A wild paved road through Gorges de la Jonte in Occitania
France, europe
90 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# Gorges de la Jonte
If you're looking for a seriously stunning drive through southern France, the Gorges de la Jonte should be on your bucket list. This breathtaking canyon, carved out by the Jonte River, stretches across the Occitania region, straddling the Lozère and Aveyron departments with the river itself marking the border between them.
The whole drive is absolutely spectacular — we're talking dramatic cliffs and steep, forested slopes that tower up to 450 metres above you. It's the kind of scenery that'll have you reaching for your camera at every turn.
The good news? The entire 21.5 km (13.35 miles) stretch is fully paved, running east-west from Meyrueis to Le Rozier along the D996 road. But here's the thing — this isn't a straightforward cruising kind of route. The road is seriously curvy and there's a genuine risk of rockslides, so you'll want to stay sharp. The speed limit is 90 km/h for a reason, and larger vehicles really aren't ideal for this one.
If you're planning to visit between November and March, make sure you've got winter chains in your vehicle — it's mandatory and absolutely essential given the terrain. But honestly? Winter or summer, this canyon drive is an unforgettable experience that'll remind you why France's back roads are absolutely world-class.
Where is it?
A wild paved road through Gorges de la Jonte in Occitania is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.1270, 4.4484
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 90 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.1270, 4.4484
Related Roads in europe
moderateThe Wild Road to Selleries Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Selleries: A Mountain Adventure in Northwestern Italy Tucked away in the Metropolitan City of Turin, near the French border, Rifugio Selleries sits pretty at 2,023m (6,637ft) in the stunning Piedmont region. This relatively new refuge—opened in 2006—is a year-round gem nestled within Parco Naturale Orsiera Rocciavrè, where alpine meadows and dramatic ravines create an unforgettable landscape. Getting there is half the fun. Starting from Strada Provinciale 23 del Colle di Sestriere (just south of Fenestrelle), you've got a 12.9km (8.01 miles) drive ahead. The journey begins on smooth asphalt with a series of sweeping bends as you steadily climb toward the old Agnelli Sanatorium. After a couple more curves, things level out briefly—but don't get too comfortable. At the Forte turnoff, keep your eyes peeled for the Selleries Refuge crossroads and hang a right. Here's where it gets real: that final 5km transitions to dirt track, and the ascent in the middle section is no joke. This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive—it demands respect and attention. But push through, and you'll be rewarded with mountain air, alpine scenery, and a refuge that feels like a proper adventure destination rather than just another pit stop.
extremeWhere is Punta Sa Berritta?
🇮🇹 Italy
Ready for an Italian adventure? Head to the Gallura region of Sardinia and set your sights on Punta Sa Berritta (aka Punta Balestreri or Mount Limbara). This peak, in the province of Sassari, might not be the tallest at 1,362m (4,469ft), but it sure makes an impression! At the top, you'll find a unique mix: an Italian Air Force military complex, a heliport, and a bunch of TV towers. But it's the natural scenery that steals the show. Think rocky summits sculpted by ages of wind and weather into bizarre shapes. This spot overlooks the stunning Costa Smeralda and is a magnet for cyclists from across Europe. The road up, Strada Provinciale 51 (SP51), is a bit of a wild ride. It's paved, but not exactly smooth. Expect narrow sections, no central lines, a bumpy surface, and lots of hairpin turns. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden bumps that can be tricky to dodge. The climb starts from Strada Statale 392 and stretches for 10.6 km (6.58 miles), gaining 775 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 7.31%, so get ready for a workout! Keep in mind that this is a mountain road, so chains or snow tires might be a good idea in winter. Snowfall isn't usually too heavy, but the weather can definitely throw you a curveball.
hardIs Alto de São Macário paved?
🇵🇹 Portugal
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits in Central Portugal! We're heading to Alto de São Macário, a sweet mountain peak sitting pretty at 1,052m (3,451ft). Nestled in the Maciço da Gralheira mountains, this climb is a real treat. The road, known as CM1123, is paved all the way but hold on tight — it's narrow and seriously steep in sections. From the south side, you're looking at a 9.3 km (5.77 miles) push uphill, gaining 812 meters in altitude. That means you'll be grinding up some sections with a crazy 14% gradient and averaging around 8.73% overall. But trust me, it's worth it! At the top, you'll find a monastery (Santuario de São Macário) and some communications towers, but the real reward is the view. On a clear day, it's absolutely stunning. Just a heads up, if you're prone to car sickness, maybe pack some ginger snaps!
extremeWhere is Col d'Andrion?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for Col d'Andrion, a seriously stunning (and slightly scary) mountain pass tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes region of France! We're talking Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur scenery at its finest as you climb from the Vésubie River valley to the Tinée River valley. The D332 is your path, and yes, it's paved. But don't let that fool you! This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. Think narrow, like "hope you don't meet another car" narrow. Add in some potholes for good measure, and a climb that maxes out at a butt-clenching 13.3% grade, and you've got yourself an adventure! The road stretches for about 19.7 km (12.24 miles) from La Tour to Les Granges de la Brasque. And speaking of Les Granges de la Brasque, at the top, you'll find an old military camp. So, yeah, this drive is all about the views, the challenge, and a little bit of history thrown in for good measure. Not for the faint of heart, but totally worth it for the bragging rights!