Travel guide to the top of Vallon de la Fournache
France, europe
4.6 km
2,703 m
moderate
Year-round
# Vallon de la Fournache: A High-Alpine Adventure
Tucked away in the Savoie department of south-eastern France, Vallon de la Fournache stands tall at 2,703 meters (8,868 feet) in the heart of the Vanoise massif within the Graian Alps. This peak sits proudly within the Parc National de la Vanoise—one of France's most pristine alpine playgrounds.
Here's the real deal: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. The road to the summit is completely unpaved and strictly 4x4 territory. You'll be following what's essentially a chairlift access trail, meaning you're literally climbing where ski infrastructure leads. The route only really opens up during summer months, so timing is everything.
Starting from the Lac de Plan d'Aval parking lot, you're looking at a 4.6-kilometer ascent that'll gain you a serious 662 meters of elevation. That works out to an average gradient of 14.39%—steep enough to get your adrenaline pumping and your engine working hard. This is genuinely one of the highest drivable roads in the entire country, so you're in rare territory here.
If you've got a capable 4x4, nerves of steel, and you're chasing that ultimate alpine adventure, Vallon de la Fournache delivers the kind of views and thrills that'll stay with you long after the dust settles.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Vallon de la Fournache is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.7546, 0.9927
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,703 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.7546, 0.9927
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Col du Val d'Ese?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Col du Val d'Ese! Nestled in the Corse-du-Sud department of France, high up in the heart of Corsica, this pass is a must-see. You'll find it perched between the Prunelli and Taravo valleys. At the top, there's a ski station to kick off more adventures, and you'll be at the starting point to what some say is the highest road in Corsica! The road itself? It's called D27A, and it's a paved ribbon of twists and turns—think curvy and narrow, not exactly pristine. Starting in Bastelica, you'll embark on a 15 km (9.32 miles) climb, gaining around 930 meters (3,051 feet) in elevation. That's an average gradient of 6.2%! This route provides incredible views of the Gorges de Trente-Pas, and you can visit Sanctuaire de Notre Dame de la Salette. Get ready for some epic scenery!
moderateA Delightful Yet Challenging Road to the Summit of Monte Martello
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Martello If you're craving a serious mountain challenge, Monte Martello delivers in spades. Perched at 2,051m (6,729ft) in South Tyrol's Val Martello region, this pass is no joke—it's the kind of climb that'll test your legs (and your patience). The route stretches 22.7km from Coldrano to Rifugio Nino Corsi, hugging the stunning Zufrittsee-Lago Gioveretto along the way. While most of the road is paved, it's tight and demanding in places, with narrow sections that'll keep you focused. Fair warning: the final 2km transition to gravel, and it's off-limits to regular cars anyway. Here's where it gets gnarly. The average gradient sits around 6.1%, but that doesn't tell the whole story. This climb throws constant curveballs—punchy steep sections mixed with marginally gentler stretches that never let you catch your breath. Those last 1.3km are particularly brutal, with gradients exceeding 10% throughout, and a savage 14% ramp waiting about 1km from the top. It's the kind of irregular, relentless grind that stretches on forever. The Giro d'Italia has tackled this beast multiple times for good reason. While it might not match the raw steepness of Passo dello Stelvio or Passo di Gavia, Monte Martello's length combined with its unpredictable gradient swings make it a genuinely punishing climb that'll stay with you long after you summit.
hardA very steep road (15%) to Ffynnon Llugwy
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, picture this: you're in Snowdonia, Wales, ready for an adventure. You're headed up to Ffynnon Llugwy, a hidden gem of a lake nestled high in the mountains at 554 meters. This isn't just any lake; it's deep, like 45 meters deep, and it sits right at the base of Carnedd Llewelyn. Now, the road to get there… It's paved, sure, but hold on tight. This is a super steep and narrow climb. Think switchbacks and stunning views, if you dare to take your eyes off the road! The power/water company owns it, and it’s not open to all vehicles. The climb kicks off from the A5 and stretches for about 2.54 kilometers. In that short distance, you'll gain 262 meters in elevation – that's an average gradient of over 10%, with some sections hitting a wild 15%! So, get ready for an intense, but totally rewarding, drive to one of the highest and most scenic spots in Wales.
extremeAdventure along the narrow road to Colle di Valcavera
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle di Valcavera Ready for an epic alpine adventure? Colle di Valcavera sits at a seriously impressive 2,416m (7,926ft) in the Province of Cuneo, nestled in Piedmont's northwestern corner near the French border. This 47 km (29.2 miles) road stretches north-south from Ponte Marmora to Demonte, and let me tell you—it's not for the faint of heart. The pavement is fully intact, but it's narrow and occasionally bumpy with rough patches that'll keep you on your toes. What really gets your adrenaline pumping is the relentless series of hairpin curves combined with some seriously steep sections reaching up to 15% gradient. The road's so legendary it's been featured in the Giro d'Italia, and you'll understand why once you start navigating those endless switchbacks. Perched high in the Cottian Alps in the southwestern reaches of the Alps range, this pass offers stunning mountain scenery at every turn. Just keep in mind it's a winter closure zone, so save your visit for the warmer months. Fair warning: this route also connects you to several other challenging passes—Colle del Vallonetto, Colle d'Esischie, and Colle Fauniera—so you could easily string together an entire alpine challenge if you're feeling ambitious.