Bellevarde

Bellevarde

France, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,783 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Bellevarde: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure

Ready for some serious mountain driving? Bellevarde stands tall at 2,783 meters (9,130 feet) in the heart of the French Alps, nestled within the stunning Savoie department. This isn't just any peak – it's one of France's highest drivable roads, and honestly, it's incredible.

The road itself? Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumpy surprises. You'll be navigating a pretty steep climb on unpaved terrain that demands respect and real off-road skills. If mountain roads make you nervous or you're not comfortable with heights, this one's probably not for you. Wet weather turns the whole thing into a muddy, slippery challenge, so timing is everything.

The drive is only possible from July through September – winter and spring snow close it down completely. Once you reach the summit, you'll find a communication tower and, more importantly, absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of Parc National de la Vanoise and the surrounding landscape that'll make every bump worth it.

This is definitely a road for experienced drivers who love a challenge. If you've got the skills and the nerve, Bellevarde offers one of those unforgettable Alpine experiences that'll stay with you long after you've descended.

Where is it?

Bellevarde is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 44.5232, 0.8909

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,783 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
44.5232, 0.8909

Related Roads in europe

Driving to Lusia Pass: A high-altitude track in the Dolomiteshard

Driving to Lusia Pass: A high-altitude track in the Dolomites

🇮🇹 Italy

# Passo del Lusia Tucked away in the Fassa Valley of Trentino, Italy, Passo del Lusia is a wild mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,005 meters (6,578 feet) deep in the heart of the Dolomites. The route to the summit—locals call it Pas de Lujia—is a gloriously rugged, unpaved track with serious vintage credentials dating back to the late 1800s. You'll kick things off from the paved SS50 near Bellamonte, but here's the thing: this isn't a freeway experience. The unpaved section is just 4.7 km long, but motorized access is tightly controlled. Generally, only authorized vehicles, mountain bikers, and guests with special permits from Rifugio Lusia get the green light to drive it. The climb is short and seriously punchy—we're talking 634 meters of elevation gain crammed into those 4.7 kilometers. Yeah, it's steep. The entire surface is raw gravel and dirt, and good luck attempting this in winter when it transforms into part of the Alpe di Lusia ski slopes. If you do get permission to drive, bring a high-clearance 4x4. This road demands it. Steep pitches and loose gravel mean you'll need serious traction and nerves of steel. The narrow, winding path threads through some absolutely jaw-dropping scenery—think sweeping vistas of the Fassa Dolomites, the Pale di San Martino, and the Lagorai Group. At the summit stands Rifugio Lusia, a historic mountain hut from the late 1800s that welcomed the region's first alpine explorers. During WWI, its prime location near the Austrian front made it a military command post. Today, its weathered stone walls are a testament to a century of mountain stories. Reaching the top rewards you with a 360-degree panorama that'll leave you speechless—iconic Dolomites peaks stretch in every direction. It's a photographer's dream and the perfect launchpad for hiking trails throughout the Alpe di Lusia area.

How to Drive The Balcony Road Through Gorges de l’Asco in Corsicahard

How to Drive The Balcony Road Through Gorges de l’Asco in Corsica

🇫🇷 France

# Gorges de l'Asco: Corsica's Hidden Canyon Road Picture this: you're cruising through Corsica, and you stumble upon the Gorges de l'Asco—one of those legendary French balcony roads that actually lives up to the hype. Nestled in the Haute-Corse department, this stunning 41 km (25.47 miles) route follows the Asco River as it winds through dramatic canyon scenery. The road climbs from Moltifao all the way up to the abandoned Station de Ski du Haut Asco at 1,509m (4,950ft), and trust us, the views are absolutely worth it. Here's the thing though: this isn't your typical cruise. The D147 is a narrow, paved road with zero guard rails—basically a single lane carved into the mountainside. No road signs mark the turnoff near Asco village, but once you spot it, you're committed. The pavement is solid and the gradient is genuinely steep. After a sharp bend, the road suddenly ends at a rocky path with nowhere to turn around. If you're not confident behind the wheel—especially in a larger vehicle—be prepared to reverse uphill for at least 1 km to find a turnaround spot. Motorcyclists have it easier here. Fair warning: vehicles over 11m are banned. The payoff? Just 50 meters past the end, there's a stunning ancient bridge begging for photos. On sweltering summer days, the river beckons with refreshingly clean water. Your brakes better be top-notch for the descent, though—and getting back up that steep, winding road is no joke, especially when other drivers have parked haphazardly along the narrow verges. What makes it special is the raw, untouched landscape: red granite cliffs, sparse vegetation, and that wild Corsican energy. This stretch was even partly built by French Foreign Legionnaires back in the 1960s, adding to its mystique. Sitting inside the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse, it's genuinely one of nature's masterpieces.

Driving a Balcony Road through Gorges du Guiers Mortmoderate

Driving a Balcony Road through Gorges du Guiers Mort

🇫🇷 France

# Gorges du Guiers Mort Ready for a genuinely spectacular drive? The Gorges du Guiers Mort is a stunning canyon tucked away in France's Isère department, and it's absolutely worth the detour. Sitting north of Grenoble in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this gem is one of those incredible French roads that hugs the mountainside like it was made for a road trip movie. The Guiers Mort river carved out these dramatic gorges over millennia, and today you can experience them via the D520B—better known as Route du Désert. The entire route is paved and stretches 9.9 km (6.15 miles) from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont down to La Diat, taking you straight through the heart of the Chartreuse Natural Regional Park. Here's where it gets real: this road demands your respect. It's literally carved into the mountainside, which means you'll navigate some genuinely narrow tunnels and need to keep an eye out for rockfall risk. Taller vehicles? You'll want to know that anything over 3.8 meters (about 12.5 feet) isn't permitted. But if your car fits and you're up for the challenge, the scenery is absolutely unforgettable.

How to Get to Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in Great Britain?extreme

How to Get to Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in Great Britain?

🇬🇧 England

Craving a pint with a view? Head to the Tan Hill Inn in North Yorkshire, the highest pub in Great Britain! Nestled way up in the Yorkshire Dales near Keld, this 17th-century gem sits at a whopping 1,732 feet above sea level. Picture this: stunning Swaledale scenery all around, and you, enjoying a drink in a pub that's miles from anywhere (almost 11 miles from Kirkby Stephen!). Getting there is half the adventure. The fully paved Regional Route 71 (aka Pennine Way) stretches for about 20.4 miles from Reeth to Brough. But don't let the "paved" part fool you! This isolated road, winding through desolate moors, valleys, and hills, throws some serious challenges your way. Think steep climbs, narrow passages, and weather that can turn treacherous in a heartbeat. Located right on the Pennine Way, the Tan Hill Inn is no stranger to snow, fog, and biting cold. This isn't a trip for the faint of heart, but the views and the bragging rights are totally worth it!