Where is Lac de Céma?

Where is Lac de Céma?

France, europe

Length

0.9 km

Elevation

2,745 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Lac de Céma – we're talking a seriously stunning high-altitude lake at 2,745m (that's over 9,000 feet!) nestled way up in the French Alps, in the Savoie department. You'll find it in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, practically spitting distance from Italy.

The road to get there? It's a quick jaunt, only about 900m (just over half a mile), leading you right to a parking area by La Cascade restaurant. And get this – it’s one of the highest roads in France.

Heads up though, it's called Chemin du Pissaillas, and while it’s mostly paved, be prepared for some serious potholes from all that snow. Want to go even higher? There's a dirt track that heads west, climbing to a whopping 2,793m!

Because it's so high up in the Graian Alps, this road is strictly a summer affair, usually open from May/June to October. Get ready for some insane scenery, though – this is one alpine drive you won't forget! Just imagine the views...

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
0.9 km
Max Elevation
2,745 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

A paved road to Chalet Hotel du Gioberney in the heart of the Ecrins Parkhard

A paved road to Chalet Hotel du Gioberney in the heart of the Ecrins Park

🇫🇷 France

# Chalet Hôtel du Gioberney: A Mountain Adventure Worth the Drive Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, Chalet Hôtel du Gioberney sits at a breathtaking 1,649 meters (5,410 feet) within the stunning Cirque du Vaccivier. This historic refuge, built back in 1942, is nestled right in the heart of Écrins National Park and has become the go-to launching point for serious hikers exploring the region. Getting there is half the adventure. The road to the refuge—D480T—is fully paved but don't let that fool you. It's narrow, winding, and includes some seriously steep sections that climb up to 10%. Starting from the N85 near Saint-Jacques-en-Valgodemard, you're looking at a 26.2-kilometer (16.27-mile) drive with a 784-meter elevation gain. The average gradient sits at about 3%, but those final stretches? They'll get your heart pumping. Here's the real talk: fuel up at the petrol station at the valley entrance because the refuge is roughly 30 km away, and options are non-existent once you head up. The last section is actually off-limits to private vehicles anyway, so plan accordingly. This is serious Alpine territory. Winter brings heavy snowfall and seasonal closures, so time your visit carefully. Rockslides are also a hazard to keep in mind. But if you manage to tackle this road in good conditions, you'll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular mountain scenery France has to offer.

Taking on the Twists and Turns of Gorges de la Mesclamoderate

Taking on the Twists and Turns of Gorges de la Mescla

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Alpes-Maritimes in southeastern France, wind in your hair, ready for an adventure. You're about to hit the M2205, aka Route de la Vallee de la Tinée, a totally paved road that snakes through the Gorges de la Mescla – a ridiculously scenic canyon carved by the Tinée river. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking countless tunnels punched right through the rock, and views for days as you gaze down at the emerald river far below. The whole thing stretches for about 24 km (15 miles) from Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée up to the Grenoble road (M6202). Now, be warned: this route features a serious "balcony road" section, a narrow lane clinging to the side of sheer cliffs. It's not for the faint of heart, especially if you're afraid of heights! Just imagine what it was like before they put up the barriers... This road used to be an old military road to Fort de Dormillouse!

Montescuro Sila Passhard

Montescuro Sila Pass

🇮🇹 Italy

# Passo di Montescuro Sila Nestled in the stunning Calabria region of Southern Italy, Passo di Montescuro Sila sits at a pretty impressive 1,618 meters (5,308 feet) above sea level. This is one of those passes that'll really test your driving skills—and your car's engine! The route up is via Strada Provinciale 256, a paved road that sounds innocent enough until you hit those genuinely brutal steep sections. We're talking grades up to 14.5% here, so don't expect a leisurely cruise. Your knuckles might be white gripping that steering wheel, but that's half the fun, right? The pass connects some seriously scenic territory in Southern Italy's mountainous backbone. The twisting, winding nature of the road means every switchback reveals a new perspective of the landscape, making this a memorable drive for anyone who loves a proper mountain challenge. This isn't your typical highway—it's the kind of road that separates the casual drivers from those who actually enjoy the art of driving. Come prepared with decent brakes, a full tank, and respect for the elevation.

Where is Velické Pleso?hard

Where is Velické Pleso?

🌍 Slovakia

Okay, picture this: you're in Slovakia's Prešov Region, heading towards the majestic High Tatras. Your destination? The incredible Velické Pleso, a stunning mountain lake shimmering at 1,670 meters! The journey starts in Gerlachov, and from there it's a 7-kilometer climb that will test your driving skills! This recently paved road throws everything at you: seriously steep sections, a relentless 682-meter elevation gain, and no less than eight hairpin turns! It’s a proper challenge, but trust me, the views are worth it. As you ascend, prepare to be blown away by the scenery. This is one of those drives where you’ll want to stop every few minutes to soak it all in. And the prize at the top? The Horský Hotel ‘Sliezsky dom’, Slovakia’s highest mountain hotel! Keep in mind, though, that the road, while usually open year-round, can be temporarily closed in winter due to crazy weather. Also, there's a barrier now, so access is mainly for hotel guests with parking reservations. Just make sure to give the hotel reception a heads-up before you drive up, and you'll be fine!