A memorable road trip to Lago di Place Moulin
Italy, europe
4.6 km
2.005 m
hard
Year-round
Lago di Place Moulin is a stunning high mountain reservoir perched at 1,968m (6,456ft) in the Aosta Valley region of northwest Italy.
The drive from Bionaz kicks off on a paved road that's definitely on the narrow side with some genuinely steep pitches—but that's exactly what makes it so special. This is one of those classic winding mountain drives that'll have you grinning the whole way up. Most of the route follows a decent-sized road with minimal traffic and surprisingly few hairpin turns. Instead, you'll cruise slowly uphill through charming little villages, each with their own cute town signs proudly displaying the altitude. The lake itself sits nestled in the Bionaz valley, making for picture-perfect surroundings.
Once you reach the lake, things get a bit more rugged. A rough dirt road branches off toward a high mountain refuge at 2,005m, and if you're up for it, this gravel stretch is worth exploring. The 4.6km route is surprisingly well-maintained for several kilometers, offering gorgeous views along the narrow lake before things get rougher toward the far end.
Where is it?
A memorable road trip to Lago di Place Moulin is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.5106, 11.6037
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2.005 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 43.5106, 11.6037
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Lac du Vieux Emosson?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're in Switzerland, near the French border, and you're itching for an adventure. Forget the usual tourist traps and head to Lac du Vieux Emosson, a stunning high-altitude reservoir sitting pretty at a seriously impressive elevation. You'll find it nestled in the shadow of Mont Blanc. Now, getting there is half the fun. Starting from a mere spot, the paved road snakes upwards for a good little distance. Don't let the "paved" part fool you, though—it's narrow, steep, and has some heart-stopping drop-offs that will definitely keep you on your toes. For the first part of the journey, you'll find yourself winding through a couple of tunnels – classic Swiss engineering! Keep in mind this road is not accessible to private vehicles, but the views of the lower reservoir are insane! Plus, with breathtaking panoramas of Mont Blanc unfolding around every bend, it's a drive you won't soon forget. And if you're feeling peckish, there’s a restaurant near the dam. Open only in the summer months, this is one hidden gem you need to add to your Swiss road trip itinerary!
moderateR21 Highway is one of the great drives in the world
🌍 Russia
Okay, road trip dreamers, listen up! If you're hunting for an epic Russian adventure, the R21 Highway – or Kola Motorway as the locals call it – is calling your name. This bad boy stretches 1,340 kilometers (that's a hefty 832 miles!) from the Baltic Sea all the way up to the Barents Sea. Think St. Petersburg vibes to the port city of Murmansk! Get ready to cross the Arctic Circle just north of Loukhi; bragging rights unlocked! This isn't just a scenic route; it's the main artery for getting around in the Republic of Karelia and the Murmansk Oblast. The good news? It's paved and usually in decent shape. The less-than-awesome news? You'll be sharing the road with some serious heavy-duty trucks. Also, this area has seen its share of pollution. But hey, the road is generally open all year round! Word to the wise: this is a long haul through some pretty rugged territory. Make sure you and your ride are prepped and ready to roll!
hardIs the road to Jaun Pass paved?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Swiss Alps on the Jaun Pass, also known as Jaunpassstrasse or Col de Bellegarde. This baby’s paved, so no need for a monster truck! Winding between Im Fang (Fribourg) and Reidenbach (Bern), this 18.3 km stretch of road was built way back in 1878 and the views are seriously epic. But hold on tight, it’s not all smooth sailing. You’ll be tackling 11 hairpin turns, navigating tunnels, and squeezing through some narrow bits. Plus, there are some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 10.5%! From Im Fang, you'll climb 565 meters over 10 km, averaging a 5.7% gradient. If you're coming from Reidenbach, get ready for an even steeper climb: 664 meters over 8 km, with an average gradient of 8.3%. At the top, you'll be sitting pretty at 1,512m (4,960ft) above sea level. Get your camera ready—this drive is a total knockout!
extremeHow to get by car to the dangerous Altiport de Courchevel in the Alps?
🇫🇷 France
# Courchevel Altiport: Where Mountain Flying Meets Alpine Adventure Tucked in the heart of the French Alps, Courchevel Altiport sits at a jaw-dropping 2,014 meters (6,607 feet) above sea level—and it's earned its reputation as one of the world's seven most dangerous airports. Located in Saint-Bon-Tarentaise within the Tarentaise Valley, this little-known gem serves the famous Courchevel ski resort, part of the sprawling Les Trois Vallées area. What makes this place legendary? The runway is genuinely bonkers. At just 537 meters (1,762 feet) long with an insane 18.5–18.6% upward gradient, it looks more like a ski slope than an actual airport—which is exactly why it starred in the opening of James Bond's GoldenEye. Pilots need special certification to land here, and they're flying on pure visual navigation with zero instrument approaches or runway lights. Once you commit to landing in this steep alpine valley surrounded by mountains, there's no going around—you either stick it or things get very real, very fast. Only smaller aircraft like the Pilatus PC-12 and Cessna 208 Caravan can handle it, though helicopters dominate traffic during winter, accounting for about 70% of movements. Getting to the airport itself is an adventure too. The fully paved Rue de l'Altiport climbs 12.2 kilometers (7.58 miles) from Le Praz, gaining 754 meters of elevation. The average gradient hits 6.18%, but certain sections spike to 9.7%—steep enough that the Tour de France actually uses it as a finish line for race stages. It's an unforgettable alpine ascent with unbeatable scenery.