Where is the D220-Les Travers road?
France, europe
5.7 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
D220, or "Les Travers" as the locals call it, is a seriously cool little balcony road tucked away in the Isère department of France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Think south-eastern France, on the way towards Les Deux Alpes.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! This paved route throws you right into the action with single-track sections and some seriously dramatic overhanging rocks. Forget bringing your RV; heavy vehicles need not apply! It runs for about 5.7 km (3.54 miles) from the D1091 to the D213, hugging a cliff face with views that will make your palms sweat. We're talking a tiny wall separating you from a *major* drop. Traffic lights control the flow through the narrowest section, so be prepared to wait your turn.
Usually, Les Travers is open year-round, but keep an eye out for closures due to rockfalls or early snowfall. Basically, Mother Nature calls the shots here. This road runs parallel to the main D1091, so it's easy to find, but a world apart in terms of thrills.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.7 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow to Get to Sant'Anna di Vinadio in Cuneo, the Highest Sanctuary in Europe by Car?
🇮🇹 Italy
Sant'Anna di Vinadio is a stunning high mountain sanctuary perched at 2,000m (6,600ft) in Italy's Cuneo Province, dedicated to Sant'Anna and Gioacchino, the parents of Mary. Tucked into the Orgials side valley within the Stura Valley in the Piedmont region, this sacred spot holds the distinction of being Europe's highest Christian place of worship. The winding road up to the sanctuary starts in the charming village of Vinadio at 900m and climbs for 17km, gaining a serious 1,100m in elevation. You'll navigate a mix of tight bends, steep climbs, and occasional flat sections along a fully paved but remarkably narrow route. Fair warning: as you approach the sanctuary, three particularly gnarly switchbacks await, with gradients reaching up to 20%. The road accommodates vehicles up to 10 meters long, though navigating this serpentine path in anything larger requires some careful maneuvering. At the summit, you'll find a spacious parking lot and access to accommodations housed in a converted military barracks—the Casa di San Gioacchino guesthouse offers rooms and dining facilities, while the San Giuseppe refuge provides hostel-style lodging. This has been a cherished pilgrimage destination for centuries, drawing the faithful from far and wide. Just keep in mind that this Alpine gem is only accessible during the brief summer months, so timing your visit is essential. The Maritime Alps landscape surrounding the sanctuary makes every hairpin turn worth it.
hardDriving the Paved Road to Cibiana Pass in Veneto
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Cibiana: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Belluno province in Italy's Veneto region, Passo Cibiana (also called Forcella Cibiana) sits at a respectable 1,535 meters elevation in the southern Dolomites. This 20.7 km paved route connects Forno di Zoldo to Venas di Cadore and delivers some seriously rewarding scenery and riding. The road itself is characterful—narrow, winding, and genuinely challenging in places. You'll encounter grades hitting 13.3% at their steepest, though the average hovers around 7-8% depending on which side you're climbing from. The northern approach (from Forno di Zoldo) spans 10.34 km with 724 meters of elevation gain, while the southern side covers 9.8 km with 762 meters of gain. It's no casual cruise. One thing to keep in mind: the road's prone to rockslides, so stay sharp. Also, if you're driving an RV or truck, note there are restrictions for vehicles over 11 meters long or 17 tons—this isn't a highway, it's a proper mountain pass. The real magic? Head up the gravel track from the summit to Monte Rite via an old WWI military road. You'll spot fascinating wartime fortifications still standing on the mountainside—a haunting reminder of history nestled in these dramatic peaks. Cyclists know this route well; it's featured in the Giro d'Italia. The pass typically stays open year-round, making it accessible for most of the year. Whether you're chasing elevation, history, or just stunning alpine views, Passo Cibiana delivers all three.
moderateIf you love to drive, you will love the DJ73 Road
🇷🇴 Romania
Get ready for an epic Romanian road trip on the DJ73! This paved beauty winds its way through the heart of Romania, connecting Brașov (Transylvania!) with Pitești. Clocking in at 138 km (that's about 86 miles), this route isn't just about getting from point A to point B. You're in for some serious mountain scenery as you cruise through the Carpathian Mountains, straddling Argeș and Brașov counties. Expect to conquer a couple of passes, including Pasul Giuvala (at 1,275m) and Pasul Posada (at 836m), before hitting a peak elevation of 1,300m. But hold on, adventurers! This road is popular, so be prepared for some traffic and keep an eye out for those lead-footed drivers. But don't let that deter you—with jaw-dropping mountain views, hairpin turns galore, and charming mountain villages along the way, the DJ73 is a must-do for any road trip enthusiast!
moderateDriving the curvy and narrow road to Cason di Lanza Pass in the Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo del Cason di Lanza Tucked away in northeastern Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, right near the Austrian border, sits Passo del Cason di Lanza—a seriously impressive alpine pass that peaks at 1,552m (5,091ft). Also known as Pas di Lance or Lanzenpass, this 30km stretch of fully paved road connects Paularo and Pontebba, making it a bucket-list ride for cycling enthusiasts and road-trippers alike. The Giro d'Italia has tackled this beast multiple times, and once you experience it, you'll understand why. You've got two distinct routes to the summit: from Pontebba, it's a punchy 15.6km climb with 991m elevation gain (6.4% average), while the Paularo side offers a slightly easier 15.4km push with 912m of climbing (5.9% average). Don't let those averages fool you though—the final 6km ramps up brutally with gradients hitting 16%. **Fair warning:** This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. The narrow, twisty road clings to rock faces with plenty of blind corners, making oncoming traffic a genuinely nerve-wracking experience. You'll encounter some stretches of seriously rough pavement—think washed-out tarmac, loose drain covers, potholes, and the occasional rockfall or gravel section. The good news? These sketchy bits are marked with warning signs. Snow lingers until June, so plan accordingly. It's demanding, it's scenic, and it's definitely not for the faint of heart—but that's exactly what makes it unforgettable.