Gorges de la Ruda: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
The Gorges de la Ruda is a canyon located in the Haute-Corse department on the island of Corsica, France. The route is carved into red granite cliffs by the Ruda and Golo rivers and is widely considered one of the French balcony roads due to its narrow ledge construction and vertical drops.
| Road facts: Gorges de la Ruda (Scala di Santa Regina) | |
|---|---|
| Road Name | D84 |
| Location | Francardo to Corscia (Corsica) |
| Surface | Paved / High Exposure |
| Max Gradient | 9% |
| Length | 16 km (10 miles) |
Where is the Gorges de la Ruda?
The canyon is located in the central part of Corsica, within the Regional Natural Park. The road, known as the Scala di Santa Regina, follows the upper valley of the Golo River. It is a historic passage that connects the Niolu high-altitude basin with the rest of the island.
Is the road through the Gorges de la Ruda paved?
Yes. The entire D84 road is fully paved. As seen in the geography of the gorge, the road is exceptionally technical, featuring sections where the pavement is literally notched into the granite mountain face. There is no central dividing line, and in many parts, the road is only wide enough for a single vehicle to pass comfortably.
Vehicle Restrictions and Hazards
While cars can navigate the pass, it is not recommended for large campervans or heavy vehicles due to the extreme narrowness of the balconies and the height of the overhanging rocks.
- Rockfall Risk: The canyon walls are subject to constant erosion. Falling debris is a common hazard, especially during the spring thaw or after heavy storms.
- Exposure: The road features low stone parapets that offer minimal protection against the vertical drops into the riverbed below.
How long is the drive?
The 16 km (10 miles) route from Francardo to Corscia takes approximately 25-30 minutes. Stopping or parking on the roadside is impossible and prohibited in the narrowest sections. During the summer months, the road becomes a bottleneck for tourist traffic, requiring low speeds and high concentration to navigate oncoming vehicles in blind corners.