Route de Presles is a balcony road in France

# Route de Presles: France's Most Thrilling Alpine Drive

Nestled in the heart of the French Alps in the Isère department, Route de Presles (D292) is an absolutely jaw-dropping mountain drive that'll make your palms sweat—in the best way possible. This 8.9 km stretch winds its way north from Pont-en-Royans up to the charming village of Presles, and it's nothing short of spectacular.

What makes this road so wild? It's basically carved right into the mountainside. We're talking dramatic open tunnels, passages hewn directly from rock, and lanes so tight and low you'll feel like you're driving through a secret passage. Blind corners? Check. Hairpin bends? Absolutely. The real kicker: if you meet another car coming the other way, one of you is backing up. It's also off-limits to larger vehicles, so you'll be sharing the road with smaller cars and, importantly, plenty of hikers and cyclists snapping photos for their Instagram feeds.

Fair warning—keep your eyes peeled for fallen rocks and fallen debris that could throw you off course. The road is also prone to landslides and occasional closures, so definitely check conditions before you head out. Use your horn liberally in tight spots to warn others of your presence, and take it slow.

The sweet spot for visiting? Late May through September, when the weather cooperates. As you climb, you'll be surrounded by Scots pines, boxwood, and young oaks, with Mediterranean scents wafting up from the microclimate created by the towering cliffs. The road hugs the stunning Gorges de la Bourne before climbing through the gorgeous Nugues hamlet and reaching the Col de Toutes Aures—a legendary viewpoint that opens up to panoramic views of the south Vercors and the Isère plain. The finale? The breathtaking Gorges du Nan. This is genuinely one of the most scenic drives on the planet.