Where is Clue de Barles?
France, europe
31.7 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in France, north of Digne-les-Bains. You stumble upon the D900A, a completely paved but wild road that snakes its way for almost 20 miles from Digne-les-Bains to Verdaches through the incredible Clue de Barles.
This isn't just any drive; it's a full-on canyon experience carved by the Bès river. Think dramatic views and seriously impressive scenery. The road, also known as Clue de Saint-Clément, is carved right into the mountainside. Be warned, though—"narrow" doesn't even begin to describe some parts!
Keep an eye out for height restriction signs (2.8m to 3.2m) and be aware of potential rock slides. Give yourself about 40-50 minutes to drive it straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 31.7 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Les Détroits?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the Lozère department in France? Then you HAVE to check out Les Détroits! This isn’t just a road, it’s one of those legendary French balcony roads, clinging to the cliffs for dear life. Okay, so where exactly is this slice of driving heaven? Picture the Occitania region, that sun-kissed southern part of France, just north of the ridiculously gorgeous Gorges du Tarn. You’ll find it there! Now, about the road itself – it’s fully paved (phew!), so no need for the off-road vehicle. It's known as D907BIS. But don’t think that means it’s a walk in the park. This road, carved out by the Tarn River, is narrow in spots and features some serious drop-offs. Just a heads up if you're driving something huge – vehicle height is limited to 3.8 meters. This thrilling road is 11.3 km (7.02 miles) of pure adrenaline, stretching east-west from La Malène to Les Vignes. Seriously, cutting into the sides of sheer cliffs, this is an awe-inspiring adventure you won't soon forget!
hardThe breathtaking road to Costila Peak in the Bucegi Mountains
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Vârful Coștila in Romania's Muntenia region – we're heading high into the Prahova County mountains! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about one of the highest points you can reach by road in the whole country, topping out at 2,485 meters (8,152 feet)! You'll find this gem nestled in the heart of the Bucegi Natural Park, and you absolutely can't miss the massive television tower, Releul Coștila, perched right at the summit. This tower is a beast, adding another 84 meters to the height, making it the tallest artificial structure in Romania! Now, getting there is part of the adventure. Forget your sports car because the 8.2 km (5.09 miles) of DJ713 is totally unpaved and seriously steep, gaining 560 meters from where the paved TransBucegi ends. You're looking at an average gradient of 6.82%, so a 4WD is essential. Heads up, this road is usually closed from late October until late June or early July due to snow. In the past, the radio and television relay was guarded by a military unit. Today, access to the relay building is restricted by a fence around the construction.
extremeRotwand
🇩🇪 Germany
# Rotwand: A Bavarian Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious elevation gain? Rotwand is calling your name. This impressive 1,727-meter peak sits in the Miesbach district of Bavaria, making it one of Germany's highest driveable summits and a true gem of the Mangfall Mountains. The route kicks off from the B307 and climbs 11.9 kilometers of pure gravel and rocky terrain straight to the Rotwandhaus mountain refuge. You're looking at nearly 1,000 meters of elevation gain over that distance—we're talking an average gradient of 7.9%, with a particularly gnarly 700-meter stretch that hits 18%. This is no leisurely Sunday drive. Weather and altitude will keep you honest no matter what season you tackle this beast. The combination of steep inclines, rugged road conditions, and unpredictable mountain weather means you need to come prepared. But if you've got the chops for it, the views and that sense of accomplishment at the refuge? Absolutely worth it.
hardBoismint lift
🇫🇷 France
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for a ride up the Boismint lift road in the French Alps! We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 2,671 meters (8,763 feet) above sea level, putting you right in the heart of the Savoie department. You'll find this gem nestled in Val Thorens, Europe's highest resort. Now, don't expect a smooth cruise. This is a gravel road that gets rocky and bumpy in spots. This is a lift access road. Basically, you need to be prepared for some off-road action, and unless you're confident on unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is a must. Oh, and did I mention the steepness? And heights? Yeah, this isn't for the faint of heart! The road is usually closed from October to June because of the snow, but if you hit it right, you're in for some seriously stunning alpine views. Only experienced off-roaders should attempt this one!