Riding the route of Route de Presles (D292) is an awesome experience and it is considered as one of the most spectacular balcony roads in France.

A stunning 7km mountain road located in the Isère department in southeastern France, the Route de Presles is made up of a succession of open tunnels and passages, carved directly into the rock, resulting low and narrow lanes, blind corners and potential landslides.

The Route de Presles is certainly breathtaking and it has a fearsome reputation. There are not many roads like this in Europe, if you can handle the height and the prospect of a very long freefall this road absolutely has to be on the list of any road connoisseur.

How many kilometres is it / How long does it take to ride it?
This road is a 7km long which connects the Bourne valley to the Coulmes plateau. The road continues to the spectacular Gorges du Nan.

Are there any accommodation or camping options along the way?
There are two campsites, one at Choranche and one at Pont en Royan, plenty of gîte d’étape and some hotels in the town of Presles.

Interesting sights on the route?
The Route de Presles dominates the Allier plateau and offers a view of the Hautes Plateaux du Vercors.
The area around Presles is known as some of the best outdoor sports terrain in Europe, especially famous for climbing.

What is the best time of year to travel the route?
For those looking for sunshine and warmth, May, June, July, August and September is the best time to ride the route. However, for those looking for winter holidays and activities such as skiing, then December, January and February are ideal times as the mountains will be covered by snow.

Where are people able to get fuel when they are riding the route?
The nearest petrol station can be found in the towns of Saint-Marcellin, Pont-en-Royans, Auberives en Royans and Saint-Romans.

Photo credit: Damien Ayers / CC BY

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