Where is Lac de Roterel?

Where is Lac de Roterel?

France, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,941 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Nestled high in the French Alps, within the stunning La Vanoise National Park near the Italian border, lies the breathtaking Lac de Roterel. This alpine gem sits pretty at a cool 1,941 meters (6,368 feet) above sea level.

Heads up: the route up to this lake is no joke! We're talking about a seriously old-school military road, dating back to the 1910s. You might even spot remains of an old railway line along the way! Forget smooth asphalt; this is an unpaved, bumpy adventure that demands a 4x4.

Think of it as an awesome, rugged alternative to the busy main roads. You'll be traversing an old supply route, passing forts around Mont Cenis, and tackling some seriously tight hairpin turns with cool retaining walls. The road follows a ridge just before the border passes through the small lake. Word to the wise: after you round the lake, the road gets even more challenging! But hey, the scenery is totally worth it.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
1,941 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

Ruta Jubierre: offroad in the Monegros Deserthard

Ruta Jubierre: offroad in the Monegros Desert

🇪🇸 Spain

# Ruta Jubierre Ready for an adventure off the beaten path? Ruta Jubierre is your ticket to exploring one of Spain's most dramatic landscapes. This 18.5 km unpaved track winds through the stunning Monegros Desert in the Sierra de Jubierre range, running north to south from near the small town of Sena to Castejón de Monegros in Huesca, Aragon. This isn't your average Sunday drive—you'll want a 4x4 vehicle to tackle this terrain properly. The desert throws everything at you: scorching summers, freezing winters, and fog that rolls in unexpectedly, so come prepared. But here's what makes it worth it: the views are absolutely breathtaking. The landscape is dotted with impressive tozales—these otherworldly rock monoliths carved out by centuries of wind and weather. Keep your camera ready for Tozal de la Cobeta, Tozales de los Pedregales, Tozal Colasico, Tozal Solitario, Mirador Oriental, and the striking Peña Altar. The route even has several pullouts where you can stop and soak in the panoramic vistas of this otherworldly desert terrain. If you're after raw, untamed natural beauty and don't mind getting a little dusty, Ruta Jubierre delivers the goods.

Puerto del Saucillohard

Puerto del Saucillo

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're in southern Spain, in the heart of Andalucía, ready for an adventure. Set your GPS for Puerto del Saucillo, a peak sitting pretty at 1,204 meters (3,950 feet) in the Málaga province. The road up here? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart! Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps, plus hairpin turns galore. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. Also, keep an eye on the weather – a thunderstorm can turn this track into a 4x4-only zone, or even make it impassable. Even seasoned drivers will find it challenging with all the twists and narrows. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. You'll be treated to incredible vistas of the surrounding mountain villages. Just take it slow, enjoy the ride, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!

Where is Col de Sarenne?extreme

Where is Col de Sarenne?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps in the Isère department, heading for the Col de Sarenne. This baby tops out at a cool 2,004 meters (6,574 feet), nestled in the Rhône-Alpes region, high in the Grandes Rousses massif. There's even a tiny parking lot and a restaurant waiting for you at the summit! Heads up though, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The Route du Col de Sarenne is mostly paved, but it throws in some unpaved sections just to keep you on your toes. The road quality can be rough, especially along the edges. We're talking steep drops, no guardrails, and the kind of narrow sections that make you hold your breath – definitely not for larger vehicles or the faint of heart! A slip-up could mean a 30-meter tumble. But trust me, the views are worth it. Even though you're not far from civilization, it feels remote and quiet, especially with those rough patches. The pass stretches for about 20.9 km (12.98 miles) from Mizoën to Huez, and it's a real leg-burner in places, hitting gradients of up to 14.1%! The Tour de France even tackles this beast. Just a heads-up: this road is usually closed from late October to early June. Plus, it parallels the GR54 hiking trail for a good chunk of the way. So, gear up for an unforgettable Alpine adventure!

Where is Colle Lazzara?extreme

Where is Colle Lazzara?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: You're in Italy's Piedmont region, near Torino, ready to tackle Colle Lazzara, a seriously cool mountain pass. It's also known as Colle Laz Ara, Colle l’Azzara, or Colle La Zará, so you have options! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about an old military road from the early 1700s, stretching about 8.3 km (5.15 miles) from Rivoira to Ruata. The road is unpaved and super narrow, so if you meet another car, someone's backing up. It can get pretty rough, steep, and rocky, especially after it rains, so be prepared. But here's the payoff: The views! You're in the Conca Cialancia Natural Park, and the summit has a small parking area. The pass is at 1,595 m (5,232 ft) above sea level. Plus, it's a historic spot from the early 18th century, so you'll find some cool old military buildings along the way. If you're up for a bit of an adventure and some incredible scenery, Colle Lazzara is definitely worth the trip!