Vercors: gorges and cliff roads
A limestone fortress south-west of Grenoble, with roads cut into sheer cliffs and a sudden drop into Provence at the Col du Rousset.
- Distance
- 90 km (56 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 14 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- August 30, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 90 km (56 mi) with 7 stops, from Grenoble to Die. About 1 h 14 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France
Route description
From Grenoble the D531 climbs through Sassenage to Villard-de-Lans, the main village of the Vercors plateau. From there it plunges into the Gorges de la Bourne, a road carved into the cliffs, passing the Choranche caves near the lower end.
Pont-en-Royans is famous for houses hanging over the Bourne river, and it is a good spot for a swim. Climb from Saint-Jean-en-Royans to the Col de la Machine and drive the Combe Laval road, cut into a vertical wall high above the forest.
Cross the high plateau through Vassieux, whose Resistance memorial tells the story of the 1944 maquis, and reach the Col du Rousset. After the tunnel the landscape turns suddenly southern, and the road winds down to Die, home of the sparkling Clairette.
Several of these roads have overhangs and narrow tunnels: vehicles over about 3 m high or long motorhomes should check restrictions and consider the valley road via Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans. The plateau roads are open in winter, but snow chains may be required.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Grenoble
France - 223 km
Villard-de-Lans
France - 312 km
Gorges de la Bourne
NatureChoranche, FranceA road cut into the cliffs of a deep limestone gorge, with overhangs and short tunnels. The Choranche caves open near the lower end.
- 49 km
Pont-en-Royans
France - 59 km
Combe Laval
ViewsSaint-Jean-en-Royans, FranceOne of the most dramatic balcony roads in the Alps, hacked into a vertical cliff above a wooded amphitheatre. Narrow and unsuitable for large motorhomes; drive it slowly.
- 623 km
Col du Rousset
ViewsChamaloc, FranceA pass where a tunnel through the Vercors rim opens suddenly onto the dry, southern-looking hills of the Diois. The old road above the tunnel has the best view.
- 714 km
Die
France
FAQs
How long is Vercors: gorges and cliff roads?
3-day road trip of about 90 km (56 mi) with 7 stops, from Grenoble to Die. About 1 h 14 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Vercors: gorges and cliff roads?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 14 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Vercors: gorges and cliff roads start and end?
It starts in Grenoble and ends in Die.
Which countries does Vercors: gorges and cliff roads pass through?
France.
