Where is Route de Presles?
France, europe
8.9 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on the Route de Presles! This isn't just a road; it's a wild ride through the heart of the French Alps in the Isère department.
This 8.9 km (5.53 miles) strip of pavement connects Pont-en-Royans to Presles, running south to north, and it's got "balcony road" written all over it. Think open tunnels and sections carved straight into the rock face. Prepare for narrow lanes, blind corners and possible rockfalls. Seriously, keep your horn handy for those tight spots (and slow down, obviously!). This route is popular with cyclists and pedestrians so keep your eyes peeled.
Speaking of being prepared, this road sometimes closes for maintenance due to landslides, so check conditions before you go. And while you're cruising, watch for any rocks that have made their way onto the road.
The best time to experience this beauty is May to September. The Route de Presles winds its way up along the edge of the Cirque de Choranche. The views? Unbelievable! You'll be driving through a mix of pine, boxwood, and oak trees, with a hint of Mediterranean aroma thanks to the cliffs creating a microclimate. The road snakes through hairpin bends, climbing above the Gorges de la Bourne with views of the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors. Make sure you stop at the belvedere of Col de Toutes Aures for a panoramic view across the south Vercors and the Isère plain.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.9 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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