Can you drive through the Calanques de Piana?

Can you drive through the Calanques de Piana?

France, europe

Length

11.1 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Cruising the D81 through the Calanques de Piana on Corsica's west coast? Buckle up for a wild ride! This isn't just a road; it's an 11.1 km (6.89 mile) rollercoaster carved into the island's dramatic landscape between Porto and Piana.

Think hairpin turns and seriously narrow stretches hugging crimson granite cliffs that plunge straight into the turquoise sea. It’s known as one of the great drives of Europe, and for good reason! Erosion has sculpted the rocks into crazy, cool formations – nature's own art gallery.

Word to the wise: this route is popular, especially in summer. Picture tour buses and RVs squeezing through, creating some major traffic snarls. But don't let that deter you. The views are absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset! Just be smart about stopping for photos – don't block the road. The Calanques de Piana is a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason; it's an unforgettable experience, carving through red granite cliffs and spiky outcrops twisted by wind and water. This is a coastal drive you absolutely cannot miss!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
11.1 km
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

Where is Col d'Izoard?moderate

Where is Col d'Izoard?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: the Col d'Izoard. We're talking serious bucket-list material here in the Hautes-Alpes region of France, part of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. You'll find this gem tucked away in the southeastern corner of France, a highlight along the Route des Grandes Alpes. This isn't just any road; it's legendary! The first version was carved out way back in 1710, but the road we know and love today was built between 1893 and 1897. Fully paved as the D902, it winds for almost 20km (12+ miles) between Cervières and Arvieux. Brace yourself – some sections crank up to a 12% gradient! Expect company in the summer months as you wind up. Word of warning: this high-altitude road is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July, so plan your trip accordingly. Okay, so why make the trek? For starters, the views are absolutely insane. You'll transition from lush, green mountains near Briançon to the bizarre, almost lunar landscape of the Casse Deserte as you gain elevation. The rocky scenery at the top is just breathtaking. But the Izoard is about more than just scenery; it's about history! This pass is cycling royalty, famous for its Tour de France moments. A tiny cycling museum awaits you at the summit. And on the southern slope, near the top, you'll find a memorial to cycling legends Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet in the Casse Deserte. Seriously, if you're a cycling fan, this is a pilgrimage.

How to get by car to Madone de Fenestre in the Alpes-Maritimes?moderate

How to get by car to Madone de Fenestre in the Alpes-Maritimes?

🇫🇷 France

Madone de Fenestre is a stunning high mountain chapel perched at 1,904m (6,246ft) in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France, right near the Italian border within Mercantour National Park. The chapel's name comes from a legendary hole in the Cayre de la Madone rock formation behind the building, where the Virgin Mary supposedly appeared. Inside, you'll find an ornate baroque interior that's absolutely jaw-dropping against the raw, rugged mountain landscape surrounding it. This place has serious history. While it may have once been a Roman sanctuary, the Benedictines established the first official structure way back in 887, calling it Our Lady of Grace. Fast forward through some rough patches—Saracen destruction in the 10th century, a rebuild by the Templars in the 13th century, devastating fires in 1456 and 1793—and the sanctuary kept bouncing back. By 1388, it had become a crucial waystation and refuge for travelers crossing between Nice and Piedmont via the Col de Fenestre. The 19th century saw major restoration work, and it officially became French territory in 1947 after the Treaty of Paris. The real treasure inside? A gorgeous 14th-century polychrome Madonna statue carved from cedar of Lebanon that locals and pilgrims from Piedmont absolutely revere. The community celebrates on August 15 and September 8, with the statue even making a ceremonial journey down to Saint-Martin-Vésubie for winter. Ready for the drive? The fully paved M94 road climbs 11.1 km (6.89 miles) from Saint-Martin-Vésubie with 936 meters of elevation gain and an average gradient of 8.43%. Expect plenty of twists, steep sections, and an irregular, relentless climb that'll test your driving skills.

Bocca di Verdia, winding road in Corsicahard

Bocca di Verdia, winding road in Corsica

🇫🇷 France

# Bocca di Verdi: Corsica's Alpine Gateway Perched at 1,289 meters above sea level, Bocca di Verdi (aka Col de Verde) sits right on the border between Corse-du-Sud and Haute-Corse, making it a perfect pit stop if you're road-tripping across Corsica. Fair warning: the D69 road up here is narrow and wonderfully twisty—definitely not a highway cruiser's dream, but all the more fun for it. You've got options depending on where you're starting from. Coming via D69-D344? That's your shortest route at 16.8 km with 619 meters of climbing (averaging 3.7% gradient). If you're based near Guitera les Bains, buckle up for a longer 27 km journey gaining 862 meters, though the gentler 3.2% average makes it feel more manageable. Finally, if Cozzano's your launching point, you're looking at 17.7 km with 562 meters of elevation gain—also a mellow 3.2% grade. Pick your starting point based on where you are and how much of a challenge you're after. Either way, you're in for some brilliant Corsican mountain scenery.

Slea Head Drive is one of Ireland's best coastal routesmoderate

Slea Head Drive is one of Ireland's best coastal routes

🌍 Ireland

Ready for an unforgettable road trip? Head to the western edge of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland, and get ready to be wowed by Slea Head Drive! This loop, starting and ending in the charming town of Dingle, is a coastal adventure you won't soon forget. Just follow the R559 – you can't miss it! But keep your eyes peeled, because some of the best bits require a little detour. This 47 km (30-mile) circuit is paved, but watch out for potholes that add a touch of excitement. Tip: go clockwise to avoid the tour bus traffic, especially during the summer months. Okay, let's be real: this drive is curvy, narrow, and a little nerve-wracking in places. Cliff edges meet the road in several spots, but the views are absolutely worth it! Think dramatic Atlantic vistas, the mysterious Blasket Islands on the horizon, and a rugged coastline draped in emerald green. Cyclists love this route too, and you can rent a bike in Dingle. Imagine a rugged, windswept landscape dotted with hidden coves, pristine beaches, and even a unique religious shrine. The Blasket Islands, just offshore, seem frozen in time. And don't miss the surrounding towns like Dunquin and Ventry! It's easy to see why National Geographic Traveler once called the Dingle Peninsula "the most beautiful place on earth." This place is pure magic, with its lush landscapes, rocky hills, long sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs. It’s a photographer’s dream! To beat the crowds, try exploring Slea Head Drive early in the morning or in the late afternoon/evening. Weekdays are usually quieter too. As part of the Wild Atlantic Way, expect to spend at least three hours soaking it all in, especially if you stop to explore along the way. Even Hollywood has fallen under Slea Head's spell, with films like "Ryan's Daughter," "Far and Away," and "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" using this incredible landscape as a backdrop!