Background

Route Touristique de Combe Laval: A Road Carved into the Void

Experience a thrilling drive along a vertiginous road carved into the cliffs of the Vercors, offering breathtaking views of the French countryside.

4.9

The Route Touristique de Combe Laval is a breathtaking road carved into the cliffs of the Vercors massif in France. Originally built to transport timber, it now offers a thrilling drive with stunning views of the Royans valley below.

A brief summary to Route touristique de Combe Laval

  • D76, Saint-Jean-en-Royans, 26190, FR

Local tips

  • Drive carefully, especially if you're not used to mountain roads. The road is narrow and has some tight turns.
  • Stop at the Col de la Machine for panoramic views of the Combe Laval and the Royans valley.
  • Visit the Monastère orthodoxe Saint-Antoine-le-Grand, located near the Col de la Machine, for a glimpse into monastic life.
  • Be aware that the road can be busy during peak season, especially in the summer. Consider visiting during the shoulder season for fewer crowds.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    The Route de Combe Laval is easily accessible by car from Saint-Jean-en-Royans. From the town center, follow the D76 towards the Col de la Machine. The road is well-marked, but be prepared for narrow sections and hairpin turns. Parking is available at the Col de la Machine, from which you can enjoy panoramic views. Be aware that the road can be busy during peak season.

Unlock the Best of Route touristique de Combe Laval

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Route touristique de Combe Laval

The Route Touristique de Combe Laval is not just a road; it's an experience. Carved into the sheer cliffs of the Combe Laval, a magnificent cirque in the Vercors Regional Natural Park, this route offers unparalleled views and a healthy dose of adrenaline. The road winds its way between Saint-Jean-en-Royans and the Col de la Machine, climbing from an altitude of 253m to 1015m. Opened in 1898, the road was initially constructed to facilitate the transport of timber from the Forêt de Lente to the Royans valley. Before its construction, the forest's resources were difficult to access. The construction itself was a feat of engineering, with workers blasting the route into the rock face using explosives. Today, the Route de Combe Laval is a protected site, recognized for its exceptional landscape and the history of the men who built it. The road features numerous tunnels bored through the rock and sections that cling precariously to the cliffside. Along the way, viewpoints offer stunning panoramas of the Royans valley and the Monastère orthodoxe Saint-Antoine-le-Grand. The Col de la Machine offers a particularly impressive vantage point. Due to its popularity, the road can be busy during peak season.

Popular Experiences near Route touristique de Combe Laval

Popular Hotels near Route touristique de Combe Laval

Select Currency