How to get by car to Girotte Lake in Savoie?
France, europe
13 km
1,753 m
hard
Year-round
# Lac de la Girotte: A High-Alpine Adventure
Perched at a stunning 1,753 meters (5,751 feet) above sea level in France's Savoie department, Lac de la Girotte is a turquoise gem tucked away in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The lake itself is absolutely gorgeous—those milky-blue waters are fed by glacial melt from Tré la Tête Glacier through 13 kilometers of tunnels, giving it that distinctive cloudy appearance. With a dramatic depth of 134 meters, it's a fishing spot that's definitely worth visiting if you're up for the challenge.
Getting there, though? That's half the adventure. Built back in the 1940s, the road to the lake is pure unpaved, dirt terrain—narrow, white-knuckle stuff. It's closed to regular cars and basically becomes impassable once winter rolls around, so timing is everything.
The climb is legitimately intense. Starting from Parking de Belleville, you're looking at a 5.5-kilometer slog uphill with 516 meters of elevation gain. The average gradient hits 9.38%, but the real kicker? Some sections ramp up to a bone-jarring 26.8%. Your engine will definitely earn its paycheck on this one.
But here's what makes it worth it: the views are absolutely phenomenal. The drive winds through the Hauteluce Valley with breathtaking scenery at every turn, and once you reach the dam, you're treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks with Mont Blanc standing sentinel in the distance.
Fair warning though—this isn't a family Sunday drive. The site can be sketchy, so it's not recommended for young kids.
Where is it?
How to get by car to Girotte Lake in Savoie? is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.0523, 1.5079
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,753 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.0523, 1.5079
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Vielha Tunnel?
🇪🇸 Spain
Nestled high in the Spanish Pyrenees, in Catalonia's wild northwest corner, you'll find the Tunel de Vielha. This isn't just any tunnel, though. We're talking about a 5.2km (3.25 mile) stretch of paved road boring through the mountains, connecting Vielha, the Aran Valley's main hub, with the Alta Ribagorça region. A bit of history: Before this tunnel, the Aran Valley was pretty cut off, especially in winter. The original tunnel, once the world's longest, got a bit dicey safety-wise, so the updated Juan Carlos I Tunnel was opened in 2007. The road itself? It's part of the N230, with two lanes heading south and one going north, so be aware of the traffic flow! Expect some steep climbs inside, with gradients hitting up to 7.5% in places. The elevation peaks at 1,635m (5,364ft) above sea level. You can usually cruise through year-round, but keep an eye on the weather – it might close briefly in heavy winter storms. If you're coming from Vielha, it's a 12.3 km climb, gaining 664 meters in elevation (averaging 5.4%). Coming from Villaler, it’s a longer, gentler 18.7 km climb with an elevation gain of 656 meters (averaging 3.5%). Prepare for some beautiful mountain scenery!
moderatePunta de Estaca de Bares
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in Galicia, Spain, heading to Punta de Estaca de Bares, the absolute northernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula! This isn't just any drive; it's a pilgrimage to where the Cantabrian Sea crashes into the Atlantic Ocean. The road? Let's just say it's intimate. Paved, yes, but seriously narrow – think one car at a time. Hope you like using your mirrors! And hold onto your hat! This cape is legendary for its winds – a real year-round blow. Plus, you're in one of Europe's rainiest spots, so pack accordingly. The payoff? Stunning views and a cool, almost otherworldly vibe. At the cape itself, you'll find a lighthouse, a spot to grab a bite, and some eerie abandoned military buildings. The 8.8 km route kicks off from the charming town of O Barqueiro. Trust me, the whole drive is pure scenic gold.
extremeWhere is Strada degli Eroi?
🇮🇹 Italy
Strada degli Eroi—the Road of Heroes—is a seriously epic mountain road tucked away in the Italian Alps. We're talking Trentino-South Tirol, Veneto, the whole northern shebang, high up in the Pasubio massif. This road isn't just a scenic drive; it's steeped in history. Carved out in 1922 after World War I, it's dedicated to twelve Italian heroes who earned gold medals for their bravery fighting on Pasubio. Think of it as a tribute etched into the very rock face! The views are absolutely mind-blowing – legend has it, one visit is never enough. This former military road stretches for about 10.5 km (6.5 miles), winding from Strada Statale 46 up to Rifugio Generale Achille Papa. Expect some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a maximum of 12%. You'll climb a total of 838 meters with an average of around 8%. Be warned: the temperature difference from bottom to top can be wild! You'll also pass through the Generale Achille d'Havet tunnel. Most of the road is unpaved (think rugged!), marked with kilometer stones counting down to the start. While it used to be open to cars, it's now closed to motorized traffic due to the dangers. The cracked surface and loose rocks mean it's best explored on foot or by mountain bike. While some hairpin bends are asphalted, the real draw is the raw, untouched beauty and the challenge it presents.
moderateWhere is Vaalserberg?
🇩🇪 Germany
Okay, picture this: you're standing at the very top of the Netherlands (well, mainland Netherlands, anyway!), a spot called Vaalserberg. It’s not Everest, topping out at just 322.7 meters (1,059 feet), but it's special. Why? Because you're simultaneously in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands! Seriously, it's the tri-country point, a total geographic oddity. The road up, also called Mount Vaals, is smooth sailing all the way on a fully paved route. In the Netherlands, it’s the Viergrenzenweg; hop over to Belgium, and it’s Route des Trois Bornes; cross into Germany, and it's Dreiländerweg. Up top on the Dutch side, you'll find a big parking area and the Wilhelminatoren, a 35-meter observation tower with a restaurant for those stunning panoramic views. On the Belgian side, there's the even taller Baudouin Tower (50m). This peak is a mecca for cyclists. Get ready for some serious climbs and breathtaking scenery!