Driving the infamous D220-Les Travers, a French balcony road
France, europe
5.7 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
# Route Departementale 220: France's Jaw-Dropping Mountain Corniche
If you're hunting for one of France's most dramatic scenic drives, head to the Isère department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Route Departementale 220—locals call it Les Travers—is a short but utterly spectacular mountain road that'll have your heart racing for all the right reasons.
This 5.7 km (3.54 miles) ribbon of asphalt winds west to east from D1091 to D213, hugging the mountainside as it makes its way toward Les Deux Alpes. And here's the thing: you'll be driving along a genuine cliff face with nothing but a foot-high wall between you and a absolutely insane drop down to the valley. The views toward Col de Sarenne are seriously stunning.
Now, let's be real—this road is no joke. The most dramatic section is genuinely narrow (we're talking traffic lights at the tightest spots), with single-track portions and overhanging rock that demand serious respect. Heavy vehicles aren't even allowed, which tells you something. It's one of France's most famous balcony roads near Bourg d'Oisans, and for good reason.
Fair warning though: it's busier than you'd expect for such a wild route, so if you were hoping for a peaceful cycling adventure, you might want to look elsewhere. The road typically stays open year-round, but winter snow and falling rocks can force closures, so check conditions before you go.
Ready for the experience? This is balcony driving at its finest.
Where is it?
Driving the infamous D220-Les Travers, a French balcony road is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.6539, 2.2103
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.7 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.6539, 2.2103
Related Roads in europe
hardA brutal road to Col de Lauzun in the French Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Lauzun Picture this: you're perched nearly 2,800 meters up in the French Alps, surrounded by the rugged Massif de la Vanoise range in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Welcome to Col de Lauzun, one of France's most extreme mountain passes. This isn't your typical alpine drive. The 8-kilometer journey from Val Thorens ski resort to Cime de Caron follows an unpaved chairlift service road that's basically only passable if you're rolling in a serious 4x4. Think narrow, rocky terrain with steep ski-piste sections that'll test your nerves—we're talking gradients hitting 30% in places. The surface is slippery and unforgiving, with brutally rough sections that demand respect and skill. The reward? You'll be conquering one of France's highest accessible roads while traversing some genuinely stunning alpine scenery in the southeastern corner of the country. Just keep in mind this is a strictly seasonal adventure. From September through May, the pass is completely impassable, so save this one for the summer months if you're feeling adventurous enough to tackle it.
hardWhere is Col de Pradel?
🇫🇷 France
Alright, adventure junkies, let's talk Col de Pradel! Nestled in the Pyrénées, north of the legendary Pic de Bugarach, this beauty straddles the border between the Ariège and Aude departments. We're talking serious elevation here, people. Clocking in at around 20 km (12.4 miles), this route, also known as the D107 and D25B, takes you from Ascou to Niort-de-Sault. Be warned: the pavement isn't always your friend, and you'll be squeezing through some seriously narrow sections. Plus, with gradients hitting a maximum of 12.9%, your engine's gonna get a workout! Oh, and a heads up: this road is closed during the winter months. But when it's open? Get ready for some jaw-dropping views as you tackle one of the highest paved roads in the Pyrenees!
moderateWhere is LE-CV-192/21 Road?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the heart of the Montes de León mountains in northwest Spain, part of the larger Castilla y León region. This fully paved road, the LE-CV-192/21, is your ticket to seriously stunning views. Just be warned, it's steep – we're talking maximum gradients that'll make your engine work! You'll hit some incredible mountain passes as you climb. Traffic? Almost nonexistent. The road clocks in at a decent length. It's usually open all year, but snow can throw a wrench in things during the winter months, so keep an eye on the forecast. Get ready for some seriously epic scenery.
extremeHow to drive to Colle di Sampeyre in the Cottian Alps?
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle di Sampeyre: Alpine Adventure Awaits Tucked away in Italy's Piedmont region, the Colle di Sampeyre sits pretty at 2,284m (7,493ft) above sea level in the Province of Cuneo. This isn't just any mountain pass—it's one of the highest paved routes you'll find in the Cottian Alps, and boy, does it live up to its reputation. The 33.6 km (20.87 miles) journey from Stroppo to Sampeyre follows the Strada Provinciale 335, serving as the gateway connecting the Varaita and Maira valleys. At the summit, you'll spot where the paved road meets the legendary Strada dei Cannoni, an unpaved ridge road that'll make your heart skip a beat. Here's the thing: don't let that asphalt mislead you. This road is *wild*. The final descent toward Sampeyre is particularly gnarly, with steep grades and crumbling pavement that demand serious respect. You'll need experience and nerves of steel to tackle it safely. But here's what makes it worth it—the views are absolutely insane. From the summit, you're treated to a full 360-degree panorama of the deep, dramatic valleys stretching out below you. The scenery is pure alpine magic, and the road's legendary status speaks for itself. It's been featured multiple times in the Giro d'Italia and remains a bucket-list challenge for hardcore cyclists and drivers seeking that ultimate high-altitude rush, far removed from the usual tourist circuit.