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 from the Forêt de Lente to St-Jean-en-Royans (France).

Right now it mainly attracts cyclists eager to face the challenge of a steep climb and be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Vercors region. The most spectacular stretch of the road, between St. Jean-en-Royans and Col de la Machine, cuts into the cliff-like side of the gorge and runs via a series of short, narrow tunnels. Nearly 8 mi (13 km) of lush, alpine beauty and dizzying heights. To go through this road, at Saint Jean en Royans, take the D 76 at the end of the village, direction Col de la Machine.

There is an easy explanation to why the Vercors is often being compared to a stone vessel or a citadel. Separated from its peripheral regions by staggering cliffs, the massif’s only connection to the outside world is through a few indentations in its rocky ramparts. Within the Royans, Combe Laval is amongst the most spectacular of these breaches: a magnificent cirque digging more than four kilometers into the Vercors walls. Surrounded by sheer peaks several hundred meters high, it certainly does not provide easy access to the plateau. However, an almost aerial road was built directly onto the cliffs in the 19th century. Along with the Petits Goulets and the Grands Goulets roads of the Bourne or Nan Gorges, this road provides one of the few spectacular access ways to the heart of the fortress.

This infamous road is tightly hairpinned and bumped, an exquisite winding mountain drive with sharp and blind curves and hairpin switchbacks leading the traveler over the mountains. The road includes some steep sections, without market central lines, is very narrow, barely wide enough for 2 cars at the same time and it has not protections or guardrails. The surface of the road is asphalt, and chains or snow tyres can be required anytime.