Where is Crête de la Pendine?
France, europe
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moderate
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk about Crête de la Pendine, nestled way up in the Hautes-Alpes department of France! Seriously, this is one of the highest roads you'll find in the country, smack-dab in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
Now, heads up, it's not exactly a Sunday drive. Part of the "road" is actually a chairlift access trail! The route to the peak is long. You'll be climbing a serious amount, so get ready for those hairpin turns. This one's definitely a summer adventure, though – think snow-covered wonderland in the winter! But hey, the views from the top? Totally worth it. Trust me.
Related Roads in europe
easyIs the road along Veľká Domaša Reservoir paved?
🌍 Slovakia
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extremeHow to Get by Car to Geamana, the Abandoned Town Sacrificed for a Mine?
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, picture this: You're in Romania, craving something *totally* off the beaten path. Head to the Apuseni Mountains, because there's a ghost village called Geamăna. It's a pretty tragic spot, for sure, but also unbelievably eerie and fascinating. Back in the day, this was a normal village in Alba County. But then, BAM, a massive copper mine popped up nearby (Roșia Poieni, one of Europe's biggest!), and the government decided Geamăna was in the way. So, they flooded it. Seriously. Residents were forced out, toxic sludge filled the valley, and now it's all underwater. The church steeple still pokes out, a haunting reminder of what was. Now, about getting there. From Lupșa, you'll hit DC99, a 6.3 km (3.91 miles) unpaved road that’s not for the faint of heart. Think loose gravel, potential loss of control, and impassable conditions in winter. Seriously, bring a 4x4 – you’ll thank me later. But here's the deal: This place isn't just a scenic drive. The "lake" is full of nasty stuff – think heavy metals and cyanide. Landslides are a real possibility, and there aren’t any safety measures in place, so be careful. Don't touch the water, stay away from the edge, wear good shoes, and maybe skip it if it’s raining. Definitely tell someone where you're going, and if you can find a guide, do it! It’s a stunningly sad sight, this village drowned in toxic water, but the surrounding mountain views make it a weirdly beautiful, unforgettable place.
hardTravel Guide to the Top of Fort de la Marguerie in the Maritime Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Fort de la Marguerie: A High-Alpine Adventure Perched at 1,842 meters (6,043 feet) in the Maritime Alps, Fort de la Marguerie sits majestically near the legendary Col de Tende-Colle di Tenda, right on France's border with Italy in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This fascinating fortress—also called Forte Margheria, Fort de la Marguerite, or Forte Margaria—has quite the history. Built between 1882 and 1887 as an Italian military stronghold, it saw action during both World Wars before becoming French territory following the Paris Peace Treaties in 1947. Ready for the drive? Starting from Saint-Dalmas de Tende, you're looking at a 26.9-kilometer (16.71-mile) journey that's completely unpaved and seriously steep. The road narrows considerably as it climbs, so high clearance is essential—an SUV or similar vehicle is your best friend here. Fair warning: while the terrain itself isn't technically difficult, you'll need to take it slow and steady. Other road users (hikers, cyclists, locals on foot) share this route, so respect the space and keep speeds sensible. It's not a white-knuckle drive, but it demands your full attention and consideration. The payoff? Absolutely worth it for the alpine scenery and historical intrigue awaiting you at the top.
moderateIs the road to Marchlyn Mawr Dam paved?
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, picture this: you're in Wales, in the heart of Snowdonia, ready for an adventure. You're headed to Marchlyn Mawr Dam, a reservoir sitting pretty at 643m above sea level. This isn't just any drive, though. The road's totally paved, but hold onto your hat—it's narrow and those hills? Get ready for some serious inclines. We're talking up to 12.6% at times! It's a 5.31km (3.3 miles) climb from the village of Deiniolen, and you gain a whopping 426 meters in elevation. Now, a heads up: the final 2.89km (1.8 miles) are closed to cars. The road is owned by the power/water company. But if you're up for a cycle, you can still conquer that last stretch. Trust me, the views are worth it!