04 Le Pouzin to Grenoble via Combe Laval
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RouteXpert Nick Carthew - (MRA Master)
Last edit: 04-11-2022
Route Summary
A twisty route on sometimes small roads. Lots of hairpins beautiful scenery. Includes the famous Col de la Machine at Combe Laval. Short section of toll road (A7) at the start, €3.96 in 2020.The zigzags through the Vercors National Park and riding the best of the French balcony roads at Combe Laval earn this route 5***** stars
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Verdict
Duration
6h 41m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
278.48 km
Countries
Combe Laval
RouteXpert Review
This route forms part of a 5 day tour from The Pyrenees to The Alps that I have named #AcrossFrance, this is Day 4. Links to Day 3 and Day 5 can be seen below this review and also links to the start and finish hotels for this day.This route zigzags through the Vercors National Park which is characterised by a wealth of natural treasures including deep gorges, caves, abysses, sheer cliffs, high plateaux, lush valleys, mountain meadows, forests and a rich flora and fauna. This was a stronghold for the French Resistance during WW2 and there are a number of memorials dedicated to them in the area.
After a short section of motorway, you will visit Pont en Royans. Built in the 16th century, the multi-story homes in the village of Pont-en-Royans, sit on top of and hang over the edge of the natural Vercors cliffs.
It appears that the ground beneath many of the homes in this village has been eroded away, leaving them to hang perilously over thin air. But in reality, the buildings were intentionally built over the precipice.
This unusual choice was made to maximize the plateau’s limited space, as the site was established to facilitate a bustling timber trade. Now, the community sees most of its income from tourism, as people from around the world flock to the tiny town to witness the audaciously pendulous architecture.
Next, you follow the valley floor to Saint-Jean-en-Royans where you can stop for a coffee before climbing higher and higher up to Combe Laval.
Frequently recognized as the most magnificent road in the French Alps, this road through Combe Laval was constructed between 1861 and 1898 and originally served for the transportation of timber. It's one of the most famous balcony roads in France. A balcony road is a hair-raising road cut into the sides of sheer cliffs.
The road is winding, and in some places only wide enough for one vehicle, and in many places bordered by a drop of hundreds of meters protected only by short guardrails. Words can’t describe the road and pictures don’t do it justice. Combe Laval road, carved in a cliff, with its dizzying heights and spectacular views over the Royans Valley, would be the place of nightmares for the squeamish and in fact this road has been known to be closed to vehicles in certain weather conditions due to numerous deaths over the years. If you take liberties here it will be your very last mistake!
The last section of the road is simply exceptional up to the Col de la Machine where a hotel was built to receive travellers, firstly by horse-drawn carriage, then cars and coaches.
There are not many roads like this in Europe, if you can handle the height and the prospect of a very long free fall this road absolutely has to be on the list of any road connoisseur!!!
The route continues to twist and turn, constantly changing direction and offering magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. I have suggested stopping at a town called 'Die' for lunch! There is a nice square where you can keep an eye on your bike and have some lunch.
After lunch you will climb the Col de Rousset via an impressive set of hairpins and then descend slowly to the rich valley floor by another, smaller set. The road is straight for a short while and then it climbs and twists and turns again and passes through the Gorges du Méaudret as it takes you on to a budget hotel on the outskirts of Grenoble.
This route starts and ends at iBis Hotels as this is part of a tour from the Pyrenees to the Alps,links to the hotels can be seen below. The next days route visits the Alps and the 17 bends of the Lacets du Montvernier and finishes at Chambery.
Because of the delicate and exposed locations, some roads may be closed for repair. Use the link below to check before your journey.
Pont en Royans. RP 6
Col de La Machine
Links
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Disclaimer
Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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