Where is the road from Val Thorens to Orelle in France?
France, europe
28.3 km
2.3 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps, specifically the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, on an epic adventure from Val Thorens to Orelle. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! This is one of Europe's highest roads, peaking at a staggering 3,007 meters (9,865 feet).
Located in the Tarentaise Valley, this isn't a quick trip; it's a 28.3 km (17.58 miles) unpaved beast of a road, originally a ski-lift service route connecting Val Thorens (Europe's highest ski resort) with the village of Orelle. Get ready for 55 hairpin turns that will test your driving skills, each one numbered so you know exactly how much excitement awaits.
Open usually only in July and August, weather permitting, this road isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking 4x4 territory here. You'll be following the chairlift's path, sometimes passing right underneath it. The gradient averages 10.4%, but some corners ramp up to 17-18%!
Prepare for seriously stunning panoramic views of countless peaks across France, Switzerland, and Italy. But remember, this road is raw and untamed. No guardrails, no painted lines, just you, your vehicle, and some seriously dramatic cliffs. It’s an intense, unforgettable drive.
Where is it?
Where is the road from Val Thorens to Orelle in France? is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.2863, 6.5845
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 28.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2.3 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 45.2863, 6.5845
Related Roads in europe
hardA narrow road to the top of Col de Carabes
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Carabes Tucked away in southeastern France, the Col de Carabes sits at a respectable 1,261 meters (4,137 feet) above sea level—perfect for those looking to add some elevation to their road trip repertoire. The D 106 connects La Piarre in the south to La Bâtie-des-Fonds in the north, and let me tell you, this route doesn't mess around. The asphalt is there, which is great, but it's narrow and genuinely steep—think white-knuckle driving if you're not prepared. Coming up from La Piarre, you're looking at nearly 7 kilometers of climbing, gaining 441 meters in elevation along the way. The average gradient sits around 6.3%, which means your engine will be working hard and your brakes will appreciate some love before you tackle this. Expect tight switchbacks and minimal shoulder space, so take your time and stay alert. The scenery's worth it though—this is the French Alps we're talking about, after all. Perfect for adrenaline junkies and road cyclists hunting for their next personal best.
moderateDriving the bumpy Road 864 to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, buckle up for Road 864, also known as Hólsfjallavegur, in the wild Northeast of Iceland! Picture this: You're cruising through Vatnajökull National Park, but hold on tight because this 56.4 km stretch is no smooth ride. We're talking a bumpy, dusty, unsealed adventure from Road 85 (south of Thvera) up to the Ring Road. Road 864 keeps it real running alongside its paved sibling, Road 862. Word to the wise: this road plays hide-and-seek during winter, usually opening up around late May, depending on how much snow Iceland got. Now, the scenery? Think lunar landscape. Seriously, it's out of this world! The road itself is all gravel, corrugated, and yes, dusty. Potholes? Oh, they're part of the experience! While a regular car *might* make it in ideal conditions, a 4x4 is your best bet. The drive clocks in between 1 and 2 hours if you're not stopping (but why wouldn't you?!), though speed is all about the current road conditions. And the prize? You'll end up at the east side of Dettifoss waterfall – one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe! 500 cubic meters of water plummeting every second? It’s epic!
hardPista Hilera de la Cumbre, a track along the Tenerife’s spine
🇪🇸 Spain
# Pista Hilera de la Cumbre Want to experience one of La Palma's best-kept secrets? Head to this gem tucked along the spine of Spain's Canary Islands. The Pista Hilera de la Cumbre is a gloriously winding unpaved track that'll make you feel like you're driving on another planet. This 6.6 km (4.10 miles) adventure starts from the paved LP-301 Road and snakes through the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park. Fair warning: you'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one. The road climbs steeply in sections, cresting at a respectable 1,495 m (4,904 ft) above sea level, and it's narrow enough to keep you honest. But here's the payoff—you'll have the place practically to yourself, with traffic so light you might forget other cars exist. The landscape here is absolutely otherworldly. Imagine volcanic slopes that look like they belong on the moon, surrounded by moody black lava fields that create a dramatic contrast with the emerald forests creeping up behind. You'll wind around a few volcanoes along the way, and the constant trade winds sweep across the landscape most of the year, adding to that wild, untamed feeling. This is the kind of road that doesn't show up in most guidebooks, but it absolutely should be on your La Palma bucket list.
moderateCoventry’s Ring Road Is Britain’s Most Disorienting City Loop
🇬🇧 England
Yo, road trip fans! Ever heard of the "Concrete Collar"? That's Coventry's Ring Road, a wild 2.25-mile (3.6 km) loop strangling...err, encircling...the city center in the West Midlands, England. Born from the ashes of WWII, this baby was designed to handle some serious traffic. But get this: nine junctions of elevated flyovers and underpasses create a driving experience that's equal parts iconic and disorienting. Seriously, navigating this thing is like a real-life Scalextric track! The design isolates the city center, but gives drivers a roller-coaster feel. Sharing entry/exit ramps is a trip, but once you figure it out, you can efficiently carve around the urban jungle. Some love it as a symbol of post-war innovation, while others see it as an awkward barrier. Whatever your take, its continuous curves and concrete vibes are a must-experience for any true road warrior. Completed in 1974, this dual carriageway marvel is more than just a road—it's a conversation starter. Will Coventry keep the "Collar" as is, shrink it, or turn it into a sky-high park? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: this ring road is an unforgettable ride.