Clue du Riolan is a balcony road in France
France, europe
10.2 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
# Clue du Riolan: France's Hidden Canyon Gem
Picture this: you're driving through one of France's most breathtaking canyons in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes. Welcome to Clue du Riolan, a spectacular natural wonder carved by the Riolan River deep into white limestone cliffs in the gorgeous Esteron River Valley, nestled in the southeastern corner of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
The D17 is the tiny thread that winds through this dramatic landscape—and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. This narrow paved road hugs the canyon walls, with sheer drops protected by modest guardrails. The real kicker? Your vehicle can't exceed 3.5 meters in height, and two regular-sized cars simply cannot pass each other. Seriously. This is one of those routes where you'll want to take your time, use those passing spots wisely, and embrace the adventure.
Stretching 10.2 kilometers (6.3 miles) from La Combe (where it connects to the D2211A) all the way to Roquesteron, this route will test your nerves. Watch out for potential rockslides and be prepared for a handful of unlit tunnels—seriously narrow ones carved right into the rock face. The atmosphere is moody, dramatic, and utterly mesmerizing.
This is the kind of road that makes you feel like you've discovered something truly special. Just go slow, stay alert, and prepare for one unforgettable drive.
Where is it?
Clue du Riolan is a balcony road in France is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.2456, 2.7124
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.2 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.2456, 2.7124
Related Roads in europe
moderateMonte Soro: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Soro: A Thrilling Sicilian Summit Drive Ready for some seriously twisty mountain vibes? Monte Soro, perched at 1,848 meters (6,062 feet) in Sicily's Nebrodi mountains, is absolutely worth the drive. This is the kind of road that'll have you gripping the wheel with a huge grin on your face. Starting from Strada Statale 289 at Portella Femmina Morta, you've got a 5.1 km climb ahead of you with 318 meters of elevation gain. Don't let the modest 6.23% average gradient fool you—those hairpin turns are relentless and the narrow asphalt keeps you honest. The pavement's seen better days, but that's all part of the charm, honestly. What makes this drive special? You're surrounded by gorgeous cork oak forests the entire way up, and the landscape colors are absolutely stunning, especially in certain seasons. The summit rewards your efforts with an incredible 360-degree panorama that stretches out in every direction. One heads-up: if you're planning a winter visit between November and April, snow can shut this road down, so check conditions first. Fair warning too—there are TV repeaters at the top, so it's not exactly a pristine wilderness experience at the summit. But yeah, if you love technical driving through beautiful mountain scenery, Monte Soro delivers exactly that. Absolutely worth adding to your Sicilian road trip.
extremeCat and Fiddle Road is the British Widow Maker
🇬🇧 England
Cruising between Macclesfield and Buxton, right in the heart of Cheshire, you'll find the legendary Cat and Fiddle Road. This stretch of the A54 and A537 spans about 10 glorious miles, winding its way from Macclesfield in Cheshire to Buxton in Derbyshire. Picture this: smooth, paved roads climbing high into the Peak District National Park. Built way back in 1823, this route gets its name from the famous pub perched at the summit - supposedly the second-highest in England! Get ready for some elevation, hitting a peak of 1,689 feet above sea level! Those climbs can be steep, with gradients reaching up to 8% in some spots. Expect tight bends, dramatic drop-offs, and charming dry-stone walls lining almost the entire way. While tourists flock here, so do heavy trucks and fast bikes. Winter can be especially tricky, with snow and ice common. It’s got a reputation, alright. This road has seen its share of incidents, earning itself a pretty serious nickname. The speed limit is 50mph, and cameras are in place to keep things in check, especially among motorcyclists. Allow about 20-30 minutes to soak it all in. This stunning (but notorious) drive serves up incredible views across the Greater Manchester area, the Peak District, and the Cheshire Plain, all while navigating a ton of twists and turns. Fun fact: it even made a cameo in the Bond flick, "The Living Daylights"!
hardHow long is D-687 road?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You HAVE to check out the D-687 in Turkey. This beauty stretches for 135 km (that's about 84 miles) from Beyşehir, nestled on the edge of its namesake lake, all the way down to Serik on the Mediterranean coast. Now, here's the deal: it's not ALL smooth sailing. You'll start on paved roads, cruising for about 94 km (58 miles) until you hit Başlar. Then, buckle up for about 31 km (19 miles) of gravel – totally doable in most cars, though! The final 22 km (14 miles) into Serik are paved again, so you get a little bit of everything. Fair warning, though: some sections get seriously narrow, so keep your eyes peeled. Is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be treated to killer coastal views and a climb into the stunning Taurus Mountains. Seriously, this drive is a feast for the eyes. Get ready for some epic photo ops!
hardPasso di Fraele: Driving the historic gravel road near the Swiss border
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Fraele: A High-Alpine Adventure in Lombardy Tucked away in Italy's Lombardy region near the Swiss border, Passo di Fraele sits at a breathtaking 1,955m (6,414ft) and serves as a historic Alpine crossroads. This mountain pass is where Italy meets Switzerland, and the landscape? Absolutely stunning—think turquoise glacial lakes and centuries-old defensive towers that tell stories of mountain heritage. The drive itself is pure gravel adventure. Starting from the famous twin towers of Passo Torri di Fraele, you'll wind your way past the dramatic Lago di Cancano and Lago di San Giacomo—massive turquoise reservoirs that dominate the entire valley. The road is well-maintained and totally doable in a regular 2WD vehicle with decent clearance, but come prepared. Washboarding, ruts, and dusty conditions are part of the experience, especially after rain or during dry summer months. Your car needs to be in good shape, and you'll want to take it slow. Here's where it gets interesting: timing is everything. The pass closes from November to June thanks to serious snowfall, but that's not the only restriction. During peak summer season, the road closes to motorized traffic from 9 AM to 7 PM—this is prime time for hikers and cyclists. So if you want to drive it, plan for early morning or evening adventures. It's a small price to pay for the experience. The real challenges? Weather and altitude. Sudden storms roll in fast and turn that gravel into a technical playground. The isolation on the northern side means there are zero services nearby, so fill up your fuel tank and bring water. But for those willing to respect the mountain and its rules, this is an unforgettable high-altitude drive through one of Europe's most dramatic landscapes.