Driving the infamous D220-Les Travers, a French balcony road
France, europe
5.7 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
# Route Departementale 220: France's Jaw-Dropping Mountain Corniche
If you're hunting for one of France's most dramatic scenic drives, head to the Isère department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Route Departementale 220—locals call it Les Travers—is a short but utterly spectacular mountain road that'll have your heart racing for all the right reasons.
This 5.7 km (3.54 miles) ribbon of asphalt winds west to east from D1091 to D213, hugging the mountainside as it makes its way toward Les Deux Alpes. And here's the thing: you'll be driving along a genuine cliff face with nothing but a foot-high wall between you and a absolutely insane drop down to the valley. The views toward Col de Sarenne are seriously stunning.
Now, let's be real—this road is no joke. The most dramatic section is genuinely narrow (we're talking traffic lights at the tightest spots), with single-track portions and overhanging rock that demand serious respect. Heavy vehicles aren't even allowed, which tells you something. It's one of France's most famous balcony roads near Bourg d'Oisans, and for good reason.
Fair warning though: it's busier than you'd expect for such a wild route, so if you were hoping for a peaceful cycling adventure, you might want to look elsewhere. The road typically stays open year-round, but winter snow and falling rocks can force closures, so check conditions before you go.
Ready for the experience? This is balcony driving at its finest.
Where is it?
Driving the infamous D220-Les Travers, a French balcony road is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.6539, 2.2103
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.7 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.6539, 2.2103
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Aramón Formigal-Panticosa?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Spanish Pyrenees in Huesca province, heading for the awesome Aramón Formigal-Panticosa ski resort. We're talking a solid climb up to 1,790 meters (that's almost 6,000 feet!). This isn't just any drive; it's a famous route in Aragon, northeast Spain, and the A-136 is your perfectly paved chariot. It's a 27 km (16.7 mile) stretch that kicks off in Biescas and heads north, eventually leading to France. Expect some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 10% - no wonder the Vuelta a España loves it! Soak in the stunning mountain views while you conquer this iconic climb. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, because this beauty demands respect!
hardTeso dera Mina
🇪🇸 Spain
Teso dera Mina is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.390m (7,841ft) above the sea level, located in the province of Lleida, autonomous community of Catalonia, Spain. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of the country. The road to the summit, located in the Spanish Pyrenees, is rocky and gravel. It’s a chairlift access trail. The slope is very steep, consists of loose stones and becomes even steeper and rocky in the upper part. This trail can be done only a very narrow time-frame in the summer (end of August). The wind is usually quite strong at mountain areas. High winds blow here all year long. Even in summer you can confront with snowy days. Temperatures here in the winter are brutally cold. The road to the summit is a ski-station service road pretty steep, with some sections up to 30%. The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Road to Pico Mencilla Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardWhere is Nino Corsi Refuge?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in stunning Val Martello, South Tyrol, nestled in the Italian Alps. You're headed to Rifugio Nino Corsi, a charming mountain refuge (also called Zufallhütte) perched at a breathtaking 2,245m (7,365ft). The area is gorgeous, right in the heart of Stelvio National Park, with views of the Ortler Alps that will knock your socks off. Bonus: there's a cool local history museum and a sweet little mountain chapel nearby. Now, the drive. It’s about 22.7 km (14.10 miles) from Coldrano, and it's an adventure in itself. Be warned, parts of the road are steep and narrow, so keep your wits about you! Just so you know, the last couple of kilometers are gravel and off-limits to cars, but don't sweat it, the views are worth the walk. Get ready for a climb of 1,343m, this road definitely isn't for the faint of heart, but the payoff at the top is incredible.
extremeA narrow winding road to Sella Ciampigotto
🇮🇹 Italy
# Sella Ciampigotto: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Tucked between Italy's Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions, Sella Ciampigotto sits pretty at 1,830 meters (6,003 feet) above sea level. Also known as Sella di Razzo, this high-altitude pass is a must-do for road-tripping enthusiasts exploring northeastern Italy. The 45.9 km (28.52 miles) route—officially the Strada Provinciale 619—connects Lozzo di Cadore in Belluno with Comeglians near Udine. And let me tell you, it's not your average drive. The fully paved road rewards you with endless curves, hairpin turns, and narrow sections that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. The steep climbs mean you'll need to stay sharp, especially when navigating oncoming traffic or making passes around blind corners. What makes it worth the adrenaline rush? The stunning Dolomite scenery. Once you climb high enough, you're treated to panoramic views of jagged peaks and sweeping valleys that'll make every twist and turn feel worthwhile. At the summit, you can refuel at the charming bar-restaurant and lodge—perfect for catching your breath and soaking in the alpine atmosphere. The pass stays open year-round (a rarity at this elevation!), but don't let that fool you into complacency. Weather in the mountains can turn on a dime, so always check the forecast before heading out. Hit it on a clear day, and you've got yourself an unforgettable drive through some of Italy's most dramatic terrain.