Combe Laval
Saint-Jean-en-Royans, France
One 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.
The Combe Laval is a rocky gorge in the Vercors whose cirque is almost 600 m deep. According to Cityzeum, the D76 road was built between 1893 and 1896; other sources give an opening date of 1898. For about 4 km it follows the cliff face and passes through 11 tunnels cut from the rock; its high point is the Col de la Machine at 1,011 m. From the lay-bys and viewpoints you look out over cliffs, pine forest and fields. The Orthodox monastery of Saint-Antoine can be reached on foot.
The D76 is open to cars, motorcycles and bicycles; motorhomes, caravans and over-wide vehicles are not allowed (as of October 2026). The road is narrow in places, and there is a risk of rockfall and weather-related closures; in winter, drive it only if it is reported open. Drive slowly and allow about an hour including stops.
- Nearest town
- Saint-Jean-en-Royans, France
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 45.0000, 5.3130
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping les Bords de LyonneCampsite2 km from Combe Laval · 60 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Camping Côté VercorsCampsite8 km from Combe Laval · 66 pitchesTentsElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping des MyrtillesCampsite10 km from Combe LavalTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping municipal de Saint-Agnan en VercorsCampsite11 km from Combe LavalTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Aire Camping-Cars privée de Font d'Urle/Chaud ClapierMotorhome stopover11 km from Combe Laval · 14 pitchesCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalNo dogsFree
- Camping Les PinsCampsite15 km from Combe LavalTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Combe Laval?
Combe Laval is in Saint-Jean-en-Royans, France, at GPS 45.0000, 5.3130. It is about 7 km from La Chapelle-en-Vercors.
Can you camp near Combe Laval?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping les Bords de Lyonne, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 46 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Combe Laval?
Combe Laval is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Vercors: gorges and cliff roads.
What is there to see near Combe Laval?
Places worth a stop nearby: Pont-en-Royans (7 km), Gorges de la Bourne (12 km), Col du Rousset (18 km) and Palais idéal du Facteur Cheval (36 km).
When is the best time to visit Combe Laval?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)