Where is Plateau de Bure?

Where is Plateau de Bure?

France, europe

Length

10.3 km

Elevation

2,560 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
10.3 km
Max Elevation
2,560 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

Where is Cime de Sistron?hard

Where is Cime de Sistron?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're in the Alpes-Maritimes in sunny France, practically spitting distance from Italy, ready for an adventure. You're headed up to Cime de Sistron, a seriously high peak in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Now, fair warning, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget smooth tarmac – this is a proper, unpaved service road that climbs steeply to the top. It’s a good workout for your vehicle! How long is this rugged climb? It stretches for a bit, gaining a lot of elevation along the way – so buckle up! Plus, being smack-dab in the Parc national du Mercantour, you can bet your bottom dollar that this road is a no-go in winter. Snow + high altitude = closed. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. From the summit, you get these crazy panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can even spot the shimmering Mediterranean Sea in one direction and the iconic peaks of the Northern Alps (think Viso, Matterhorn, Grand Combin) in the other. It's one of those views that just sticks with you!

How long is the Goldeck Panorama Road?moderate

How long is the Goldeck Panorama Road?

🇦🇹 Austria

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Carinthia, Austria, and you stumble upon the Goldeck-Panoramastraße. This isn't just any road; it's a 14.5km (9-mile) ribbon of pure driving bliss that winds its way from Zlan up to Parkplatz Seetal, perched at a cool 1,895m (6,217ft). Think incredible views of the Carinthian mountains and valleys – seriously, bring your camera! This paved road is generally open from May to October, but keep in mind those dates can shift. You'll want to hit it between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm to make the most of the daylight. The drive itself? Super pleasant, with about 10 hairpin turns to keep things interesting and a max gradient of 10%. In about 15-25 minutes you'll be at the top. From the parking lot, you can see the Staff summit, the Gailtal Alps, and the Karawanken. Just remember, it can get chilly up there, so pack accordingly!

Unterer Bockhartseehard

Unterer Bockhartsee

🇦🇹 Austria

# Unterer Bockhartsee: Alpine Adventure Awaits Tucked away in Austria's Salzburg region, the Unterer Bockhartsee sits pretty at a lofty 1,869 meters (6,131 feet) in the stunning High Tauern mountains. Getting there? That's where the real adventure begins. This is a gravel and rocky route that'll test your driving skills—expect a bumpy, tippy ride that demands respect. The road climbs steeply, so you'll definitely feel the elevation gain in your bones. Only attempt this between July and September when the weather cooperates; winter snow and ice shut things down from October through June. Here's the real talk: this isn't for everyone. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, skip it. Nervous about heights? Not the drive for you. But if you're an experienced mountain driver who loves a challenge, you're in for an incredible ride. Fair warning though—rainy days turn this trail into a muddy slog, so check the forecast before you head out. The payoff? Breathtaking alpine scenery and the satisfaction of conquering one seriously wild mountain road. This is the kind of drive that reminds you why you fell in love with exploring in the first place.

A journey through the legendary Strada degli Scarubbihard

A journey through the legendary Strada degli Scarubbi

🇮🇹 Italy

# Strada degli Scarubbi: A WWI Mountain Adventure Want to experience a piece of Alpine history? The Strada degli Scarubbi winds through the Vicentine Alps along the border between Veneto and Trentino-South Tyrol. This 10.5km gem starts at Passo Xomo (1,058m) and climbs to Rifugio Generale Achille Papa at a breathtaking 1,928m—a road built by the Italian Army in 1915 that's packed with dramatic stories and even more dramatic views. Here's the thing about this route: it's not for the faint of heart. Originally carved as a military mule track during WWI, soldiers had to navigate it under cover of darkness to dodge Austrian artillery fire. They even developed sneaky tactics like stopping on blind curves to avoid enemy targeting. Pretty intense stuff. The drive itself is a masterclass in mountain road engineering. You'll start with a steady 10% climb through tarred natural surface, then hit the standout section—a flat stretch carved dramatically into the rock face with stunning spire views. This beautiful section is also the trickiest; spring rains often trigger small landslides, keeping it genuinely challenging. The final push to the summit winds through demanding switchbacks with seriously impressive alpine scenery. Fair warning: expect wild temperature swings as you climb. The northern exposure means it's basically impassable in winter and early spring. The real shocker? Many visitors say you can't experience this place just once—it demands a return visit. Now closed to regular traffic (accessible only to refuge managers), the road still attracts serious mountain bikers and hikers drawn to its rare combination of WWI history, rugged beauty, and pure mountain adventure.