Where is Route des Crêtes?
France, europe
11.9 km
300 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising along the Route des Crêtes in the Bouches-du-Rhône, France, is an absolute must-do! This road is one of the steepest in the country, with some sections hitting a wild 23% incline.
You'll find this gem east of Marseille, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Built way back in World War I to haul supplies, this totally paved beauty, also known as the 'Road of the cliffs' now stretches for about 12 km (7.4 miles) from Cassis to La Ciotat, hugging the Mediterranean coast.
Don't worry, it's well-maintained and wide enough to pass other cars (and you'll definitely see some!). There are some sharp bends and cliff-edge moments that might give you a thrill. The highest point is 364m (1,194ft) above sea level, and those steep sections are no joke, especially near Cassis.
The views? Insane! It's super popular with everyone from car enthusiasts to cyclists and camper van adventurers. Think dramatic cliffs, hidden inlets, and tons of lookout points perfect for photos and picnics. The sun can get intense in the summer, so early mornings or dusk are magical.
Just a heads-up: this road can close if the wind is too strong or the fire risk is high, so check the signs before you go!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 300 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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