The steep narrow road to Lac des Gloriettes
France, europe
2.2 km
1,673 m
moderate
Year-round
# Barrage des Gloriettes: A High-Alpine Adventure in the Pyrenees
Nestled in the Hautes-Pyrénées of southwestern France, Barrage des Gloriettes is a stunning high mountain lake that's absolutely worth the drive—if you're ready for it. Perched at 1,673 meters (5,488 feet) above sea level, this reservoir sits right in the heart of the Pyrenees, that magnificent mountain range straddling the France-Spain border.
The road to get there? It's a thrilling experience. The D922 is paved, but don't let that fool you—it's narrow enough to ban buses and trucks, which tells you something about what you're getting into. What awaits is a jaw-dropping 2.2-kilometer stretch of pure mountain magic, climbing 212 meters with an average gradient of 9.63%. Translation: hairpin turns galore, with virtually every bend offering new vistas of the Cirque d'Estaube unfolding beneath you.
The surface is rough in places, and those hairpins are relentless—this isn't a leisurely cruise. But the payoff is spectacular scenery that'll have you itching to pull over at every turn. Just know that summer is peak season, so the parking lot gets packed with fellow adventure-seekers. Plan accordingly.
One major caveat: this road is typically closed from November through June, so timing is everything. Hit it during the warmer months, and you've got yourself an unforgettable alpine experience.
Where is it?
The steep narrow road to Lac des Gloriettes is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.1960, 2.2259
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,673 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.1960, 2.2259
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