How to get by car to Refuge de Laval in the Hautes-Alpes?
France, europe
9.3 km
2,008 m
hard
Year-round
# Refuge de Laval
Tucked away in the Vallée de la Clarée in France's Hautes-Alpes department, Refuge de Laval sits at a breathtaking 2,008m (6,587ft) elevation in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France.
The drive to this mountain hideaway is pretty straightforward but demands respect. The 9.3 km (5.77 miles) route from Névache starts on the narrow, somewhat weathered D301T road, which is fully paved but definitely not a highway. Things get a bit more rugged in the final 200 meters, where you'll transition onto a rough unpaved stretch before reaching your destination.
Here's the logistical bit: if you're an early bird and arrive before 8 a.m., you can drive straight up to the Laval parking lot (which charges a fee). The refuge itself sits 200 meters below the road, nestled dramatically against the mountainside. Miss that early window? No worries—shuttles run from 9 a.m. onwards to ferry visitors to the parking lot.
One thing to keep in mind: this refuge is strictly a summer destination. Winter visitors will find it closed, so plan accordingly if you're thinking about a mountain escape during warmer months.
Where is it?
How to get by car to Refuge de Laval in the Hautes-Alpes? is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 44.8888, 3.9249
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,008 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 44.8888, 3.9249
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Tunnel du Mortier?
🇫🇷 France
Nestled in the Isère department of France, you'll find the abandoned Tunnel du Mortier, a relic sitting pretty at 1,370m. This beauty is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the southeastern part of the country. Word on the street is it was first built way back in 1911, then upgraded for the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble. Sadly, this tunnel closed its doors in 1992 after a massive rockfall wiped out the access road. Picture this: around 20,000 m3 of rock giving way, leaving a seriously unstable zone. Because it wasn't a super critical route, the powers that be decided to let it be. Nowadays, hikers and mountain bikers are the only ones who dare venture through. So, can you drive through? Technically, the tunnel itself, built wide enough for two lanes, is still there. But the road leading to it? Not so much. The first part is easy enough, but the middle gets seriously dark. Pro tip: avoid looking directly at the light at the other end; it'll mess with your vision. There's a rock slide that has cut off the road further down the climb, so you need to be very careful to cross. Getting there involves taking the D218, a paved road with some narrow bits. The southeastern side is still drivable up to the tunnel, but the northwestern side? Forget about it—completely collapsed. Expect some steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 12%. Once inside, bring a flashlight, since it’s a long tunnel and completely dark in the middle.
moderateWhere is Col de la Pierre Carrée?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Col de la Pierre Carrée, a seriously stunning mountain pass hanging out in the Haute-Savoie region of France. At 1,849m (that's 6,066ft!), it's the highest pass in the northern French Alps that stays open year-round. You'll find it in the Rhône-Alpes region, way out east. Legend says it’s named after a soldier and alpine hunter named Pierre Carrée. The road itself (the D106) is completely paved, making for a smooth (ish) ride. Get ready for a wild cul-de-sac adventure with a whopping 20 hairpin turns. Trust me, the views are worth it! The pass stretches for 15.3 km (9.50 miles), connecting Les Carroz to Flaine. Since it's the main access to the Flaine ski station, it's usually open all year, but keep an eye out for winter closures due to bad weather. Now, let's talk about the climb. It gets intense! Expect a maximum gradient of 11.8% in places. Think of it in three stages: The first few kilometers are brutal, with a peak of 8.4% on one kilometer. Then it mellows out for a bit until the halfway point. Finally, brace yourself for the second half – another 10 kilometers at around 6.5% average, with peaks hitting 9%. The good news is the slopes get easier as you near the top!
hardPas de Cherferie
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Pas de Cherferie in the French Alps is calling your name! This insane gravel track in Savoie tops out at a cool 2,142 meters (that's over 7,000 feet!). Word to the wise: you NEED a 4x4 for this one, and forget about it in the winter – it's totally impassable. Expect some seriously narrow and steep bits as you climb. The views? Absolutely worth the white knuckles, but be prepared for a wild ride!
moderateA nasty road to Kolona Beach
🇬🇷 Greece
# Paralia Kolona: A Hidden Gem Worth the Bumpy Ride Tucked away on the island of Kythnos in Greece's Western Cyclades, Paralia Kolona is one of those jaw-dropping beaches that makes you wonder how it's stayed relatively under the radar. Picture this: crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine golden sand, and a narrow strip of land surrounded by sea on both sides. It's basically paradise. Getting there from the village of Apokrousi is about 2.3 km (1.42 miles) of pure adventure. Fair warning though—this isn't your typical smooth asphalt road. You're looking at a rough, single-lane dirt track that can be pretty gnarly in spots. Honestly, a jeep or sturdy SUV is your best bet if you're driving out here. The road's no joke, and you'll want proper clearance to handle the ruts and bumps. But here's the thing: once you round that final bend and see what's waiting for you, the bumpy ride becomes part of the story. This is the kind of beach that sticks with you, the kind that reminds you why exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations on Kythnos is so worth it. If you're planning a visit to the island, this is absolutely one you can't skip.