
Where is Col de la Chambotte?
France, europe
7.2 km
650 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Col de la Chambotte in the Savoie region of France! This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll find this gem nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, a 7.2km (4.47 miles) stretch of pure driving bliss (and a little bit of terror!).
The Route de la Chambotte (D991B) is paved, but don't let that fool you. This road, topping out at 650m (2,132ft), is known for its "balcony" sections — think narrow, winding stretches clinging to the mountainside, with some unlit tunnels thrown in for good measure. Oh, and did I mention sections with limited or no guardrails running right above the lake? Yeah, it's that kind of ride.
But the views? Absolutely incredible! You'll be treated to stunning panoramas of Lac du Bourget, France's largest natural lake, glimmering with clear turquoise waters. This glacial lake is framed by mountains, making for a breathtaking backdrop as you navigate this precarious (but unforgettable) road. It runs roughly north-south, connecting Chindrieux to Saint-Germain-la-Chambotte. Get ready for a truly unique experience!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 650 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to Get by Car to the Abandoned Haut Asco Ski Resort in Corsica
🇫🇷 France
# Station de Ski du Haut Asco: A Corsican Mountain Adventure Perched at 1,509m (4,950ft) in Corsica's Haute-Corse department, the Station de Ski du Haut Asco is a hauntingly beautiful abandoned ski resort—and one of the island's highest road destinations. The resort shut down permanently in 2019, but a handful of relics from its heyday remain: a cozy bar, a hotel, and a restaurant that still welcome the occasional adventurous visitor. Getting there is half the fun (or all the adrenaline, depending on your tolerance for mountain driving). The 41 km (25.47 miles) route on D147 stretches east-west from Moltifao to the resort, and it's not for the faint of heart. The road is fully paved—thankfully—but it's narrow, steep, and packed with hairpin turns as it winds through the dramatic Gorges de l'Asco. There are no guard rails to comfort you, and it's essentially a single-lane passage carved into the landscape. Large vehicles over 11m long aren't permitted, which tells you something about the tight squeeze. Despite these challenges, the road is well-maintained. Here's a fun bit of history: the Foreign Legionnaires actually helped construct parts of this road back in the 1960s, adding to its mystique. If you're hunting for one of Corsica's most dramatic drives with killer scenery and a ghost-resort waiting at the summit, this is it.
hardA scenic road to Col de Saint-Barnabé in the French Alps
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Col de Saint-Barnabé in southeastern France is calling your name! Nestled in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence within the stunning Verdon Regional Nature Park, this mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,368 meters (or 4,488 feet for you imperial system fans). The route, running 8.2 kilometers (that's about 5 miles) from Demandolx to Soleilhas, is paved all the way, though things can get a little narrow in spots. Expect some seriously steep sections too, with gradients hitting up to 11% – you'll definitely feel it! This road is totally immersed in the Verdon river valley. Picture this: mountains and forests all around. Just a heads up, though: this area's known for some wild electrical storms in the summer, so keep an eye on the sky!
hardWhere is Col d'Errozate?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Spain and France, high up in the Pyrenees, at the Collado de Errozate-Col d'Errozate pass. We're talking a lofty 1,076m (3,530ft) above sea level. The climb, kicking off from the French D301 road, is a short but intense 3.4km (2.11 miles) to the tippy-top at 1,281m (4,202ft). Now, here's the thing: there's NO road on the Spanish side, so this is a there-and-back kinda adventure. Word to the wise: this drive isn't for the faint of heart. The road is super narrow, barely wider than a single lane, with some seriously gnarly drop-offs. Add in some broken asphalt and hairpin turns, and you've got yourself a recipe for needing your A-game. And hold on tight, because some sections hit a whopping 18.5% gradient! If reversing isn't your strong suit, maybe sit this one out. But the views? Absolutely killer!
hardWhere Are Lagos de Covadonga?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Picos de Europa National Park in northern Spain, heading towards the legendary Lagos de Covadonga – a pair of breathtaking glacial lakes. This isn't just any drive; it's an adventure! The road is totally paved, so no need for a monster truck, but don't think it'll be a walk in the park. It's a climb, baby! We're talking seriously steep inclines, making it a famous route for pro cyclists. It winds its way up, reaching a cool elevation of above sea level. The whole shebang is long, gaining in elevation along the way, which translates to an average gradient of . There's even a particularly brutal stretch called with sections hitting , 7km from the top! But trust me, it’s SO worth it. The scenery is absolutely unreal – picture-postcard perfect. And when you finally get to the top, take some time to explore the lakes and check out the interesting . You won't regret it!