
Where is Clue de la Roche Percee?
France, europe
24.3 km
1,150 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers, because the Clue de la Roche Percée in southeastern France is calling your name! Think dramatic cliffs, twisting turns, and insane views from one of France's famed "balcony roads."
You'll find this epic gorge—also known as Clue de Taulanne—in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, snuggled in that gorgeous southeastern corner of France.
Yes, you can totally drive it! Hop on the RD4085 (old RN 85) for a ride you won’t soon forget. This stretch is a highlight reel, running between Castellane and Barrême, near Senez. Pro tip: the scenery is mind-blowing, but pulling over for pics is a challenge, so soak it all in as you go!
Clocking in at just over 24 km (15 miles), this route from Castellane to Barrême is a wild one. Expect tight squeezes, endless curves, and some seriously steep sections. You'll climb to 1,150m (3,772ft) at Col des Lèques, where you can reward yourself with a stop at the bar, restaurant, or even the hotel right at the top!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 24.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,150 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardD33 is a winding paved road in Corsica
🇫🇷 France
# D33: Corsica's Coastal Thrill Ride Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Corsica's Haute-Corse department, D33 is the kind of road that makes your heart skip a beat—in the best way possible. This 18.2 km (11.3 miles) stretch of asphalt runs between the charming villages of Pino and Canelle, hugging the coastline like it's got secrets to tell. What makes D33 so special? It's narrow, gloriously scenic, and absolutely thrilling. Forget the busier main route parallel to it—this little gem delivers the real experience. The road winds through a handful of isolated hamlets, revealing the raw, unspoilt beauty of the Mediterranean island at every turn. Wild mountains, pristine beaches, and those postcard-perfect villages are all part of the package. Now, here's the thing: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. The cliffs drop dramatically to crashing waves below, and some sections are *seriously* narrow. We're talking barely-room-for-a-bus tight—which makes meeting another vehicle head-on an adrenaline-pumping moment of careful maneuvering. The straightforward bits are manageable, but where the cliff line curves unexpectedly? That's where things get hairy. The panoramic views are absolutely stunning, though fair warning: if you're susceptible to vertigo, you might want to reconsider. This road demands respect and a steady hand on the wheel. Keep an eye out for animals along the way, take it slow, and prepare yourself for one of Corsica's most dramatic and unforgettable drives.
hardWhere is Pesica Lake?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, picture this: You're heading to a ridiculously gorgeous high mountain lake. It's tucked away way up high, above sea level, deep in the heart of the country, chilling in the shadow of the country's tallest peak. Seriously stunning. Oh, and locals whisper about a winged white horse with piercing blue eyes that rises from the lake at night – how cool is that?! Now, the road...let's just say you'll want a 4x4. It's unpaved, a bit rough around the edges, and gets super narrow in spots, with some seriously steep climbs. Pro Tip: Check conditions before you go, because once winter hits, it's usually closed. The whole adventure is only about a handful of miles, but you'll gain a fair bit of elevation, so expect a constant, noticeable climb. The average gradient is what it is, so keep your eyes peeled. But trust me, the views are worth every bump and turn!
extremeIs the road to Artzamendi paved?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Pyrénées, practically spitting distance from Spain. You're heading for Mont Artzamendi – or Sommet de l'Artzamendi, if you're feeling fancy – a peak that tops out at just over 3,000 feet. The road up is paved, thankfully, but hold on tight! It's a twisty, turny climb, barely wide enough for one car in places, and seriously steep – we're talking gradients of up to 17%! If your reversing skills are a little rusty, maybe skip this one. Definitely check your brakes before you head down; you'll need 'em! The climb is short but intense: just 2.5 miles to the top, gaining over 1300 feet in elevation. That's an average gradient of 10%, so get ready for a workout for your car (and maybe you!). Try to avoid peak times; you really don't want to meet a bus coming the other way. So, is it worth the white knuckles? Absolutely! The summit's crowned with a radar dome and some communication towers, but who cares about that when you've got views for days? You can see the whole Basque Country spread out before you, all the way to the Atlantic. Trust me, the panorama is breathtaking!
hardPassage de la Petite Clue is a balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Passage de la Petite Clue: A Hidden Gem in the French Alps Tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France, Passage de la Petite Clue is one of those legendary French balcony roads that'll make your jaw drop. Located within Mercantour National Park, this scenic stretch sits right above the stunning Gorges du Cians, carved out over millennia by the River Cians. Here's the thing though—this road isn't exactly your typical drive anymore. The old D-28 section, measuring just 457.71 meters long, was permanently closed to vehicles and bypassed by a tunnel decades ago due to serious safety concerns. But if you're up for exploring on foot, it's totally worth the adventure. The narrow, paved pathway is a visual feast. Those deep crimson rock faces—the signature of this gorge—create an almost otherworldly landscape. Below, you'll spot the river with its charming little waterfalls and natural rock sculptures that look like nature's own artwork. The downside? The road is narrow enough that two cars could never pass each other anyway, and it's genuinely treacherous. Rockfalls, landslides, and mudslides are constant threats here, with debris frequently scattered along the way. These days, the 430-meter Tunnel de la Petite Clue handles the traffic instead, but if you're a road enthusiast or adventure seeker, this closed section is still worth experiencing. Just remember—admire it on foot and respect why it was shut down.