The steep narrow road to Lac des Gloriettes
France, europe
2.2 km
1,673 m
moderate
Year-round
# Barrage des Gloriettes: A High-Alpine Adventure in the Pyrenees
Nestled in the Hautes-Pyrénées of southwestern France, Barrage des Gloriettes is a stunning high mountain lake that's absolutely worth the drive—if you're ready for it. Perched at 1,673 meters (5,488 feet) above sea level, this reservoir sits right in the heart of the Pyrenees, that magnificent mountain range straddling the France-Spain border.
The road to get there? It's a thrilling experience. The D922 is paved, but don't let that fool you—it's narrow enough to ban buses and trucks, which tells you something about what you're getting into. What awaits is a jaw-dropping 2.2-kilometer stretch of pure mountain magic, climbing 212 meters with an average gradient of 9.63%. Translation: hairpin turns galore, with virtually every bend offering new vistas of the Cirque d'Estaube unfolding beneath you.
The surface is rough in places, and those hairpins are relentless—this isn't a leisurely cruise. But the payoff is spectacular scenery that'll have you itching to pull over at every turn. Just know that summer is peak season, so the parking lot gets packed with fellow adventure-seekers. Plan accordingly.
One major caveat: this road is typically closed from November through June, so timing is everything. Hit it during the warmer months, and you've got yourself an unforgettable alpine experience.
Where is it?
The steep narrow road to Lac des Gloriettes is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.1960, 2.2259
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,673 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.1960, 2.2259
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Shell Island Causeway?
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Gwynedd, Wales, heading towards Shell Island, home to the UK's biggest campsite. Sounds idyllic, right? But here's the kicker: getting there is an adventure in itself! The road to the island, more of a causeway really, vanishes *twice a day* when the tide rolls in. Seriously, it's underwater! This isn't your average drive. You're crossing the River Artro estuary, and you absolutely HAVE to time it right. Miss the window, and you're stuck waiting for the tide to recede. Tide times change daily, so do your homework! Summer gets crazy busy here, so plan accordingly. Oh, and why "Shell Island?" Because the beaches are *covered* in gorgeous seashells. It's a beachcomber's paradise! Just remember, when that tide comes in, the causeway is gone. Weather can shut it down too, so stay flexible. It's not the steepest road in Wales (that honor belongs to Ffordd Pen Llech!), but it's definitely one of the most unique and tidal!
moderateWhy is it called Grossglockner High Alpine Road?
🇦🇹 Austria
Get ready for a wild ride on the Großglockner-Hochalpenstraße! This Austrian beauty is a 48-kilometer alpine adventure linking Salzburg and Carinthia, named after Austria's highest peak, the majestic Großglockner. Picture this: 36 hairpin turns snaking through the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park. You'll climb to a breathtaking 2,504 meters (8,215 feet) where the views are simply unreal. Want to go even higher? A side road will take you to the Edelweissspitze, the highest point you can drive to on this road, at 2,571m (8,435ft)! Give yourself at least 90 minutes for the drive, but honestly, you'll want to spend the whole day soaking it all in. Keep in mind, this road is typically open from early May to late October, but weather at this altitude can be unpredictable, so check before you go. This historic route follows ancient trails used for millennia and was built in the 1930s. You'll find plenty of places to eat and explore along the way. Just imagine cruising through green pastures and rugged landscapes, surrounded by stunning mountain peaks - it's an unforgettable experience!
hardWhere is Cakor Pass?
🌍 Montenegro
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Čakorpass! This high mountain pass, reaching a lofty 1,844m (6,049ft), sits near the Kosovo border in Montenegro's Plav municipality. Known locally as Prevoj Čakor or Qafa e Çakorrit, it *would* connect the Plav area with Peja/Peć in Kosovo, if it weren't for a little snag. Picture this: the road, opened way back in 1925, snakes for 37.3km (23.17 miles) through the stunning Prokletije mountains, from Murino in Montenegro to Kuqishtë in Kosovo. The Montenegrin side, part of the M9, is mostly paved, so you can tackle it in most cars. Just be warned, it's a narrow, steep climb in places, with gradients hitting a hefty 18%! However, the Kosovan side? That's where the real adventure begins... or ends. It's unpaved and requires a 4x4, but even then, you can't actually complete the crossing because of a tank barrier! Yes, you read that right. So, while Čakorpass offers incredible scenery and a thrilling drive on the Montenegrin side, that international connection remains tantalizingly out of reach. Maybe one day… in the meantime, enjoy the views!
moderateWhere Is Road D914?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for the D914, or as the locals call it, Route d’Espagne! This isn't just any drive; it's a seriously scenic coastal cruise through the Pyrénées-Orientales region of France, right on the Spanish border. Stretching from the Col de Belitres all the way to the charming fishing port of Port-Vendres, this north-south beauty is a feast for the eyes. Think postcard-perfect Mediterranean views, dotted with beaches, hidden bays, and cute little coves. Now, fair warning: this road can get *packed*, especially during those summer months. Keep an eye out for traffic! It also winds its way up a couple of notable climbs, first to Coll de les Fresses (344 feet) and then to Coll dels Belitres (545 feet). Also, heads up – this route can be closed without warning sometimes. But don’t let that deter you – the payoff is SO worth it!