How Long is the Road Through Gorges de l’Asco?

Okay, picture this: Corsica, that stunning French island in the Mediterranean, hiding a secret canyon called Gorges de l’Asco. Carved out by the Asco River, this gorge is home to the D147, a twisting road that’s basically a balcony clinging to the mountainside.

This 41 km (25+ mile) ribbon of pavement winds its way from Moltifao all the way up to the abandoned Station de Ski du Haut Asco, perched at a cool 1,509m (almost 5,000ft!).

Now, heads up – this isn’t your average Sunday drive. The road's in decent shape, but it’s narrow, often just one lane wide, and those guardrails? Nowhere to be seen. Once you pass the village of Asco and turn towards the gorge (easy to find even without a sign), be prepared for a steep climb. The pavement ends abruptly after a bend, offering just a rocky path and zero room to turn around. If you’re rocking a larger vehicle or aren’t a confident driver, you might be doing a bit of reversing down a steep, winding kilometer to find a safe spot to maneuver. Motorbikes? They’ll have a slightly easier time. And for those in super-long vehicles, anything over 11m is a no-go.

But here’s the reward: just a little further down, you'll find a gorgeous old bridge that's begging for a photo. And on those scorching summer days? The river's crystal-clear water is irresistible for a quick dip. Driving down into the gorge is pretty manageable (check those brakes!), but getting back up can be a bit of a puzzle. With no “no parking” signs, folks sometimes leave their cars right on the roadside, making things tight, even for bikes!

So, is it worth the drive? Absolutely! Nestled in the Asco Valley within the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse, this road, partially built by the Foreign Legionnaires back in the '60s, is a total stunner. Prepare for a rugged, desolate landscape of red granite and sparse vegetation. The untouched natural beauty of the area will leave you speechless.