Where is Gorges du Nan?
France, europe
9.1 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Gorges du Nan! This isn't just a road; it's a cliff-hugging adventure carved into the Isère department of France, nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region south of Grenoble. You'll find yourself on the D22, specifically a 9.1 km (5.65 miles) stretch between Malleval-en-Vercors and Cognin-les-Gorges, winding through the spectacular canyon created by the Le Nant River.
Be warned: this road is NARROW. Think single-lane narrow, so passing isn't really an option. It's especially dramatic after the first tunnel coming from Cognin-les-Gorges. There aren't many places to pull over, so it's best to cruise on through to Malleval-en-Vercors for a breather. Seriously, glancing over the edge will give you vertigo – it’s a long way down!
Expect a 25-minute journey (without stops) through Vercors National Park. You'll encounter a steep 3-mile descent, a 2.2m width restriction, tunnels bored right into the rock, hairpin turns galore, and plenty of blind curves.
What's really cool is the history. This road wasn't some massive construction project. Back in 1880, two villages teamed up to create this unique route to improve access. Plus, the Vercors area played a key role in the French Resistance during WWII, so keep an eye out for memorials along the way.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.1 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
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