
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
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