literally. Here's the thing: you'll need a proper 4x4 to even attempt this beast. The 7.6 km (4.72 miles) ascent from Mutterbergalm gains a staggering 1,150m (3,773ft) in elevation, which means you're looking at an average gradient of 15.13%. But it's not just consistently steep—there are wild sections that hit over 20%, mixed with the occasional (thankful) flatter stretch. The road is unpaved and serves mainly as a maintenance route for the Stubai Glacier ski area's chairlift, so it's usually off-limits to regular vehicles anyway. Don't even think about attempting this in winter. It's completely impassable once the snow hits. But when conditions are right, you get to experience one of Europe's most challenging mountain roads. And here's the payoff: at the top sits the "Top of Tyrol" viewing platform. On a clear day, you're treated to views of over 100 peaks, including the stunning Stubai Alps and the Dolomites stretching across the horizon. It's absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive up.
moderateA bumpy scenic road to Lac de Roterel in the Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Lac de Roterel: A Hidden Alpine Adventure Nestled at 1,941m (6,368ft) in the Savoie department of France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Lac de Roterel is a stunning high-altitude destination that rewards adventurous drivers. Sitting within La Vanoise National Park—nestled between the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys in the French Alps—this lake sits near the French-Italian border and offers something truly special. The route itself is steeped in history. Built as a military road back in the 1910s, you'll spot remnants of an old railway line scattered along the way. The entire Franco-Italian alpine frontier is dotted with similar WW1-era military roads, a fascinating reminder of the region's past. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved and genuinely rough in spots, so you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle it properly. But that's part of the charm! This forgotten military supply route winds past old forts around Mont Cenis, offering a wonderfully scenic escape from the crowded D1006/SS.25 highways below. The Italian approach is particularly thrilling—it climbs through several switchbacks before hugging a ridge that skirts Lago d'Arpon near the border. The highlight? A technically interesting set of four super-tight hairpin turns flanked by impressive retaining walls. Just remember that conditions deteriorate considerably after you pass the lake itself, so plan accordingly and come prepared for adventure.
moderateWhat is the highest fjord view in Europe?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're in Norway, ready for an epic drive. Head to Stranda Municipality and find Mount Dalsnibba, peaking at a cool 4,790 feet. This isn't just any road; it's one of the highest you'll find in the country. We're talking about Nibbevegen road, aka Eagle Road, paved in 2013. It's the highest fjord view in Europe accessible by road. This is a must-do. Built back in 1939 (but delayed opening until 1948 due to WWII), this toll road, winds up from Norwegian County Road 63 at Djupevatn. It’s only 2.92 miles long. Don't let the short distance fool you. You'll climb 1,437 feet, averaging a 9.31% grade with some sections hitting a 14% maximum! The drive itself? Plan for 12-20 minutes of hairpin heaven. Eleven of them, to be exact! The road carves through a wild valley, offering up insane views at every turn. Stop along the way to learn about the road’s history. At the top, the summit boasts a huge parking lot and views over the Geirangerfjord. It's a photographer's dream come true! Word of caution: if it’s super foggy, you might want to skip it for now. Heads up, Dalsnibba can be snowy, even in summer. The road usually opens in May and stays open 24/7 until October, give or take depending on snow and avalanches. The weather is unpredictable, so be prepared for anything – fog, sunshine, maybe even all four seasons in one day!