
Where is Combe de la Fayolle?
France, europe
7.6 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in the Isère department of France and you've got a head for heights (and a strong stomach), you HAVE to experience the D211A, also known as the Auris balcony road or Route de la Roche! This isn't just a road; it's an adrenaline-pumping adventure carved right into the mountainside.
Picture this: you're hugging a cliff high above the Romanche valley, driving along a paved but seriously narrow road that stretches for 7.6 kilometers (that's about 4.7 miles) between Auris and Le Bourg-d'Oisans. The views? Absolutely breathtaking! You'll be overlooking the valley and Bourg d’Oisans from way up high.
But hold on tight – this drive isn't for the faint of heart! You'll encounter three super-narrow, unlit tunnels where only one vehicle can squeeze through at a time (honk your horn before entering!). Keep an eye out for rock slides and be prepared for oncoming traffic – locals use this road a lot. Starting your drive from Le Bourg-d'Oisans might give you a slight advantage, as you'll be hugging the hillside, leaving oncoming traffic to navigate the drop. Also, leave those bulky side cases at the hotel – some sections are tight. You'll be sharing the road with trucks, cars, and even cyclists (including kids!), so stay alert!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.6 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
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