A wild paved road through Gorges de la Jonte in Occitania
France, europe
90 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# Gorges de la Jonte
If you're looking for a seriously stunning drive through southern France, the Gorges de la Jonte should be on your bucket list. This breathtaking canyon, carved out by the Jonte River, stretches across the Occitania region, straddling the Lozère and Aveyron departments with the river itself marking the border between them.
The whole drive is absolutely spectacular — we're talking dramatic cliffs and steep, forested slopes that tower up to 450 metres above you. It's the kind of scenery that'll have you reaching for your camera at every turn.
The good news? The entire 21.5 km (13.35 miles) stretch is fully paved, running east-west from Meyrueis to Le Rozier along the D996 road. But here's the thing — this isn't a straightforward cruising kind of route. The road is seriously curvy and there's a genuine risk of rockslides, so you'll want to stay sharp. The speed limit is 90 km/h for a reason, and larger vehicles really aren't ideal for this one.
If you're planning to visit between November and March, make sure you've got winter chains in your vehicle — it's mandatory and absolutely essential given the terrain. But honestly? Winter or summer, this canyon drive is an unforgettable experience that'll remind you why France's back roads are absolutely world-class.
Where is it?
A wild paved road through Gorges de la Jonte in Occitania is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.1270, 4.4484
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 90 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.1270, 4.4484
Related Roads in europe
moderateThe CM-210 Experience: A Serpentine Journey Through Spain's Heartland
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through central Spain, specifically the Serranía de Cuenca mountains. You're on the CM-210, a super scenic (and well-paved!) road that slices right through the Hoz de Beteta canyon. Seriously, the views are unreal. This isn't a road where you can totally zone out, though. It's twisty and turny, so keep your eyes on the road. Good news: there are plenty of places to pull over and soak it all in. La Fuente de los Tilos and Casa de la Pradera are perfect for a picnic. Heads up: this area, up in the northern part of the Cuenca province, can get rockslides, so check the weather before you go. Take it slow, especially if conditions aren't perfect, and definitely don't try to pass anyone. Newbie drivers, maybe skip this one at night or in bad weather. The whole shebang runs for about 10 km (6.2 miles) along the Guadiela River, from Puente Vadillo to Beteta. Over time, the river carved out this incredible canyon, with cliffs that soar over 80 meters high. Down below, it's all lush green forests, the sound of the river, and birds singing. It's pretty magical.
hardCol de Furfande
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Furfande: A High-Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, Col de Furfande sits at a respectable 2,500m (8,202ft) above sea level and serves up a proper mountain challenge for those ready to take it on. Fair warning: this isn't your typical smooth alpine pass. The road to the summit is gravel and rocky, with plenty of bumpy stretches that'll keep you on your toes. It's steep too—no gentle climb here. That said, the track is well-maintained, so at least you're not dealing with complete chaos. Just be prepared for some serious terrain. Winter essentially closes this route from October through June, so plan your visit for the warmer months when conditions cooperate. Once you make it to the top, there's a small parking area where you can catch your breath and take in the views. Here's the real talk: this is one for experienced off-road drivers only. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, do yourself a favor and pick a different route. The southern section of the summit is closed off anyway, so there's a natural endpoint to your adventure. If you've got the skills and the nerve, though, Col de Furfande offers genuine alpine adventure in one of France's most dramatic mountain regions. Just come prepared and respect what this pass is asking of you.
moderateThe unpaved road to Lake Frostastaðavatn
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to check out Lake Frostastaðavatn in the southern Icelandic Highlands. We're talking seriously stunning scenery at nearly 1,900 feet above sea level. Now, getting there is half the fun... and a little bit of a challenge. You'll be cruising on the legendary F208, also known as Fjallabaksleið nyrðri. Be warned: this is a gravel road, so expect a bumpy ride! Plus, Iceland's weather is no joke, especially in the highlands. Snow can shut this road down at any time, so always check conditions before you go. But trust me, the reward is worth it. Imagine this: vibrant, multicolored mountains reflected in the still waters of the lake, surrounded by dramatic lava fields. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you've landed on another planet. Just make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for a true Icelandic adventure!
hardWhere is Cibiana Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Cibiana Pass! Nestled high in the Dolomites at a seriously breathtaking altitude, this Italian gem is also called "Passo Cibiana" by the locals. You'll find it in northern Italy. Up top, an old WWI road, now a gravel track, branches off to a mountain refuge where you can find some relics from back in the day. The main road, SP347, isn't for the faint of heart. It's paved but super twisty and not suitable for longer vehicles. Landslides? Yeah, they can happen. Clocking in at just under 13 miles (20.7 km), the pass links Forcella Cibiana with Ponte Cadore in a south-north dash. Keep your eyes peeled because this road has been so stunning, it has starred in a movie! Heads up: winter closes things down. Snow's a no-go. And those slopes? Get ready for some serious climbing! Some sections hit gradients of 15%. You're looking at a 724-meter ascent from Forcella Cibiana and an average gradient of 7%.