Place Charles de Gaulle is a stressful drive in Paris
France, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
# Place Charles de Gaulle: Paris's Most Legendary (and Chaotic) Roundabout
Ever heard of a roundabout so famous it's basically a tourist attraction? Welcome to Place Charles de Gaulle—or as the locals still call it, Place de l'Étoile (Star Square). This iconic Parisian landmark sits where 12 avenues converge in a dizzying starburst pattern, and let me tell you, it lives up to its reputation for absolute traffic mayhem.
The roundabout sprawls across an impressive 241 meters in diameter, covering about 4.55 hectares and stretching across three arrondissements (the 8th, 16th, and 17th). Named after General de Gaulle in 1970, this junction is dominated by the Arc de Triomphe at its center and fed by some seriously impressive thoroughfares—including the world-famous Champs-Élysées. The whole thing aligns perfectly with the Arche du Carrousel and Grande Arche de la Défense, creating one of Paris's most visually striking urban vistas.
Now, about driving here: thousands of cars pour through daily, and traffic jams? They're basically guaranteed at any hour. If you're not 100% confident about where you're exiting, take the outer circle around the Arc de Triomphe instead. Sure, you'll hit traffic lights, and yes, it takes longer—but your stress levels will thank you, especially if you're not a seasoned Paris driver.
Fair warning: navigating Place Charles de Gaulle is an experience you'll definitely be recounting over dinner for years. It's chaotic, it's intense, and it's absolutely quintessential Paris.
Where is it?
Place Charles de Gaulle is a stressful drive in Paris is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.4853, 2.1925
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.4853, 2.1925
Related Roads in europe
hardHow long is Road F235 (Langisjór)?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Alright adventure seekers, buckle up for F235 (Langisjór) in South Iceland! This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking serious 4x4 territory with high clearance a must. This 25.4km (15.78 mile) track leads to the unreal Langisjór lake, a crystal-clear gem hidden away in the highlands. The road? Let's just say it's *rustic*. Think chunky rocks and a track that keeps you on your toes. Seriously, leave the compact car at home; you'll regret it. Once you've conquered the first river crossing (more on that later!), the rest is manageable if you take it slow and steady. Heads up: F235 is a summer fling only, usually open from late June to early September. Perched high in Vatnajökull National Park, it hits a peak of 686m (2,250ft), making it one of Iceland's highest roads. Now, about those rivers... Yep, you'll be wading through a few. These aren't just puddles, folks. Experience is key, and never attempt a crossing solo or after a downpour. Water levels can change fast! Only proper jeeps and beefy vehicles should even think about it. Getting stuck means calling 112. Always scout the river depth before you go for it – and remember, rental insurance usually doesn't cover water damage. This road is epic during the day, but night driving? Proceed with extreme caution.
hardWhere is Col du Jandri?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in France, deep in the Ecrins massif of the Alps, ready to tackle Col du Jandri. This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking about a climb up to 3,165 meters (that's 10,383 feet!) making it one of the highest roads you can find in Europe. Think of it as a service road for the Les Deux Alpes ski station, but don't let that fool you. This "R1-2 trail" is a beast! The climb starts near Le Bourg-d'Oisans and stretches for nearly 27 kilometers. You'll gain over 2,400 meters in elevation, so be prepared for an average gradient of 9.1% and some sections hitting a crazy 16%! The road starts paved, but after 1,730 meters, things get interesting. It turns to gravel, and while manageable on a road bike (if you're hardcore), be ready for a winding, rocky, dusty, and often steep climb. Those super-steep grades will test your legs and your gearing. Usually open in the summer, the reward at the top is worth every ounce of effort. You'll find a restaurant with insane panoramic views of the Glacier de Mont-de-Lans. Trust me, the views are worth it.
extremeHow dangerous is the tunnel at Lac de Mauvoisin?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Deep in the Val de Bagnes, nestled in the Swiss Alps, lies the Mauvoisin Dam—home to one of the most unique and atmospheric tunnel experiences you'll ever encounter. Forget manicured tourist trails; this is raw, unpolished adventure through the heart of the mountain. Before you plunge into darkness, take a moment at the sobering memorial near the main tunnel entrance. It honors the workers who risked their lives building this incredible dam. Once you pass, the pavement ends, and the real journey begins. These aren't your typical tourist tunnels. These rough-hewn galleries were built for dam maintenance, but now they beckon the bold. **Road Lowdown:** * **Location:** Val de Bagnes, Valais, Switzerland * **Elevation:** 1,976 m (6,483 ft) at the dam crest. * **Lighting:** Zero. Total darkness. Bring serious lights! * **Surface:** Rough rock and unpaved gravel. Expect slippery conditions. Driving (or biking!) through these galleries is not for the faint of heart. We're talking complete and utter darkness the second you enter. Water drips constantly from the ceiling, adding to the slick and unpredictable gravel floor. Trust me, high-powered lights aren't just recommended; they're essential for survival. The tunnels themselves are narrow, barely wide enough for maintenance vehicles. Motorized access is restricted, but brave mountain bikers and hikers can tackle this legendary route. And then there are the *fenêtres*: massive, unprotected openings in the tunnel walls that offer dizzying views of the turquoise lake hundreds of meters below. No safety glass, no modern railings, just the raw edge of the mountain between you and a serious drop. The main gallery stretches for about 400 meters from the dam crest before spitting you back out into the open air—only to plunge you into more tunnels. The air inside is frigid, even in summer, and the constant dripping creates an eerie echo. A steady hand and a strong stomach are definitely required. Heads up: This is high-altitude territory (almost 2,000 meters!), so the road to the dam and tunnels is usually snowed in during winter. Aim to visit between late June and early October. **Beyond the Dark: The Reward of Pont du Lancet** Made it through the tunnels? The adventure isn't over! The track continues along the lake's eastern shore, leading you to the Pont du Lancet. This bridge connects the lake's shores and marks the transition from dam infrastructure to wild, high-altitude terrain. Getting to the Pont du Lancet is a test of endurance. The path is exposed and prone to rockfalls. The bridge sits in a dramatic basin where glacial meltwater rages below during the spring thaw. It’s the only way to cross and ascend towards the Cabane de Chanrion or circle back along the western bank. The atmosphere here is different. Colder, with the silence broken only by waterfalls. Shadows from the Combin massif mean little sunlight, and ice can linger even in summer. The Pont du Lancet is the ultimate turnaround point, offering a raw, unfiltered glimpse of the Swiss Alps.
hardStrada Militare del Colle della Vecchia is an old military road built in the 1880s
🇮🇹 Italy
# Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia Want to step back in time? The Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia is a beautifully preserved piece of history tucked away in Turin's mountainous backyard. Built way back in the 1880s as a military route, this 10.7 km unpaved trail takes you on an adventure through the Piedmont region, right near the French border in northwestern Italy. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a serious climb. Starting from Strada del Colle delle Finestre (SP172), the road relentlessly ascends toward Cima Ciantiplagna (2,849m) and Colle della Vecchia (2,605m), gaining elevation up to 2,000m. With an average gradient of nearly 11%, your legs will definitely feel this one if you're hiking it. Here's the thing though: motor vehicles have been banned since the end of World War II. The Italian authorities officially deemed it "un-useful and difficult to maintain," so it's been closed to cars ever since. But that's actually part of its charm—the road remains beautifully wild and untouched, with scattered military structures dotting the landscape as reminders of its strategic past. The entire route is unpaved, making it perfect for hikers and mountain bikers seeking an authentic alpine experience without the crowds. Finish your journey near the historic Forte del Gran Serin, and you'll have earned some serious bragging rights.