
Where is Plateau de Bure?
France, europe
10.3 km
2,560 m
moderate
Year-round
Wanna feel like you're driving on the moon? Head to Plateau de Bure in the Hautes-Alpes department of France! Perched way up high at 2,560m (8,398ft), this remote plateau is home to some serious radio astronomy gear.
You'll find it nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. It's where the NOEMA interferometer hangs out, with its ten giant antennas scanning the skies.
Now, about getting there... the road is a wild 10.3 km (6.4 miles) stretch of unpaved terrain that kicks off from Le Pré. Think lunar landscapes, killer panoramic views of the Vercors and Écrins massifs, and an adventure only suitable for 4x4s. Built back in the late 80s, this road is usually snowed in during winter, so plan accordingly. Keep in mind that private vehicles are not allowed to drive to the plateau.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,560 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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