
Where is Clue de la Roche Percee?
France, europe
24.3 km
1,150 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers, because the Clue de la Roche Percée in southeastern France is calling your name! Think dramatic cliffs, twisting turns, and insane views from one of France's famed "balcony roads."
You'll find this epic gorge—also known as Clue de Taulanne—in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, snuggled in that gorgeous southeastern corner of France.
Yes, you can totally drive it! Hop on the RD4085 (old RN 85) for a ride you won’t soon forget. This stretch is a highlight reel, running between Castellane and Barrême, near Senez. Pro tip: the scenery is mind-blowing, but pulling over for pics is a challenge, so soak it all in as you go!
Clocking in at just over 24 km (15 miles), this route from Castellane to Barrême is a wild one. Expect tight squeezes, endless curves, and some seriously steep sections. You'll climb to 1,150m (3,772ft) at Col des Lèques, where you can reward yourself with a stop at the bar, restaurant, or even the hotel right at the top!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 24.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,150 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardThe Brutal Climb to Peña Escrita in Granada with 27% Gradients
🇪🇸 Spain
# Peña Escrita: Spain's Brutal Mountain Challenge Ready for one of the most punishing climbs in Spain? Peña Escrita, nestled in Granada's stunning Tejeda Mountains, is basically the southern Spain answer to the legendary Angliru—and it absolutely lives up to the hype. This beast of a road climbs 1,175m (3,854ft) and pushes cyclists and drivers to their limits with gradients hitting a jaw-dropping 27%. The 12.7km (7.89 miles) route starts from the A-7 highway and gains a staggering 1,301m of elevation, averaging a brutal 10.24% gradient throughout. What you're dealing with is a fully paved road (though fair warning: some sections are pretty rough), incredibly narrow lanes, and hairpin turns that'll test your nerves. The route winds relentlessly through the mountains as it climbs, with the final couple of kilometers offering slightly easier terrain after the punishing ramps below. Here's the catch: the road is closed for most of the year, so timing is crucial for a visit. But if you make it to the summit? You'll discover the remains of a quirky former zoo, and the views are absolutely incredible. Plus, if you're into paragliding, the peak is a known launching spot for some serious aerial adventures. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's a legitimate test of endurance and skill. Bring your A-game.
extremeHow to get by car to Fortress Sveti Andrija on the Bay of Kotor?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! High above the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, perched at a whopping 2,437 feet, sits the old Austro-Hungarian fortress of Fort St. Andrija. Getting there? That's half the adventure! Forget smooth tarmac—this road is a rugged, unpaved beast. Think narrow tracks originally carved for horses, ridiculously steep inclines, and heart-stopping drop-offs with zero guardrails. Seriously, one wrong move and... well, let's just say you'll be getting a *very* close-up view of the Montenegrin landscape. But here's the deal: if you're brave enough, the views are insane. As you climb above Risan and Perast, the Montenegro coastline unfolds beneath you in all its glory. And the fortress itself? Forget about it! The vista from Sveti Andrija takes in the entire Bay of Kotor, Mount Vrmac, and the Verige Strait. It’s a truly unforgettable European road trip – just be prepared for a wild ride!
hardA scenic road across Piva Canyon in Montenegro
🌍 Montenegro
Get ready for an epic adventure through Piva Canyon! This stunner is tucked away in northwestern Montenegro, practically waving hello to Bosnia and Herzegovina. We're talking the M18, a piece of the E742, and thankfully, it's all paved. You'll be snaking along for about 81.6 km (50.7 miles) from Nikšić up to the Bosnian border, running south-north. But here's the kicker: you're diving into a canyon carved by the Piva River, between mountains like Bioč, Volujak, and Maglić. It’s a whopping 33 km long and can plunge down 1,200 m! Keep your eyes peeled because this beauty comes with a few quirks: there’s a high risk of landslides. The road itself is a masterpiece, clinging to the cliffs and diving through 56 small tunnels. You'll be hugging the shores of Lake Piva, a vibrant green reservoir created by the Mratinje Dam – one of Europe's tallest at 220m (720 ft)! The whole area feels like something out of a fairy tale. Some even whisper that Piva Canyon outshines the famous Tara Canyon! Just remember, keep your eyes on the road (and those other drivers!) while soaking up the extreme beauty!
hardWhere is Goderdzi Pass?
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Goderdzi Pass in Georgia is calling your name! This beauty sits way up high in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, right on the border between Adjara and Samtskhe–Javakheti regions. Think you can just cruise on through? Think again! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The Batumi-Akhaltsikhe road, as it's called, is mostly unpaved. We're talking rugged terrain that practically screams for a high-clearance 4x4. Seriously, leave your low-rider at home, or you'll be in for a slow, bumpy ride with cows, potential landslides, and surprise waterfalls adding to the fun! This 79.4 km (49.33 miles) stretch of wild road connects Khulo in Adjara to Akhaltsikhe in Samtskhe–Javakheti, with the pass itself being the highest point at a cool 2,027m (6,650ft). Word to the wise: winters here are brutal, with snow often making the pass completely impassable. Plan your trip accordingly! But if you're prepared for an adventure, you'll be rewarded with stunning scenery and, at the summit, hotels, restaurants, and even a mosque. Goderdzi Pass is a true taste of Georgia's untamed beauty!