Clue de la Roche Percee is a French balcony road
France, europe
24.3 km
1,150 m
hard
Year-round
# Clue de la Roche Percée: A Canyon Drive Through the French Alps
If you're hunting for one of France's most thrilling scenic drives, look no further than the Clue de la Roche Percée in Southeastern France. This iconic canyon road—also called the Clue de Taulanne—sits in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, nestled in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur area.
The fully paved RD4085 (formerly the Route Napoléon's main artery) stretches 24.3 km (15.09 miles) between Castellane and Barrême, weaving through some seriously dramatic landscapes. Towering cliff walls and gorges frame every twist and turn, creating views that'll make your jaw drop—though fair warning: finding a safe spot to snap photos is basically mission impossible on this one.
What makes this drive unforgettable? The constant switchbacks, steep sections, and the sheer beauty of navigating through a narrow canyon with dramatic rock formations on either side. You'll climb steadily as you head north, eventually reaching Col des Lèques at 1,150m (3,772ft), where you can actually catch your breath at the summit's bar, restaurant, and hotel.
This is legitimate balcony-road territory—the kind of drive that gets your heart racing and reminds you exactly why road trips through the Alps are absolutely worth it. Just go in with plenty of attention, respect the curves, and prepare to be amazed.
Where is it?
Clue de la Roche Percee is a French balcony road is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.9665, 2.7723
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 24.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,150 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.9665, 2.7723
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