Taking on the Twists and Turns of Gorges Du Val de Fier

Taking on the Twists and Turns of Gorges Du Val de Fier

France, europe

Length

5 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Gorges Du Val de Fier

Picture this: a narrow ribbon of road hugging the side of a dramatic canyon, with towering rock walls on one side and the churning Fier River on the other. Welcome to Gorges Du Val de Fier, one of France's most breathtaking scenic drives.

Straddling the border between Haute-Savoie and Savoie in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this 5km (3.1-mile) stretch of the D14 winds through a canyon that took thousands of years for the river to carve out. The result? Absolutely spectacular scenery that'll make you want to pull over every few minutes (if you can find a safe spot!).

The drive takes most people between 10-15 minutes end-to-end, running west-east from the D991 to Saint-André. Fair warning though: this is definitely one to take slowly. The road squeezes through two incredibly narrow tunnels, and you'll be sandwiched between near-vertical rock faces that loom above and sometimes hang over the asphalt. It's exhilarating and slightly nerve-wracking in the best way possible.

A few things to keep in mind: heavy downpours can cause the water level to spike dramatically in just hours, rockslides are a real concern, and trucks over a certain size aren't allowed (for good reason). The road itself is in solid condition, but visit in shoulder season if you can—summer brings crowds of tourists who all have the same idea.

This is the real deal: nature, adrenaline, and unforgettable views all packed into one incredible drive.

Where is it?

Taking on the Twists and Turns of Gorges Du Val de Fier is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.7394, 3.8306

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
5 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
46.7394, 3.8306

Related Roads in europe

How long is F261 road in Iceland?extreme

How long is F261 road in Iceland?

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Want a serious off-road experience in Iceland? Then you NEED to tackle the F261, also known as Emstruleið. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking 37.2 km (23.11 miles) of pure, unadulterated, unpaved Icelandic wilderness, smack-dab in the black ash desert of Mælifellssandur. Forget your cute little rental car; you'll need a proper 4x4 beast with high clearance to even think about attempting this road. Expect a bone-jarring ride over rocks and a seriously bumpy track. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! Think lunar landscapes and heart-stopping scenery. Now for the fun part – the river crossings! You'll encounter some smaller fords along the way, but the big one is the Blafjalakvisl river near Road 210. This is where things get real. River crossings require experience – don't even think about going solo or during heavy rain. The water level can rise fast, and you do NOT want to become a statistic. Only seasoned drivers in well-equipped jeeps should attempt these crossings. Always check the depth first! The F261 is typically open only during the summer, usually from late June to early September. Be prepared for solitude – you might not see another soul out there. And remember, no cell service in some areas, so be self-sufficient! This road is truly a wild, unforgettable ride. Just be smart, be prepared, and enjoy the incredible views.

Where does The Fairy Tale Route start?easy

Where does The Fairy Tale Route start?

🇩🇪 Germany

Ready for a magical road trip? Germany's Fairy Tale Route is calling! This 600-kilometer (370-mile) paved path winds from central Germany all the way to the North Sea, connecting the very towns, castles, and landscapes that inspired the Brothers Grimm. Since its creation, the route has been a popular way to experience Germany’s heritage and culture. As you travel, you’ll discover the Brothers Grimm's birthplace in Hanau, the castle in Steinau an der Straße where they spent their childhood, and Hamelin, famous for the Pied Piper legend. Don’t miss Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, the Red Riding Hood museum, and of course, Bremen, home of the Bremen Town Musicians. The whole route is paved and easy to navigate, perfect for any vehicle. Be prepared for winding roads that meander through enchanting forests, quaint villages, and past majestic castles. Along the way, keep an eye out for the well-placed signs. Immerse yourself in the fairy tale atmosphere with museums, guided tours, and festivals that bring these timeless tales to life. Many towns host special events and performances inspired by the stories, making it an adventure you won't forget!

17 Tournants de Chevreuse, an iconic drive south of Parismoderate

17 Tournants de Chevreuse, an iconic drive south of Paris

🇫🇷 France

# 17 Turns of Chevreuse Ever heard of the road that makes motorcyclists' hearts race? Welcome to 17 Turns of Chevreuse, a winding masterpiece tucked in the Yvelines department, just south of Paris in north-central France. Nestled in the charming town of Saint-Forget within the Chevreuse valley, this legendary stretch has earned serious bragging rights among the French riding community. The Route des 17 Tournants—part of the departmental road D91—is deceptively short at just 2.1 km, but don't let that fool you. This compact section packs an incredible number of turns into a surprisingly tight space, which is exactly what gives it that jaw-dropping reputation. The road got a fresh coat of asphalt in 2018, so the pavement is in great shape. Cyclists know this climb well—it's a regular feature on the Tour de France route, which tells you something about how iconic this section really is. Starting from the D58 road, you're looking at a 2.1 km ascent with 68 meters of elevation gain. The average gradient sits at a manageable 3.23%, but don't get too comfortable—it hits a max slope of 9% at its steepest points. So whether you're carving on two wheels or four, 17 Turns of Chevreuse delivers the kind of technical, engaging ride that gets riders coming back for more.

Driving the wild road to Stogovohard

Driving the wild road to Stogovo

🌍 Macedonia

Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Stogovo! This wild ride in western North Macedonia climbs to a breathtaking 1,900 meters (6,233 feet), perched between the Black Drin and Sateska rivers. Forget paved roads, this is a full-on, unadulterated dirt track! Winter? Forget about it. This baby is impassable when the snow flies. If you're a seasoned off-roader, this is your playground. Newbies beware: this mountain road isn't for the faint of heart. You *need* a 4x4, and a good head for heights. The trail is seriously steep in places, we're talking gradients of up to 20%! If it's been raining, expect a muddy, slippery challenge. Your reward at the top? A communication tower and views that'll blow your mind. Get ready for an epic, untamed experience on the road to Zare Lazarevski!