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 · More road trips from Grenoble
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
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Grenoble → Gorges de la Bourne · 36 km · 0 h 29 minOn the way: Villard-de-Lans.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping municipal des Millières (3 km); Camping des Myrtilles (11 km).
- Day 2: Gorges de la Bourne → Combe Laval · 18 km · 0 h 15 minOn the way: Pont-en-Royans.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping les Bords de Lyonne (2 km); Camping Côté Vercors (8 km).
- Day 3: Combe Laval → Die · 37 km · 0 h 30 minOn the way: Col du Rousset.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping de Justin (< 1 km); Le Domaine du Mûrier Aire Naturelle (< 1 km).
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. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Grenoble: Low-emission zone (Crit’Air). A Crit’Air sticker is required and older vehicles may be banned. Order the sticker from the official website well in advance.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
Themes
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.
Where can you camp along Vercors: gorges and cliff roads?
OpenStreetMap lists 111 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Les 3 Pucelles, Camping Le Vercors and Les Buissonnets.
When is the best time for Vercors: gorges and cliff roads?
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)
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