
Where is Lac des Bouillouses?
France, europe
12.8 km
2,016 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Lac des Bouillouses, a stunning mountain lake shimmering at 6,614 feet above sea level, nestled in the French Pyrénées! This isn't just a lake; it's a whole vibe. Created to power the country with hydroelectricity, it's the perfect spot for an early morning adventure. Trust me, you want to get there before the afternoon storms roll in—they're pretty common in summer.
Now, about the road... Get ready for a winding 7.95-mile paved climb on the D60! You'll gain some serious altitude—think an average gradient of around 8.5%, with some seriously steep sections hitting 11%! They say it's the highest lake you can reach by car or cable car in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
Heads up though: in the winter, this road is a no-go zone due to snow. Even in summer, there can be restrictions, especially during peak hours. The final stretch is always closed to cars, so you'll need to hop on a shuttle bus from "les Bouillouses" or take a cable car from Font-Romeu. It's worth it for those views, though!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,016 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardAlbergo Saltner Edelweiss
🇮🇹 Italy
# Albergo Saltner Edelweiss: South Tyrol's Brutal Climb Ready to test your driving skills? The road up to Albergo Saltner Edelweiss in South Tyrol is no joke. This mountain hotel sits at a seriously impressive 1,351 meters (4,429 feet), and getting there is one heck of a challenge. Starting from Bolzano, you're looking at a 6.9-kilometer (4.3-mile) push uphill that'll have your engine working overtime. The average gradient sits at a gnarly 15.4%, but that's just the average—the road kicks it up to a jaw-dropping 30% at its steepest points. Seriously, this is some of Italy's gnarliest terrain. Most of the route is paved asphalt, which is a blessing on these kinds of grades. The final stretch switches to an unpaved section that's closed to vehicles, so plan accordingly. But if you're the type who loves a white-knuckle drive with incredible mountain scenery, this is absolutely worth adding to your bucket list. Just make sure your brakes are in top shape before you attempt it!
easyDiakofti bridge, a hidden gem on a Greek beach
🇬🇷 Greece
# Diakofti Bridge: A Gem on Kythera Island Ready to experience one of the world's most jaw-dropping bridges? Head to the northeast corner of Kythera, that gorgeous Greek island that used to hang out with the Ionian Islands crew, and you'll find the stunning Diakofti bridge waiting for you. This beauty stretches just over 114 meters across the water, connecting the charming village of Diakofti to a tiny islet called Makronisi (also known as Makrokythira). Spoiler alert: the views from this bridge are absolutely incredible—seriously, bring your camera. While you're in the area, don't miss the town itself. Diakofti is packed with character, featuring a beautiful beach that's perfect for a swim, cozy cafés where you can sip your morning coffee, excellent restaurants serving up local flavors, quirky shops to browse, and plenty of places to rest your head for the night. Whether you're a road-tripping enthusiast or just someone who appreciates stunning coastal scenery, this bridge is an absolute must-see. The combination of engineering marvel and natural beauty makes it one of those drives you'll be talking about for years.
hardWhere is Lake Goscheneralp?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Swiss Alps, heading towards the ridiculously scenic Göscheneralpsee, a high-altitude reservoir chilling at 1,786m (5,859ft). You'll find this gem tucked away in the Canton of Uri, nestled in the Göschenen Valley. The road up is a blast! It's paved the whole way, but hold onto your hats – it's narrow, steep, and twisty! It's generally open all year round. Think tight tunnels and sections where you'll be grateful for your side mirrors, but the adrenaline rush is totally worth it. From Göschenen, it's about 9.6 km (5.96 miles) to the lake, climbing a hefty 680 meters. That's an average gradient of 7.08%, with some sections hitting a leg-burning 12%! At the end of the road, you're rewarded with a parking spot, a cozy mountain hut, and views that'll blow your mind.
extremeHow to Get to Tsoy-Pede in Chechnya by Car?
🌍 Russia
# Tsoy-Pede: Journey to Chechnya's Haunting "City of the Dead" If you're hunting for one of Russia's most remote and mysterious destinations, Tsoy-Pede in the Chechen Republic is calling your name. Nestled in the Itum-Kale District near the Argun River, this medieval necropolis earned its spine-tingling nickname—the "City of the Dead"—for good reason. With 42 burial grounds dating back to the 13th-15th centuries, each packed with multiple tombs, it's one of the largest medieval cemeteries in the entire Caucasus region. The exact origins remain delightfully mysterious. Legend has it these grounds were sacred to fallen warriors, though another haunting theory suggests the necropolis grew during an epidemic so devastating that the dying came here to spend their final days. Today, a watchtower, ancient walls, and countless crypts stand as eerie reminders of centuries past. **What to Expect on the Road** The adventure kicks off from the E50 highway and stretches 93.7 kilometers (about 58 miles) of pure Caucasian drama. The dirt road is surprisingly well-maintained—you can cruise at 40-50 km/h without too much trouble, especially near Shatoy and Itum-Kale where the surface improves. But here's where it gets real: the Argun Gorge is absolutely breathtaking and absolutely terrifying. Picture towering cliffs, razor-thin roads with zero guardrails, and drop-offs that'll make your heart skip. A haunting memorial marks where two Russian soldiers plunged off the edge decades ago while transporting military payroll—a grim reminder that this route demands respect and caution. **Before You Go** You'll need a special permit to visit, and Russian tourists must enter during daylight hours with a valid passport at the checkpoint. The region sits under strict military control near the Russia-Georgia border, so come prepared and informed.