Where is Refuge du Plan du Lac?
France, europe
15.1 km
2.284 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Alps, Savoie to be exact, heading to Refuge du Plan du Lac. This mountain hut sits way up high at 2,370m (7,775ft) inside Vanoise National Park.
The drive starts in Val-Cenis, winding for 15.1 km (9.38 miles). Most of the road's paved, but get ready for some steep climbs, hairpin turns, and a few bumps along the way. The views just keep getting better and better as you ascend!
Now, heads up, after the parking lot for Refuge - L'auberge de Bellecombe, only authorized vehicles are allowed. Unless you have permission from Vanoise National Park, you'll need to park and hike the final stretch. Bikes aren't even allowed.
But trust me, the views are worth it. The first bit's steep, zigzagging through a sparse forest with killer views of the valley below. Once you're at the refuge, BAM! Panoramic views of Pointe de la Réchasse, Dent Parachée, Grande Casse, and glaciers galore. Don't forget to check out Chapelle Saint-Barthélemy just beyond the refuge. It's a cute little chapel at 2,284m!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2.284 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardLa Raca
🇪🇸 Spain
# La Raca: A Pyrenean Adventure Nestled in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees in Huesca province, La Raca towers at 2,271 meters (7,450 feet) and offers an unforgettable high-altitude experience for the truly adventurous driver. Fair warning: this isn't your typical scenic drive. The route to the summit is a raw, unforgiving ribbon of gravel and rock that'll test your skills and your nerves. Expect steep grades, rutted terrain, and conditions that shift from rocky to downright muddy depending on the weather. Winter? Forget about it—this road becomes virtually impassable when snow and ice move in. This is strictly for experienced off-roaders who know their way around a 4x4. If unpaved mountain roads make you sweat, or if heights aren't your thing, do yourself a favor and skip this one. Wet conditions transform the muddy surface into a genuinely challenging drive, so timing your visit matters. But for those with the skills, the vehicles, and the courage? The Pyrenees reward you handsomely. The remote alpine scenery and sense of accomplishment make every bump and rut worth it.
hardBull Bridge is an old wooden bridge on Ireland's east coast
🌍 Ireland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Ireland's stunning east coast, right near Dublin, and you stumble upon the Bull Bridge – one of the coolest bridges you'll ever see! It's this old-school wooden bridge, affectionately known as the Wooden Bridge, that connects Dublin to North Bull Island in Dublin Bay. Built way back in 1821, it's got a ton of character. Heads up though, it's pretty slender, so stick to cars or vans under 2 tons. Fun fact: they almost tore it down after building the Bull Wall, but the locals loved it so much (think picnics, strolls, and amazing views) that they saved it!
hardIs the road to Colle di Chavannes unpaved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're in the Valle d’Aosta region of Italy, ready for an adventure. You're about to tackle Colle di Chavannes, one of Italy's highest roads, clocking in at 2,608m (8,556ft)! Forget smooth asphalt; this is a proper old-school military road – unpaved, narrow, and seriously steep. We're talking about a 12.2 km (7.58 miles) climb from Strada Statale 26 della Valle d'Aosta (SS26), gaining a whopping 1,003 meters in elevation. That’s an average gradient of 8.22%, so get ready for a workout! But trust me, it's worth it. As you grind your way up, keep an eye out for the old military fortifications carved right into the mountainside. And the summit? Oh. My. Goodness. Prepare for jaw-dropping, panoramic views stretching from the Col de la Seigne to the entire Mont Blanc massif. Seriously, this is Alpine scenery at its finest. Just remember, this isn't a Sunday drive – come prepared for a rugged, unforgettable experience!
moderateWhere is La Cuevona?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through northern Spain, in the Asturias region, near the sweet little town of Ribadesella. You're headed toward Cuevas del Agua, and suddenly...the road disappears into the mouth of a massive cave! This isn't just any cave; it's La Cuevona, a natural wonder about 300 meters long. Forget your average scenic route — this one takes you right through the heart of a mountain, with the Sella river tagging along! The road itself? Well, it's paved, but definitely a bit on the wild side — narrow, twisty, and requires a turnaround at the end. Think orange glow from the tunnel lights, and some pretty awesome rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites all around. It's more than just a drive; it's an experience. Park the car and take a stroll to really soak in the cave's atmosphere. Just watch out for traffic, it can get busy! Seeing nature's art carved into the rocks is truly a sensational experience.