
Ouvrage La Déa
France, europe
N/A
1,753 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in France? Check out the road to Ouvrage La Déa, a seriously cool military fortress clinging to the mountains in Alpes-Maritimes!
Perched way up high at 1,753 meters (that's 5,751 feet!), getting there is half the fun. Be warned: this isn't your typical smooth cruise. Expect a gravel and rocky track that can get a little tippy and bumpy in places. It's a mountain road, so yeah, there are some major drop-offs to keep you on your toes! Usually, snow makes it impassable from October to June, so plan accordingly. Not a fan of heights or unpaved roads? This one might not be for you. But if you're up for a challenge and love incredible views, the fortress (also called Petit Ouvrage de la baisse de la Déa, built back in 1934!) is totally worth the trek!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,753 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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