Where is Col de la Chambotte?
France, europe
7.2 km
650 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Col de la Chambotte in the Savoie region of France! This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll find this gem nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, a 7.2km (4.47 miles) stretch of pure driving bliss (and a little bit of terror!).
The Route de la Chambotte (D991B) is paved, but don't let that fool you. This road, topping out at 650m (2,132ft), is known for its "balcony" sections — think narrow, winding stretches clinging to the mountainside, with some unlit tunnels thrown in for good measure. Oh, and did I mention sections with limited or no guardrails running right above the lake? Yeah, it's that kind of ride.
But the views? Absolutely incredible! You'll be treated to stunning panoramas of Lac du Bourget, France's largest natural lake, glimmering with clear turquoise waters. This glacial lake is framed by mountains, making for a breathtaking backdrop as you navigate this precarious (but unforgettable) road. It runs roughly north-south, connecting Chindrieux to Saint-Germain-la-Chambotte. Get ready for a truly unique experience!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 650 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow to get by car to Lago di Lei?
🇮🇹 Italy
# Lago di Lei: A High-Alpine Adventure Nestled at 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) above sea level, Lago di Lei is a stunning artificial lake straddling the Switzerland-Italy border. It sits in the heart of Valle di Lei, where the Italian Province of Sondrio meets Switzerland's Grisons region—though here's the quirky part: while the lake itself is mostly in Italy, Switzerland actually controls the whole thing. Back in the 1950s, the Swiss pulled off an impressive border adjustment to ensure the dam would sit on their territory, making it perfect for hydroelectric power generation. The dam itself was built between 1957 and 1962. Getting there is a scenic 15.2-kilometer (9.44-mile) drive starting from Avers, winding through some seriously dramatic alpine landscape. The road is fully paved, though you'll hit some rougher patches depending on maintenance conditions. Fair warning: the route includes several tunnels, and the final one is a doozy—it's quite long with traffic lights controlling flow. If you're planning an evening trip, note that this last tunnel closes daily from 10 PM to 5 AM, so time your visit accordingly. Once you arrive, the road ends right on the dam itself, where a spacious parking lot awaits. The whole area is surrounded by towering peaks and wonderfully remote valleys—perfect for a true mountain escape.
hardCan you drive through Clue du Pérouré?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southeastern France, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to be exact, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. You stumble upon Clue du Pérouré, a dramatic canyon road that's basically a super scenic balcony carved into the mountainside. This isn't just any drive; it's an adventure! The D900A, as it's known, follows the canyon carved by the Le Bes river and is paved, but don't let that fool you. This route is seriously narrow in spots, like, hold-your-breath narrow. Keep an eye out for the height restrictions (ranging from 2.8m to 3.2m) and the potential for rock slides – Mother Nature keeps things interesting here. This epic drive stretches for about 31.7 km (almost 20 miles) through the Bès valley, heading south-north from Digne-les-Bains to Verdaches. Budget around 40-50 minutes to soak it all in without stopping. Trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment!
hardIs the EM-508 Road paved?
🇵🇹 Portugal
Hey fellow adventurers! Ready for an epic Portuguese road trip? Then you HAVE to check out the EM-508 in the Coimbra district. This baby clocks in at around 40 km (25 miles), winding its way north to south from the N-230 (near Santa Ovaia) to the M543 (near Teixeira). Now, fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. Expect some seriously narrow and curvy sections clinging to the mountainside, and yeah, there are a few unprotected drop-offs to keep your eyes peeled. Plus, keep an eye on the weather, because landslides, ice, or snow can shut this beauty down. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! You'll be driving through some seriously stunning scenery, and you absolutely HAVE to check out Piódão, one of Portugal's most iconic slate villages, with its incredible traditional architecture. This whole area is a hiker's paradise, thanks to the famous Aldeias do Xisto (slate villages). Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
hardWhere is Colle Cologna?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Colle Cologna in Italy's Piedmont region is calling! Think epic mountain vibes about 100 km southwest of Turin and 40 km west of Cuneo, practically spitting distance from France. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a roughly 23.5 km (14.60 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated, unpaved road, winding its way from Gias Bandia to Acceglio. This old military track is rough, rugged, and ready to test your mettle. Expect narrow squeezes, dust devils dancing in your rearview, hairpin turns that'll make your palms sweat, and a few dramatic drops to keep you honest. And hey, if you're into history, keep an eye out for the eerie abandoned military barracks along the way. Colle Cologna isn't just a drive; it's an experience!