
Where is Col de la Machine?
France, europe
31 km
1,011 m
extreme
Year-round
Cruising through the Drôme department of France? You HAVE to check out the Col de la Machine! This epic mountain pass sits at a cool 1,011m (3,316ft) and is part of the famous balcony roads in the French Alps.
Built way back between 1861 and 1898, this route is legendary and known as the D76. Think sheer drops, short tunnels, and a road carved right into the side of the Vercors massif – it's all about those views (and maybe a little vertigo!).
The road stretches for 31 km (19.26 miles) between Saint-Jean-en-Royans and Vassieux-en-Vercors, running north to south. Picture this: you're driving on a road seemingly etched into towering cliffs, passing through tunnels and natural arches. It's wild! Seriously, pull over and take it all in. The drop is real. Cyclists and motorcyclists, you've been warned! That low wall isn't going to save you, so keep it centered.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 31 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,011 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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