Where is Combe de la Fayolle?

Where is Combe de la Fayolle?

France, europe

Length

7.6 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

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!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
7.6 km
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

Nedeiahard

Nedeia

🇷🇴 Romania

Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let's talk about the Nedeia Pass in Romania, straddling Vâlcea and Gorj counties. This baby climbs up to a whopping 2,085 meters (that's 6,840 feet!), making it one of the highest roads you'll find in the country. Now, don't get any ideas about cruising in your grandma's sedan. This is a gravel road, and it's bumpy. Plus, being so high up, it gets hammered with snow in the winter, so it might be closed without warning. Seriously, come prepared. You'll absolutely need a 4x4. And if it's rained recently? Forget about it – things get tricky with the loose gravel. Do your homework, pack right, and you might just have an unforgettable (and safe!) trip.

A very bumpy, grueling road to Collardente Passhard

A very bumpy, grueling road to Collardente Pass

🇮🇹 Italy

# Passo di Collardente: A Alpine Adventure on the Border Nestled in the Maritime Alps at a breathtaking 1,617 meters (5,305 feet), the Passo di Collardente sits right on the Italy-France border and delivers some seriously stunning views. This isn't your typical paved highway—the Via del Sale approach is a rugged dirt road and mule track that'll test both your nerves and your vehicle's suspension. Fair warning: this pass is a winter-no-go zone, closing down from October through March when the snow takes over. But during the warmer months? It's an absolute treat for adventurous drivers willing to tackle the challenge. The scenery is genuinely spectacular, with dramatic Alpine landscapes that make every bump and rut worth it. If you're the type who gets excited about serious elevation and raw mountain roads, this one belongs on your bucket list. Just make sure you're equipped for some serious off-road conditions and pack accordingly for those high-altitude conditions.

Thurntalerhard

Thurntaler

🇦🇹 Austria

Thurntaler is a stunning high mountain peak tucked away in Austria's Tyrol region, sitting pretty at 2,390m (7,841ft) above sea level. Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, this mountain is definitely not your typical drive. Here's the deal: the road up to the summit is completely unpaved and basically a chairlift access trail that'll test your hiking legs big time. We're talking seriously steep terrain here—some sections hit gradients of up to 30%—with loose stones scattered everywhere. The upper section gets even gnarlier, turning into a rocky scramble that demands serious respect. Timing is everything with this one. You can really only tackle it at the end of August when the snow has finally cleared out. Even then, surprise snowy days can pop up during summer, so don't pack away your winter gear too quickly. Wind is basically a permanent fixture at this elevation, howling year-round and picking up intensity in the upper reaches. Winter? Forget about it—temperatures plummet to brutally cold levels. If you're the type who loves a challenging mountain adventure with dramatic scenery and serious altitude rewards, Thurntaler delivers the goods. Just respect the conditions, plan carefully, and come prepared for whatever this Alpine beauty throws your way.

Col de Bavella is one of the most scenic roads of Corsicamoderate

Col de Bavella is one of the most scenic roads of Corsica

🇫🇷 France

# Col de Bavella: Corsica's Ultimate Mountain Drive Perched at 1,226 meters (4,022 feet) in Corsica's Alta Rocca range, Col de Bavella is hands-down one of the island's most spectacular mountain passes. The fully paved D268 winds its way up through some seriously dramatic scenery—think dramatic peaks, sweeping coastal views, and those classic Mediterranean landscapes that make you want to pull over every five minutes. Fair warning: this isn't a straightforward cruise. The road loops and twists with plenty of hairpin turns that'll keep you focused, but that's honestly part of the charm. The ascent from Zonza spans 8.9 km with 440 meters of elevation gain (averaging 4.9%, with some sections hitting 8.6%), then the full route stretches 38.4 km (23.86 miles) all the way to the coast. What makes it truly special is the scenery. Mountains tower above you as you wind down toward the Mediterranean, and there are several pull-off spots to soak it all in. Bonus: the road shadows the beautiful Solenzara river, where you'll find crystal-clear rock pools and canyons perfect for a refreshing swim—check out spots like Fiumicelle if you need a break from the driving. At the summit itself, you'll find bars, restaurants, and shops, plus a nice grassy area under pine trees if you're packing a picnic. Just know that it gets absolutely rammed with tourists during summer months and weekends—arrive early if you want to enjoy the peace. But come here, you absolutely should. It's one of those roads that reminds you why road trips exist.