
Where are Gorges de la Blanche?
France, europe
14.9 km
3.8 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Gorges de la Blanche in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of France. This isn't just a road, it's a balcony seat to some serious natural drama! Think a canyon carved by the Blanche river, making for a truly unforgettable drive.
You'll find this gem nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. The road, known as D900C, winds its way alongside the river, taking you on a 14.9 km (9.25 miles) adventure from Espinasses to Selonnet.
Now, let's be real, this road has character. It's paved, sure, but the surface has seen better days. Keep an eye out for rockfalls – nature's little surprises! And speaking of surprises, there are some seriously tight spots, so maybe not the best pick if you get queasy easily. Some parts are only 3.8m high and 9m wide! Expect tunnels, towering cliffs, and quirky roadside pillars.
The road is narrow, and you may need to take turns with oncoming traffic. If you’re up for it, you can head up to the Col de l’Hysope via a narrow road, or take a gravel road up to Col de Cibieres in the Alps. It's all part of the adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 3.8 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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