Cirque de Combe Laval
France
The D76 through the Vercors Natural Park cuts a ledge into sheer 400m limestone cliffs above the Lyonne valley, a vertiginous corniche through one of France's least-visited mountain regions, ending on the high Vercors plateau with its dark wartime history.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Romans-sur-Isere
A riverside market town with a famous shoe museum. The sheer Vercors escarpment rises abruptly to the west, visible from the town bridge.
- Saint-Jean-en-Royans
Last town before the cliff road. The D76 was carved into the rock face in 1897 to link plateau villages; it begins just west of the square.
- Combe Laval
A shelf road notched into 400m limestone cliffs above a forested void. Barriers are sparse; the drop and the views are equally constant.
- Col de la Machine
The pass at the top of the Combe Laval climb, where the cliff road meets the Vercors plateau. Views back down the gorge are the best on the route.
- La Chapelle-en-Vercors
Heart of the Vercors Resistance. German reprisals in July 1944 killed 72 civilians; the village memorial is understated and sobering.
- Vassieux-en-Vercors
Destroyed by SS glider assault in 1944 and rebuilt stone by stone. The national cemetery and resistance museum are quiet and essential stops.
- Die
The plateau descent ends in Provencal warmth. Die produces Clairette de Die, a Muscat sparkling wine made here since Roman times.
Where to Eat
- Le Saint JeanFrench Bistro
A cozy bistro in Saint-Jean-en-Royans offering traditional French dishes with a modern twist.
- Auberge du VercorsRegional French
Charming inn in La Chapelle-en-Vercors serving authentic regional cuisine in a rustic setting.
- Le CaveauWine Bar
Intimate wine bar in Die offering a selection of local wines and tapas.
Things to Do
- Musée de la Préhistoire du VercorsMuseum
Explore prehistoric artifacts and learn about early human history in the Vercors region.
- Grotte de la LuireCave
Discover stunning limestone formations in this historic cave near La Chapelle-en-Vercors.
- Col de RoussetScenic Viewpoint
Enjoy panoramic views of the Vercors mountains from this picturesque mountain pass.
Travel advisory
The D76 corniche is a narrow single-track ledge carved into 400m cliffs with limited passing places and sheer drops. Caravans and large motorhomes are prohibited. Drive cautiously, use passing bays, and check seasonal road closures before departing.