You'll never forget the road to Lac de Cema
France, europe
0.9 km
2,745 m
moderate
Year-round
# Lac de Céma: Alpine Adventure at the Top of France
Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, near the Italian border, Lac de Céma sits at a breathtaking 2,745 meters (9,005 feet) above sea level. This stunning high-altitude lake is nestled in the heart of the Graian Alps within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
The journey here starts from Col de l'Iseran—yes, that's the legendary "King of the Alps"—where you'll take the Chemin du Pissaillas for just 900 meters (0.55 miles) to reach the lake. It's a short but scenic drive that ranks among France's highest roads, ending at a spacious parking lot near La Cascade restaurant, the perfect spot to grab a bite after your climb.
Fair warning: the road is mostly paved, but Mother Nature hasn't been kind to it. Heavy snow takes its toll, leaving the surface pretty potholed and rough in places. If you're feeling adventurous, an unpaved track climbs even higher to the west, reaching 2,793 meters (9,163 feet) for those seeking extra elevation bragging rights.
The catch? This road is strictly a summer affair, typically open from May or June through October, so plan your visit accordingly. But when conditions are right, the alpine scenery and crisp mountain air make every bump worth it.
Where is it?
You'll never forget the road to Lac de Cema is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.9509, 2.4562
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 0.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,745 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.9509, 2.4562
Related Roads in europe
hardThe road to Crete de la Pendine is not for the faint of heart
🇫🇷 France
# Crête de la Pendine Want to experience one of France's most thrilling mountain drives? Head to the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France, where you'll find Crête de la Pendine towering at 2,705m (8,874ft) – seriously one of the highest roads you can drive in the country. This isn't your typical scenic cruise. Starting from Station 1600, the 6.7 km (4.16 miles) route to the summit is pure adrenaline. We're talking a completely unpaved chairlift access trail that's brutally steep and narrow, with a punishing 14.92% average gradient and 1,000m of elevation gain. Yeah, your brakes will be working overtime. Nestled in the Massif des Écrins of the French Alps, this adventure is strictly a summer-only affair – and you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle it. But if you're up for the challenge and your vehicle is up to spec, you'll be rewarded with some absolutely spectacular alpine scenery.
hardHow long is the road from Leptokarya to Karya?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about the wild road winding between Leptokarya and Karya, nestled between Larissa and Pieria in sunny Greece. This fully paved route clocks in at around 25 km (or 16-ish miles), and trust me, every kilometer is an adventure. We're talking hairpin turns galore – I honestly lost count after 30! And hold on tight, because there aren't many guardrails between you and some seriously steep drops. You'll be tackling some serious inclines too, with gradients hitting almost 20% in places! But it's not just about the adrenaline. You'll be climbing high, too and you may feel as if you're rolling uphill as you traverse the Livethra Magnetic Field Gravity Hill. Is it magnetic? Is it an optical illusion? All I know is that cars – and even people – seem to defy gravity there. Head over early or late in the day to catch the best light and soak in the weirdness!
moderateHow long is the North Coast 500?
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: the North Coast 500 (NC500) in the *stunning* north Highlands of Scotland! Think fairytale castles, sugar-white beaches, and ruins whispering stories of old. They call it Scotland's "Route 66", and it's a 516-mile loop of pure, paved road trip bliss hugging the coastline. Honestly, you'll probably clock way more miles with all the detours you’ll want to take! Your adventure kicks off and wraps up in Inverness, the Highland capital. From there, you'll cruise through charming towns like Torridon and Ullapool, hit the northernmost points in Caithness and John o' Groats, then swing back south via Dingwall. So, how long should you set aside? At least 5-7 days to really soak it all in. Get ready for a rollercoaster of ruined castles, pristine beaches, and shimmering lochs, all stitched together by dramatic cliffs and postcard-perfect villages. Highlights? Where do I even begin? The *entire* NC500 is a visual feast, with jaw-dropping mountains and tranquil lochs at every turn. But definitely hit up John O'Groats (the UK's most northerly point), the cozy village of Ullapool, and that seriously steep road leading to Cairngorm Mountain – the UK's steepest! When's the best time to go? Each season brings its own magic! Spring and autumn are fab – decent light, mild weather, fewer crowds, and landscapes bursting with color. Winter is straight-up postcard material with snowy peaks, but be warned – roads can get dicey. Summer's the warmest, but brace yourself for tourists and those pesky midges (think tiny, annoying mosquitoes). Best way to tackle it? A motorhome gives you ultimate freedom to pull over and camp wherever your heart desires. But cars, motorcycles, even bikes work too – just factor in extra time. What else to expect? Keep an eye out for single-track roads with passing places (you'll get the hang of it!), and be aware that internet can be spotty in the north. But mostly, just prepare for wildly changeable weather, the warmest welcomes from the locals, and scenery that will absolutely blow your mind!
hardFurggen
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! High up in the Valle d'Aosta region, nestled between Italy and Switzerland, you'll find Furggen peak. We're talking a whopping 2,949 meters (9,675 feet) above sea level - seriously high! Forget smooth asphalt, this road is all about the rugged stuff. Think rocky gravel tracks that double as a chairlift access trail for the Cervinia ski resort. And when I say steep, I mean *steep*. Loose stones under your tires and gradients hitting up to 30% in places? You bet. The window to tackle this beast is super tight – late August, if you're lucky. Oh, and did I mention the wind? It's a constant companion up here, howling year-round. Even in summer, you could be battling snowy conditions. Winter? Let's just say you'll need some serious thermal gear. But the views, people, the views! The Matterhorn lords over everything, offering incredible, ever-changing perspectives with every twist and turn. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!