
How to Get by Car to Lac de Chateaupre in the Heart of Valais?
Switzerland, europe
9.9 km
2,357 m
moderate
Year-round
# Lac de Châteaupré: Alpine Magic in Switzerland
Tucked away in the Valais region of southern Switzerland, not far from the Italian border, you'll find Lac de Châteaupré—a glacial gem sitting pretty at 2,357m (7,732ft) above sea level. This stunning lake in the municipality of Grimentz has earned itself a reputation as one of the most gorgeous lakes on the planet, and honestly, once you see it, you'll understand why.
The Route de Moiry is the paved road that'll get you there, and it's been welcoming visitors since the 1950s. Fair warning: it's narrow and lacks guardrails, so you'll want to keep your wits about you. But here's the thing—the trade-off is absolutely worth it. This scenic route hugs the shoreline of Lac de Moiry and treats you to jaw-dropping vistas of glaciers and towering snow-capped peaks that'll make your heart skip a beat.
The drive from Grimentz is just under 10km (about 6 miles) of pure Alpine bliss. You'll end up at a spacious parking area on the north side of the lake—the perfect launching point for exploring the magnificent Glacier du Moiry nearby.
Just a heads up: this road is nestled in the Val d'Anniviers valley and typically stays open from late June through the first major snowfall of the season, so plan your visit accordingly!
Where is it?
How to Get by Car to Lac de Chateaupre in the Heart of Valais? is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.5730, 8.1563
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,357 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.5730, 8.1563
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving to Tete de la Grave in the Heart of Provence
🇫🇷 France
# Tête de la Grave: A Wild Alpine Adventure Ready for something wild? Tête de la Grave sits pretty at 1,650m (5,413ft) in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, nestled within the Mont Ventoux Natural Regional Park in southeastern France. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a 3.9km (2.42 miles) beast that'll test your nerves and your vehicle. Here's the thing: only the first 650 meters are paved. After that? You're on a rough, unpaved road for the remaining 3.3km. That means you're going to feel every bump as you climb higher into the Savoy Alps. The views? Absolutely stunning. But the conditions? Prepare yourself. This pass is legendary for one reason: wind. Serious, unrelenting wind. We're talking gusts that have hit 320 km/h (200 mph)—yes, you read that right. On a normal day, you'll face winds of 90+ km/h (56+ mph), and that happens about 240 days a year. The mistral wind is particularly notorious here. At the top, you're standing on bare limestone with zero vegetation to shield you from the elements. You'll be completely exposed. The climb can be brutal—heat and wind working together to make every meter a real battle. Winter? Forget about it. The road is typically impassable from December through April. If you're looking for an authentic, challenging Alpine experience that'll make you feel truly alive, this is it.
hardDriving the paved SH20 road in Albania
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, road trip dreamers, let's talk Albania! Head to the northwest, near the Montenegro border, and find yourself in Shkodër County. Specifically, you're looking for SH20, an absolute *gem* of a road that zigs and zags its way through the former Kelmend municipality. This beauty stretches for about 30 km (18.6 miles) from Hani i Hotit heading north to Tamarë. You'll climb to the Leqet e Hotit mountain pass, topping out at 684m (2,244ft), so keep an eye on the weather, as it can get snowy up there and might close. The best part? It's paved! Yes, the entire road was redone a few years back and is now in great shape for any car or motorcycle. Even the section beyond Tamare is paved almost all the way to the border with Montenegro. Seriously, this might be one of Albania's best-kept secrets. It's still pretty quiet, which is a huge plus. Get ready for a steep climb (averaging around 7%) and hairpin turns galore! Think twisties, incredible views of the rocky mountains, and the Cem Selcit river. Keep an eye out for bunkers and abandoned military houses along the way, too! Cyclists and motorcyclists, you'll feel right at home.
moderateFort du Sapey
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Alps, Savoie to be exact, and you stumble upon Fort du Sapey, a seriously cool abandoned fortress way up at 1,725 meters. Built back in 1931 as part of the Maginot Line, this place has some stories to tell. Getting there is half the adventure! Forget smooth asphalt; this is a proper gravel road, think rocky, bumpy, and maybe a little tippy in places. It's a seasonal route, usually buried in snow from October to June, so plan accordingly. The climb is steep and twisty – up, down, left, right – constantly keeping you on your toes. Once you reach the fort (if the weather allows!), you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire valley below. Imagine the 150 soldiers stationed here back in the day, looking out over this incredible landscape. Just a heads up, private vehicles aren't allowed on the road, so be ready to hike or bike!
hardWhere is Gorges du Guiers Vif?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps, right on the border of Isère and Savoie. You've stumbled onto the Gorges du Guiers Vif, also known as Gorges du Frou, a seriously stunning canyon carved out by the Guiers Vif river inside the Chartreuse Natural Park. This isn't just any drive; it's one of those legendary French balcony roads. The D520C, or Route des Entremonts, is fully paved, but get ready for a wild ride! We're talking narrow stretches that'll test your nerves, tunnels so dark you'll feel like you're in a movie, and some seriously steep climbs as you head up to Pas du Frou, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 621 meters. The whole shebang is only about 11.8 kilometers, running from Entre-deux-Guiers to Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont. But trust me, every meter is packed with views that will make your jaw drop. Get your camera ready, because this is one road trip you'll want to remember!