D29 is a scenic balcony road in the Alpes-Maritimes
France, europe
14.3 km
795 m
hard
Year-round
# D29: The Alpine Balcony You Need to Drive
Looking for one of France's most stunning mountain drives? The D29 is a gem that connects the quaint villages of Guillaumes and Valberg in the Alpes-Maritimes, and honestly, it's an absolute must-do if you're exploring southeastern France.
This scenic 14.3 km stretch winds through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and climbs nearly 900 meters as it takes you from the charming village of Guillaumes (795m elevation) up to the alpine beauty of Valberg (1,672m). The journey is short but packed with drama—think narrow, winding sections, 13 hairpin turns that'll keep your palms slightly sweaty, and tunnels that add an extra layer of adventure to your drive.
Starting in Guillaumes, you're at the gateway to Mercantour National Park, nestled in the stunning Var River valley. From there, the road climbs relentlessly toward Valberg, tucked into the magnificent Mercantour Massif. The whole route is fully paved, but don't let that fool you—it's genuinely thrilling with its tight curves and steep sections.
The best part? Valberg sits just an hour from the French Riviera, making this an incredible addition to any Nice-area road trip. It's the kind of drive that makes you feel alive—mountains, switchbacks, and some seriously breathtaking Alpine scenery all rolled into one unforgettable experience.
Where is it?
D29 is a scenic balcony road in the Alpes-Maritimes is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.6966, 1.8425
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 795 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.6966, 1.8425
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