
Where is the D22 Road?
France, europe
18.5 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Clinging to the cliffs of the French Riviera, the D22 is a wild ride you won't forget. This iconic balcony road zig-zags skyward from Menton, near the Italian border, offering heart-stopping views of the Côte d'Azur.
The D22 is a local legend, a training ground for cycling pros testing their mettle. Don't let that fool you — it's a challenging 18.5 km climb with gradients hitting 12%! The pavement's smooth, but the road is seriously narrow, often without center lines or guardrails. Expect blind corners and five unlit, single-lane tunnels carved right into the rock. And be prepared for sunshine – this road bakes in the summer heat!
As you ascend, the D22 snakes past Col de Bausson (732m), Col de la Madone de Gorbio (927m), and Col de Saint-Pancrace (673m). The higher you get, the narrower it becomes, but the panoramic vistas are your reward. Picture this: the Mediterranean shimmering below, Monaco gleaming in the distance, all framed by stunning mountain scenery. Grab your camera; you'll want to capture every moment of this unforgettable drive!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 18.5 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardChalet-Refuge des Mottets
🇫🇷 France
# Chalet-Refuge des Mottets Perched at a breathtaking 1,872m (6,141ft) in the Savoie department of southeastern France, the Chalet-Refuge des Mottets sits just south of the legendary Mont Blanc range. Getting there? That's half the adventure. The drive up to this alpine gem is not for the faint of heart. You're looking at a narrow, mostly paved road that climbs steeply through the stunning vallée des Glaciers—think dramatic mountain scenery at every hairpin turn. Fair warning: this route hibernates during winter months, so you'll want to plan your visit for the warmer seasons. Once you arrive, you'll discover a poignant piece of history tucked into the landscape. A boulder near the refuge honors American aviators, adding a meaningful layer to your mountain experience.
hardWhere is Pizzini Refuge?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got the inside scoop on Rifugio Pizzini, a ridiculously cool mountain refuge nestled high in the Italian Alps. We're talking serious altitude here! You'll find this haven tucked away in the Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, in northern Italy. Reaching it is an adventure in itself! The road leading up is roughly X km long, an unpaved, winding ribbon that climbs X meters. That gives you an average gradient of X% - so get ready for some serious uphill! Heads up, this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is super narrow and steep, definitely not for novice drivers. But oh the views! We're talking jaw-dropping alpine scenery. Word on the street is, this road is typically only open from mid-June to mid-September, and even then, access might be restricted to authorized vehicles. So, you will need to check access before you go. The refuge has an interesting history. The original hut, built in X, was sadly destroyed during World War X. It was rebuilt and dedicated to X by a group of his friends, who later expanded it. There have been renovations and expansions over the years, making the rooms comfortable and modern. Some even have private bathrooms and hot showers!
extremeCirque de Cilaos
🇫🇷 France
# Cirque de Cilaos: A Thrilling Mountain Drive Nestled on the French island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean, the Cirque de Cilaos is a breathtaking natural rock amphitheater sitting pretty at 1,586m (5,203ft) above sea level. And getting there? Absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment of the drive! The winding route—known as D20 (Route Forestière 11 des Makes)—climbs steeply through the Forêt Domaniale des Makes forest. Thanks to the intense gradient, the road is solidly asphalted and concrete, which is a good thing because you'll need all the traction you can get. Over 400 curves and 18 hairpin turns snake their way up the mountain, each one rewarding you with another jaw-dropping vista. Starting from Le Gol on the D3 Road, you're looking at a 16.6km climb that gains a serious 1,214m in elevation. The average grade sits around 7.31%, with some gnarly sections hitting 10%. Fair warning: this road is *narrow*—we're talking barely room for two cars to pass. Your knuckles might be gripping the steering wheel pretty tight on those tighter sections! Once you reach the summit, you'll find a small parking area and a few communication towers marking the top. It's not just an endpoint; it's a genuine accomplishment. The views? Absolutely legendary.
moderateCan you drive through Buynovo Gorge in Bulgaria?
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Smoljan Province of Bulgaria, about to enter the stunning Buynovo Gorge. This isn't just any road; it's a 16.2 km (10-mile) ribbon of adventure carved by the Buynovska River between the villages of Teshel and Buinovo. Set aside about 35-50 minutes to soak it all in. Located in the eastern Rhodopi Mountains, the gorge is the longest in Bulgaria and a total feast for the eyes. Think towering limestone cliffs and breathtaking scenery at every turn. The road itself? Well, it’s paved, but it's not for the faint of heart. It's super narrow in places – we're talking one-lane in sections – so big vehicles and impatient drivers, beware! There are spots where two cars can barely squeeze by, especially at the famous "Wolf's Leap," where the cliffs practically kiss above the road. Legend has it, wolves used to jump across here! This natural landmark, established in 1971, leads you to incredible spots like the Yagodinska cave, the longest in the Rhodope Mountains. And if you're up for a real adventure (with the right gear and a guide), check out Sanchov Cave. The whole area is bursting with unique wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled. Trust me; this drive is worth every white-knuckle moment!