Clue de Barles is a French balcony road

Clue de Barles is a French balcony road

France, europe

Length

31.7 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Clue de Barles: A Thrilling Canyon Drive in French Provence

Ready for one of France's most breathtaking scenic routes? Head to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in southeastern France, just north of Digne-les-Bains, where you'll find the jaw-dropping Clue de Barles canyon.

This 31.7 km (19.69 miles) paved roller coaster—also called Clue de Saint-Clément—winds through a stunning gorge carved out by the Le Bes river. The road (D900A) snakes its way north from Digne-les-Bains to Verdaches, and trust us, this isn't your typical cruise down a mountain pass.

**What to expect:** This drive is seriously intense. The road is carved directly into the mountainside, and in places, it gets brutally narrow. You'll spot warning signs about height restrictions ranging from 2.8m to 3.2m—yeah, some sections are tight. Rock slides are a real hazard here, so stay alert and respect the canyon's temperamental nature.

Nestled in the Bès valley, just north of Clue du Pérouré, this route demands your full attention. Most drivers take 40-50 minutes to complete it without stops—though honestly, you'll probably want to pull over for photos because the views are absolutely spectacular.

If you love roads that make your heart race and leave you with unforgettable memories, Clue de Barles belongs on your bucket list.

Where is it?

Clue de Barles is a French balcony road is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.7625, 2.2023

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Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
31.7 km
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
45.7625, 2.2023

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