How to get by car to Refuge de Laval in the Hautes-Alpes?

How to get by car to Refuge de Laval in the Hautes-Alpes?

France, europe

Length

9.3 km

Elevation

2,008 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

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

Share this road

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

When was the Klukhori Pass built?moderate

When was the Klukhori Pass built?

🇬🇪 Georgia

Okay, picture this: you're in Abkhazia, a seriously gorgeous part of Georgia, staring up at the Klukhorskii Pass. This isn't just any road; it's one of Europe's highest, clocking in at a whopping 9,353 feet! You're close to the mind-blowing Oz.klukhor (Klukhor Lake), a sight for sore eyes. You're basically on the old SH10, aka the Sukhumi Military Road, a route that used to link Russia's Northern Caucasus to the Black Sea coast. Think ancient Alans and Byzantines used to trek this way! Back in the day, this was THE tourist route, number 43, super popular during the Soviet era. Built in the late 1800s during some seriously intense conflicts, this historical road winds for 209 miles through the Greater Caucasus, linking Cherkessk and Sukhumi. Heads up, though: tucked away in the northwestern part of the country, this road isn't exactly kept in tip-top shape these days, but for thousands of years, it bridged the North Caucasus and Asia Minor, even acting as a key bypass route for the Byzantine Empire to Central Asia. You'll cruise by the mountain resort of Teberda and the insanely beautiful Dombai fields. The Sukhumi Military Road is drop-dead gorgeous, and the area is known for tourism, so buckle up for stunning views, but remember that this is a historic, not-so-maintained route. Adventure awaits!

Kalin Reservoir is one of the highest mountain roads of Bulgariamoderate

Kalin Reservoir is one of the highest mountain roads of Bulgaria

🌍 Bulgaria

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're in Bulgaria's Kyustendil Province and craving a serious off-the-beaten-path experience, you NEED to check out Kalin Reservoir. We're talking about one of the highest roads in the whole country, clocking in at 2,398m (7,867ft) above sea level. Nestled south of Karagyol Reservoir in southwest Bulgaria, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The 18km (11.18 miles) route, aptly named Road to Vintcheto, kicks off from the small mountain village of Pastra. Be warned: this baby is mostly concrete, and not the smooth kind! Expect a bumpy ride on this road, which is allegedly the highest concrete-paved road in the Balkans! Road to Vintcheto boasts a whopping 28 hairpin turns with an average gradient of nine per cent (some parts even hit 20%!). A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your friend here. The summit, marked by a crumbling old building, sits even higher at 2.553m (8,375ft), but this section's usually snowed in from late October to early July. Built way back in the 40s, this climb offers breathtaking panoramic views on a clear day. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road... those switchbacks are intense!

Scaling the Steep Slopes: Truskmore Mountain's Challenging 22% Gradient Roadhard

Scaling the Steep Slopes: Truskmore Mountain's Challenging 22% Gradient Road

🌍 Ireland

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're in Ireland and craving a serious climb, you NEED to tackle Truskmore! This mountain peak, perched right on the border between Sligo and Leitrim, is a beast. We're talking about a summit sitting pretty at 647 meters (that's 2,123 feet!). The road up to the top is paved, sure, but hold on tight – it gets super narrow. This isn't just a leisurely drive; it's a proper ascent! Starting near Ballaghnatrillick, you've got about 9 kilometers (or 5.5 miles) of winding road ahead, climbing almost 600 meters. Don't get lulled into a false sense of security at the beginning because the last 4km will seriously test your stamina! You'll be facing gradients up to 22%... seriously steep! Heads up: the final stretch is private property, so you can't quite drive all the way to the very top. But the views, oh, the views! Think panoramic countryside vistas stretching as far as the sea cliffs of Slieve League. Just a word of caution: parking is tight, and the wind can get fierce up there, so definitely check the weather before you go. But trust me, the challenge and the scenery are worth it.

Boismint lifthard

Boismint lift

🇫🇷 France

Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for a ride up the Boismint lift road in the French Alps! We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 2,671 meters (8,763 feet) above sea level, putting you right in the heart of the Savoie department. You'll find this gem nestled in Val Thorens, Europe's highest resort. Now, don't expect a smooth cruise. This is a gravel road that gets rocky and bumpy in spots. This is a lift access road. Basically, you need to be prepared for some off-road action, and unless you're confident on unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is a must. Oh, and did I mention the steepness? And heights? Yeah, this isn't for the faint of heart! The road is usually closed from October to June because of the snow, but if you hit it right, you're in for some seriously stunning alpine views. Only experienced off-roaders should attempt this one!