
Where is the D81B road located?
France, europe
32.8 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the D81B in Corsica, sun on your face, wind in your hair. This coastal road, carved right into the cliffs of the Haute-Corse, is an absolute *must* if you're exploring the island.
This beauty stretches for about 33 kilometers (20 miles) between Calvi and Galéria, hugging the turquoise Mediterranean Sea the whole way. And get this – it was built way back in the 1700s, reportedly by prisoners! Talk about a road with a story.
Now, heads up: this isn't a highway cruise. We're talking hundreds of tight turns, one right after another, barely 50 meters apart. You won't be breaking any speed records here; plan for about an hour if you don't stop, but trust me, you *will* want to stop. The views are seriously epic, and it's a favorite for motorcyclists and anyone hunting for a killer scenic drive. It’s so good, in fact, that it's been a stage in the WRC Rally of Corsica. Prepare for hairpin heaven!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 32.8 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
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