
A paved road to Sanctuaire de Notre Dame de la Salette
France, europe
N/A
1,787 m
hard
Year-round
# Notre Dame de la Salette Sanctuary: A Scenic Alpine Drive
Tucked away in the Isère department of southeastern France, the Notre Dame de la Salette Sanctuary sits pretty at 1,787 meters (5,862 feet) above sea level. Getting there? A breeze, really—the D212C is a smooth, well-maintained asphalt road that winds its way up with plenty of satisfying curves without ever feeling too demanding. It's wide, not overly steep, and blessedly free of the bumper-to-bumper crowds you'd find on busier Alpine routes.
As you climb, you'll pass a poignant memorial and cemetery just a few kilometers up the road—it honors the 51 people who tragically lost their lives when an airplane crashed into the nearby Grande Tête de l'Obiou peak back in 1950. The site is beautifully maintained and worth a respectful pause.
Once you reach the summit, you'll find everything you need to make a day of it: a welcoming hotel, a solid restaurant, boutique shops, and a bookstore. Whether you're stopping for a quick bite or planning to linger and soak in the mountain atmosphere, the sanctuary has you covered. It's a rewarding drive with some genuine Alpine charm.
Where is it?
A paved road to Sanctuaire de Notre Dame de la Salette is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 44.9799, 2.7829
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,787 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 44.9799, 2.7829
Related Roads in europe
easyWhere is Passo Staulanza?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in northern Italy, cruising along the Strada Provinciale 251 (SP251). You're headed for Passo Staulanza, a sweet mountain pass sitting at 1,773 meters (5,817 feet) above sea level. It's nestled in a cozy valley between majestic peaks like Mount Coldai, giving you views that are just unreal. The road stretches for about 21.6 km (13.42 miles), a ribbon of asphalt winding its way through the landscape. You'll find a cute little restaurant with a parking lot up there, perfect for a pit stop. Oh, and keep an eye out – this route is so epic, even the Giro d'Italia cyclists have tackled it! So get ready for some seriously awe-inspiring scenery and a ride you won't soon forget!
extremeColle Barant
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle Barant: A Wild Alpine Adventure Nestled high in the Province of Turin in Piedmont, Italy, Colle Barant sits at a breathtaking 2,381 meters (7,811 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical mountain pass – it's a heart-pounding gravel track that'll test both your nerves and your vehicle's suspension. Originally carved out as a military road for army vehicles, this route is seriously steep and narrow with sections that'll have your palms sweating. The gravel surface becomes treacherously slippery in places, and the exposed drops on either side mean there's zero room for error. It's the kind of pass that demands respect and careful driving. What makes it genuinely special, though? The incredible history along the way. You'll spot evidence of the old military presence everywhere – abandoned forts, gun placements, and crumbling barracks scattered across the landscape. At the summit, you'll find Fort de l'Infernet standing as a weathered sentinel to the past. Fair warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Snow can close this pass anytime, so check conditions before you go. But if you're after an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Alpine experience with stunning scenery and genuine adventure, Colle Barant delivers in spades.
moderateDriving to Sportsmans Arms, the highest pub of Wales
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the breathtaking Denbigh Moors, smack-dab in Snowdonia National Park, on the hunt for Wales' highest pub, the legendary Sportsmans Arms. This isn't just any pub crawl, people! You'll be tackling the A543, a completely paved road stretching about 16 miles (25.74km) from Denbigh to Pentrefoelas. The road winds and climbs to a whopping 1,496 feet (456m) above sea level! The Sportsmans Arms itself dates way back to the 17th century and sits near the tranquil Llyn Brenig. Get ready for incredible views, but remember you're high up on exposed moorland, so expect some potentially tricky weather. And keep an eye out for sheep – they own these roads! This road delivers an unforgettable mix of Welsh history and wild natural beauty, topped off with a pint at the highest pub in the land. Cheers to that!
moderateWhere is Col de Restefond?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps, wind in your hair, and the stunning Mercantour National Park stretching out around you. You're on the Route de Nice (aka C4, or Route du Col de Restefond), a totally paved road that winds its way up to the Col de Restefond. This beauty sits at a lofty 2,680m (8,790ft), making it one of the highest roads in France! This epic road links Jausiers to Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, clocking in at 47.2 km (29.32 miles) of pure driving bliss. Built way back in 1860, with the final touches added in the early '60s, the road is steeped in history, complete with old military blockhouses from the Alpine Line. Heads up, though – this high-altitude pass is usually snowed in from November to May. But when it's open, get ready for a climb! If you're tackling it from Saint Etienne de Tinée, it's a solid 23 km ascent with an average gradient of 6.6%. Expect some steeper sections near the old Casernes de Restefond, where the gradient kicks up to 8-9%. The views are breathtaking the whole way, so get your camera ready!