Where is Glacier du Varet?

Where is Glacier du Varet?

France, europe

Length

4.6 km

Elevation

2,883 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're in the French Alps, Savoie region, breathing that crisp mountain air. You're heading up to Glacier du Varet, perched way up high at 2,883 meters! Seriously, this is one of the highest drives you can do in France.

You'll find yourself in the Réserve Naturelle des Hauts de Villaroger, surrounded by insane natural beauty. And the views? Forget about it! A full 360 degrees of Alpine majesty as far as the eye can see!

Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. It's a 4.6 km service road for a ski lift. Translation? It's unpaved, seriously curvy, narrow enough to make you sweat, and crazy steep. Plus, it's closed to private vehicles and usually snowed in from October to June. Fresh snowfall can make it impassable at any time. It's a real adventure, but those views? Totally worth it!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
4.6 km
Max Elevation
2,883 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

Travel Guide to the Top of Fort de la Marguerie in the Maritime Alpshard

Travel 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.

Where is Col du Portillon-Coll de PortillĂł?moderate

Where is Col du Portillon-Coll de PortillĂł?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Col du Portillon-Coll de PortillĂł! This beauty straddles the French/Spanish border high up in the Pyrenees, hitting a cool 4,242 feet above sea level. You'll find it in southwestern France (Occitanie region) and northern Spain (Catalonia). The road itself? Expect curves! It's paved, but get ready for a winding ride: about 10km (6.2 miles) on the French side and 7km (4.3 miles) on the Spanish. Even the Tour de France has tackled this one! Total length comes in at around 17km (10.56 miles), heading east-west. It's usually open year-round, though winter can bring some temporary closures, so check ahead. This drive isn't recommended if you easily get motion sickness, as it offers dizzying drop-offs. Prepare for some stunning scenery, too!

A very bumpy, grueling road to Munții Baiuluihard

A very bumpy, grueling road to Munții Baiului

🇷🇴 Romania

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Want to tackle one of Romania's highest and wildest roads? Head to Prahova County in Muntenia and find the beast that is the Munții Baiului pass! We're talking 1,796 meters (that's nearly 6,000 feet!) of pure, unadulterated mountain glory. Fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is gravel, and bumpy as all get out. Plus, being so high up, it gets hammered by snow in the winter and can close without warning. Seriously, come prepared! You'll absolutely want a 4x4, and if heights make you queasy, maybe sit this one out. The trail is STEEP, and even a little rain can turn the road into a slippery, unpredictable mess. Keep an eye out for patches of loose gravel that can sneak up on you. But, if you're ready for it, the views are absolutely epic. Think jaw-dropping mountain vistas and that feeling of being on top of the world. Just remember to prep your vehicle and your nerves – this road demands respect!

Where is Route de la Berarde?hard

Where is Route de la Berarde?

🇫🇷 France

Get ready for an epic French adventure on the Route de la Bérarde! Tucked away in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, specifically the Isère department, this isn't just a drive, it's a heart-pounding experience. Opened in 1921 and snaking through the Écrins National Park, this paved road is only 27.2 km (16.9 miles) long, linking Le Clapier to the remote village of La Bérarde, following the Vénéon river. Locals call it "the road to the end of the world," and you'll quickly understand why! Be prepared for seriously narrow sections and unlit tunnels that barely fit one car at a time. The road climbs steeply, reaching a maximum gradient of 13%, with some serious drop-offs – not for the faint of heart! Landslides are a real risk here, adding to the thrill. Budget 40-60 minutes to soak in the views and navigate the twists and turns. While technically open year-round, winter is a no-go. Snow and ice can shut things down fast.