Where is Combe Laval?
France, europe
29.9 km
305 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for the ride of your life on what might just be the most incredible road in the French Alps: Combe Laval! Nestled in the Drôme department within the Vercors Massif, this D76 stretches for about 30 km (18.6 miles) from Saint-Jean-en-Royans to Vassieux-en-Vercors.
Originally built in the late 1800s to haul timber, this balcony road is now a must-see for thrill-seekers and view-chasers. The most stunning part? The 13 km (8 mile) stretch from St. Jean-en-Royans that's carved directly into the cliff face, offering mind-blowing views of the Royans Valley!
Expect narrow passages, a series of tunnels, and a serious adrenaline rush. While it attracts cyclists looking for a challenge, keep an eye out for loose rocks and pebbles. The road's so narrow, pulling over isn't really an option!
But trust me, the dizzying heights and panoramic viewpoints are worth it. Just remember, this road demands respect – it's not for the faint of heart, and it's even been closed in the past due to accidents. If you are of larger stature, this may not be for you, as the road is closed to longer vehicles. Once an economic necessity, now a tourist hotspot, Combe Laval is a protected national heritage site, offering photo ops and scenery you won't find anywhere else. Don't miss the Col de la Machine, where you can rest up after your exhilarating drive!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 29.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 305 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Mont Fallere?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a trek for you in the northwestern part of the country near Mont Fallère that'll take your breath away – literally! This 7 km (4.34 miles) beast of a road winds its way up to a mountain refuge with an elevation gain of 684 meters! We're talking hairpin turns and seriously steep sections, with an average gradient of almost 10%. You'll be climbing to a whopping 2,377 m (7,798 ft) above sea level, and if you're feeling extra ambitious, a trail north of the hut will take you even higher, to 2,404 m (7,887 ft). A word of caution: this isn't a drive for your average car. A 4x4 vehicle is a MUST. The road is usually open from late June to the end of September but closed to private vehicles. Prepare yourself for some insane scenery, heart-pumping climbs, and memories that will last a lifetime.
extreme1. Sa Calobra Road (MA-2141): The Snake
🇪🇸 Spain
Mallorca's mountain roads are seriously epic, way beyond the beach scene! The Serra de Tramuntana mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site and basically a playground for drivers, with high-altitude thrills, crazy coastal views, and silky-smooth roads. From the famous "Tie Knot" to the rugged northern cliffs, here’s your ultimate Mallorca road trip guide. **Sa Calobra Road (MA-2141): The Snake** This isn't just a road, it's a work of art! Designed in 1932, this 12.2 km (7.58 miles) ribbon of asphalt spirals down to the sea, thanks to the mind-blowing "Nus de sa Corbata" (Tie Knot) – a 360-degree bridge. It's a tight, steep drop that needs your full attention, especially when tour buses are around! **Formentor Lighthouse Road (MA-2210): The End of the World** Get ready for a 10.9 km (6.77 miles) ride to the northernmost point of the island. The lighthouse, built in 1863, perches on 200-meter cliffs. This road is all about "scenic majesty" but can get crowded, so access is limited during peak times. Expect wind, wild goats, and views that will blow your mind! **MA-10: The Tramuntana Backbone** Running for 110 km (68 miles) from Andratx to Pollença, this is the quintessential Mallorcan road. It's a non-stop adventure of mountain passes, tunnels, and forests. Set aside at least 2 hours to drive the whole thing – you'll need to focus! Watch for cyclists and goats chilling on the road. You'll see Mallorca's "wild side," far from the resorts. **Puig Major: Climbing the Highest Peak** This route takes you as high as you can go in Mallorca. The very top is a military zone, but the 6.9 km (4.28 miles) climb is amazing. Built in 1958, this road has 8 hairpin turns and some seriously steep parts. The tunnel at the top is like a portal between the green valleys of Sóller and the rocky reservoirs of Cúber and Gorg Blau. **MA-1131: The Thrill of Port de Valldemossa** Love tight squeezes and big drops? This road is for you. The 5.7 km (3.54 miles) descent from Valldemossa to the port is super narrow. With a crazy gradient and 9 sharp hairpins, it's a test of nerves. There aren't many places to stop, and the Mediterranean views will have your passengers holding on tight!
extremeThe insane mountain road to Nørdstedalseter
🇳🇴 Norway
# DNT Nørdstedalseter: A Mountain Cabin Adventure in Western Norway Perched at 961 meters (3,152 feet) in Vestland county, Norway, the DNT Nørdstedalseter cabin sits at the head of the stunning Fortunsdalen valley—and getting there is half the adventure. This isn't your typical Sunday drive. Starting from Fortun on the Sognefjell National Route, you're looking at 24.1 kilometers (14.97 miles) of pure mountain driving. About a third of the road is paved, but most of it is rough gravel that demands respect. Built back in 1937, this cabin has been welcoming adventurers for nearly a century, and the views are absolutely worth the effort—think fjords, jagged peaks, deep valleys, and glacier-capped mountains stretching out in every direction. Fair warning: this road is *serious*. The climb is relentless, with elevation gains totaling 1,328 meters and sections hitting a brutal 25% gradient. The average climb sits at 5.51%, and hairpin curves keep you on your toes. Rock slides are a genuine hazard you need to watch for, and the road is typically blocked by snow from late October through late June (sometimes into early July). Winter? Forget about it. This is a summer-only route for experienced drivers who respect the mountains. But if you time it right and come prepared, you'll experience one of Norway's most rewarding mountain drives.
moderateA steep road to Crêt de l'Oeillon
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Crêt de l'Oeillon, a killer peak in central France's Loire department, chilling at 1,364 meters high. You'll find it smack-dab in the Pilat massif, part of the beautiful Pilat Natural Regional Park. The road up, known as D63.1, is paved, so no worries there. Just keep in mind, winter brings the snow, so plan accordingly. But trust me, the views from the top are SO worth it – on a clear day, you can see the Vercors, the Écrins, and even Mont Blanc! Oh, and the summit is home to this massive TV antenna, like 80 meters tall. It's been there since 1955 and is one of the biggest broadcasting spots in France. Park your car just below the transmitter, and get ready for a short, steep climb. Speaking of steep, the final 1.4 km stretch gains 127 meters, averaging about a 9% gradient. It's a leg burner, but hey, even the Tour de France riders have tackled it! Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery.