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
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Collado El Lobo in Sierra Nevada
🇪🇸 Spain
# Collado El Lobo: Spain's Alpine Adventure Ready for one of Europe's most exhilarating mountain experiences? Welcome to Collado El Lobo, sitting pretty at a breathtaking 3,115 meters (10,219 feet) in Granada's Sierra Nevada mountains. This is seriously high-altitude territory, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. The adventure unfolds along the Camino de los Franceses (also called Camino del Mulhacén), a completely unpaved track stretching 23.3 km through some of Spain's most dramatic alpine scenery. Starting from Veleta peak and descending north-south toward the charming village of Capileira, this route is pure magic—think jaw-dropping mountain vistas, pristine alpine lakes, and multiple passes that'll make your heart skip a beat. Here's the catch: this is strictly a cyclist's playground. Only bicycles are allowed to preserve the national park's pristine wilderness, so leave the car behind and embrace the pedal-powered experience. Timing is everything here. The road becomes completely impassable come winter, when avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides transform the landscape into something genuinely treacherous. Plan your visit for warmer months when the trail is actually accessible and you can safely soak in the stunning surroundings. If you're chasing high-altitude thrills and don't mind getting your hands dirty (literally—it's unpaved!), Collado El Lobo delivers an unforgettable Spanish mountain experience.
moderateDriving the Old Military Road from Shiel Bridge to Glenelg
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: you're in Scotland, and you're about to discover a road most tourists completely miss. This is the Shiel Bridge-Glenelg road, a hidden gem in the western Highlands, and trust me, it's a stunner. Originally built way back in 1815 as a military road, it was revamped in the 80s, replacing the old route to Bernera Barracks. It's only 9.1 miles (14.6 km) long, connecting Shiel Bridge, right on the edge of Loch Duich, with Glenelg. Now, don't let the "fully paved" part fool you. This road is a *driver's* road. It's all twists, turns, ups, and downs, and for several kilometers, it's a single-track road. That means you need to be extra careful, especially when the light's fading or the weather's closing in. Some of those hills are seriously steep, hitting gradients of 15%! But hey, you're climbing to 348m above sea level! The reward? Oh man, the views! This is easily one of the most scenic drives *ever*. Think almost alpine scenery, breathtaking vistas at every turn, and photo opportunities galore. The single-track section weaves through Ratagan Forest, and those passing places? Each one's a mini-viewpoint! Keep your eyes peeled, you might even spot golden eagles or red deer. Seriously, this is a Scottish road trip you won't forget.
hardHow to drive the border road to Polentin Pass?
🇦🇹 Austria
# Polentin Pass: A Hidden Alpine Gateway Looking for an off-the-beaten-path alpine adventure? The Polentin Pass might be exactly what you're after. Sitting at 1,538m (5,045 ft) on the Austria-Italy border, this scenic crossing links Stranig in Carinthia with Paularo in Friuli-Venezia Giulia through the stunning Carnic Alps. Here's the thing: this 25 km route isn't your typical polished highway. With its military heritage, you'll encounter a mix of smooth asphalt and hard-packed gravel—especially once you hit the higher sections near the border. The Austrian side treats you to more consistent pavement, but don't be shocked when things get a bit rougher as you climb. The steady gradients are manageable, though you'll want a vehicle with decent ground clearance to avoid scraping your undercarriage on those unpaved stretches. Four-wheel drive isn't absolutely necessary in dry conditions, but those high-clearance capabilities will definitely come in handy. Once you start descending toward Paularo, the roads narrow considerably, so you'll need to take it slow—especially if you encounter forestry traffic or local residents. Your brakes will appreciate some respect too. One crucial heads-up: access is tightly controlled by local authorities, with strict seasonal windows and operational hours. Snow can block the higher reaches even early in the season, so always check conditions before you head out. The pass operates at your own risk, so come prepared, drive smart, and respect the local regulations. Do that, and you'll unlock one of the Alps' most unique international routes.
hardWhat you need to know about driving the scenic coastal 64H-1 road in Sakhalin
🌍 Russia
Okay, picture this: you're on Sakhalin Island, way out in eastern Russia, practically spitting distance from Japan. You're about to tackle Road 64H-1, and let me tell you, it's an adventure. This beast runs for 623 kilometers (that's 387 miles!) from Nogliki down to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, carving its way through some seriously remote territory. So pack your snacks, fill up the tank, and get ready to be self-sufficient. Most of the road is paved, but don't get too comfy – you'll hit some rough patches. Think corrugated sections and potholes galore. Slow and steady wins the race here. But hey, the payoff? Insane coastal views that will make every bump worth it. Seriously, the scenery is breathtaking. Just you, the open road, and the wild Russian coastline. It's an unforgettable trip.