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
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Colle Blegier?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Colle Blegier, a seriously awesome mountain pass in Italy's Torino province, chilling at 2,381 meters high. We're talking northern Piemonte, nestled in the Parco Naturale del Gran Bosco di Salbertrand, right between Mount Genevris and Colle Lauson. The road, Strada Provinciale 173 (aka the Assietta Road), is mostly unpaved and stretches for 39.3 km, almost entirely above 2,000 meters! Keep in mind, this beauty is only open from June 1st to October 31st. Watch out for restrictions on vehicle size (under 3.5 tons and 2 meters wide), and double-check those Wednesday and Saturday bans in July and August. Built way back in 1890 by the 3rd Reggimento Alpini, it's got some serious history!
moderateThe military road to Fort de la Redoute in Savoie
🇫🇷 France
# Fort de la Redoute: A High-Alpine Adventure Perched at a dramatic 2,346 meters (7,696 ft) in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Fort de la Redoute sits near the Italian border in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This isn't just any mountain fort—it's a fascinating relic of European history. The fort's story is wild: originally built by the House of Savoy way back in 1630, it's been passed around more times than a mountain goat changes elevation. The French took control in 1794, renamed it Fort-Libre, then rebuilt it as Redoute-Ruinée in the 1890s. President Félix Faure even stopped by in 1897. Fast forward to WWII, and about 70 French soldiers made a legendary stand here against Italian forces until July 1940. The fort later served as part of the Maginot Line's Alpine defenses and was occupied by the Germans until 1945. **The Road Itself** Want to visit? Get ready for a real adventure. The 8.9-km (5.53-mile) unpaved military track starts and finishes on the paved D1090, and it's only doable in summer months. Winter? Forget about it—snow makes this route completely impassable. Same goes for after heavy rain. You'll need a serious vehicle too: 4x4 or enduro bikes only. But here's the payoff: stunning alpine views and genuinely impressive history waiting at the summit. Just note that the fort itself is off-limits due to structural concerns, but the surrounding area is part of the La Rosière ski zone and popular with hikers and trail enthusiasts.
moderateHow long is the ice road from Tarkma to Triigi?
🌍 Estonia
Okay, picture this: you're in Estonia, ready for a seriously unique road trip. Forget asphalt, we're talking ice! Specifically, the ice road that stretches from Tärkma (Hiiumaa) to Triigi (Saaremaa), connecting these awesome western islands. Clocking in at just over 16 kilometers, it's not exactly a quick zip, but the scenery is worth it. The route is marked out by juniper bushes -- how cool is that? Now, here’s the catch: you can only drive it during daylight hours in the winter, and *only* when the ice is thick enough (usually late January to late March). This baby is maintained, but Mother Nature has the final say. Summers? It's ferry time. When it's open, imagine the views and the thrill of driving on a frozen sea! It's an adventure you won't forget.
moderateThe picturesque road to Pas de Morgins
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Pas de Morgins: Alpine Adventure Between Two Countries Ready for a killer alpine crossing? Pas de Morgins sits pretty at 1,378m (4,520ft) right on the Switzerland-France border, making it the perfect excuse for a European road trip. This fully paved beauty connects Switzerland's Valais canton with the French Haute-Savoie region, and honestly, it's got everything—stunning mountain scenery, charming towns, and some genuinely fun driving. The complete route runs about 30.4 km (18.88 miles) from Abondance to Monthey, and here's the good news: it stays open year-round. You're looking at a maximum gradient of 10.5% on some sections, so it's challenging but totally manageable for most drivers. Each side offers its own vibe. **From the French side** (starting in Abondance), you've got an 8km climb that's relatively chill until the final 800m kicks up to 8%—perfect for building drama as you approach the summit. **From Switzerland** (Monthey side), the first 11km are grittier with steep 7-8% averages and that gnarly 10% max gradient. But here's the payoff: the last 6km ease up beautifully to just 2-5%, with those final meters actually descending as you crest the plateau. The summit itself sits on a sprawling mountain plateau that'll make your Instagram followers jealous. Whether you're tackling this from north or south, you're in for a treat—winding roads, Alpine views, and that satisfying feeling of conquering a classic European pass.