Chalet-Refuge des Mottets

Chalet-Refuge des Mottets

France, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

18,719 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Chalet-Refuge des Mottets

Perched at a breathtaking 1,872m (6,141ft) in the Savoie department of southeastern France, the Chalet-Refuge des Mottets sits just south of the legendary Mont Blanc range. Getting there? That's half the adventure.

The drive up to this alpine gem is not for the faint of heart. You're looking at a narrow, mostly paved road that climbs steeply through the stunning vallée des Glaciers—think dramatic mountain scenery at every hairpin turn. Fair warning: this route hibernates during winter months, so you'll want to plan your visit for the warmer seasons.

Once you arrive, you'll discover a poignant piece of history tucked into the landscape. A boulder near the refuge honors American aviators, adding a meaningful layer to your mountain experience.

Where is it?

Chalet-Refuge des Mottets is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 44.8156, 2.6476

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
18,719 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
44.8156, 2.6476

Related Roads in europe

Where is D89 road?moderate

Where is D89 road?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Pyrénées-Orientales in France, heading towards the majestic Puigmal. This isn't just any drive; it's an adventure on the D89! Think twisty, turny, and unbelievably scenic. This little gem clocks in at about 16.7 km, starting from Sainte-Léocadie and climbing to a parking lot at a whopping 1,948 meters. That’s a serious climb of 929 meters, with an average gradient of 5.56%. Now, a word of caution: this road isn’t always in tip-top shape and gets seriously narrow in spots. And, uh, let's just say there are some pretty dramatic drop-offs – definitely not for nervous drivers! Keep your eyes peeled and hands on the wheel. Oh, and one more thing: being in the Pyrenees, this road is usually a no-go in winter. Snow and ice can make it totally impassable, so plan accordingly! If you do go, get ready for some seriously breathtaking mountain views.

Where is Lago del Sambuco?hard

Where is Lago del Sambuco?

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Leventina district of Switzerland, heading towards the stunning Lago del Sambuco, a high-altitude reservoir sitting pretty at 1,435 meters. This gem is tucked away in the canton of Ticino, in the southern part of the country. The whole route is paved, but get ready for some seriously narrow stretches, especially hugging the eastern side of the lake. Trust me, it's an unforgettable drive – a little nerve-wracking but totally worth it, especially when you imagine tackling it before they put up guardrails! The adventure kicks off from Lavizzara, clocking in at just under 14 kilometers to the reservoir. You'll climb over 700 meters in elevation, with gradients averaging around 5%, but hitting 10% in some spots. Expect a wild ride with a dozen hairpin turns as the road steepens. The trickiest part? A flat 3-kilometer stretch right alongside the huge lake.

Driving the D22, a balcony road in Francehard

Driving the D22, a balcony road in France

🇫🇷 France

# The D22: A Thrilling Ride Above the French Riviera Picture this: you're perched high above the glittering Côte d'Azur, winding your way through one of France's most famous balcony roads. Welcome to the D22, a legendary stretch in the Alpes-Maritimes that's earned its reputation as an icon among serious cyclists and drivers alike. This isn't your average scenic drive. Starting right from the seafront in Menton (near the Italian border), the D22 climbs a jaw-dropping 18.5 km through a relentless series of sharp, narrow switchbacks. You'll tackle three notable cols—Bausson (732m), Madone de Gorbio (927m), and Saint-Pancrace (673m)—each one narrowing the road even further as you ascend. The gradient hits a brutal 12% in places, and thanks to the razor-sharp blind corners and near-nonexistent guard rails, this isn't a road to take lightly if you're afraid of heights. Fair warning: the road is barely wide enough for two cars to pass, there are no center lines, and you'll encounter five unlit tunnels carved straight into the rock. The asphalt is solid, but there's virtually no reprieve—it's relentless climbing all the way. Come summer, expect scorching heat and packed roads as tourists flock to Menton in July and August. But here's the payoff: the views are absolutely stunning. As you wind higher, the Mediterranean unfolds beneath you in breathtaking panoramas, with Monaco sparkling in the distance. The road stays open year-round, making it the perfect pilgrimage for anyone wanting to test themselves on one of Europe's most spectacular mountain drives. Just bring your camera—you'll want to capture every moment.

How long is F338 Road (Skjaldbreiðarvegur)?moderate

How long is F338 Road (Skjaldbreiðarvegur)?

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Skjaldbreiðarvegur (F338), a seriously stunning but not-for-the-faint-of-heart route in Southern Iceland! Forget your tiny rental car; you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this beast. Clocking in at 51 km (32 miles), this unpaved track stretches from Road 550 (near Brunnavatn) eastward to a point just 5 km north of the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. Prepare for a wild ride: we're talking boulders, ruts, potholes, and everything from stony terrain to black sand. And yeah, heights are involved. This highland route is only open during the summer, usually late June to early September. You'll be pretty remote out here, tracing power lines with sparse traffic and spotty cell service. Going solo isn't recommended – breakdowns could get tricky. But oh, the views! Imagine driving through classic Icelandic landscapes, surrounded by volcanoes and lava fields. Just be prepared for those challenging conditions. Speaking of challenges, there are *two* river crossings! Be super careful, especially after rain or warm spells. Don't even think about attempting these in a small car. If you get stuck, dial 112. And ALWAYS check the water depth first – it can change in a flash! Pro tip: rental car insurance usually doesn't cover water damage from river crossings. You've been warned!