Clue de Greolieres is a balcony road on the French Riviera

Clue de Gréolières is a very scenic canyon located in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It’s one of the French balcony roads. Escape from the Cote d'Azur jet set by driving the scenic Route de Thorenc like James Bond did in Goldeneye.

Can you drive through Clue de Gréolières?

Set high on the Alpes Maritimes, the road through the gorges, carved by Le Peyron river, is totally paved. It’s called D2 (locally known as Route Greolieres, Route de Thorenc or Route de Gentelly). This scenic drive is not without a surprise, listed as one of the most stunning roads in the world. 

How long is Clue de Gréolières?

Located on the southeastern part of the country, the road is 10.7 km (6.64 miles) long, running east-west from Gréolières (a pretty Medieval village perched on a ridge against the southern flank of the Cheiron mountain, in the hills 25 km north of Grasse) to Route du Castellaras (D5).

How to drive through Clue de Gréolières?

Tucked away in the Parc naturel régional des Préalpes d'Azur, the road climbs up to Pas de Tous Vents, a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.052m (3,451ft) above the sea level. The road is stunning and dramatic, and features a series of narrow and unlit tunnels perched on a road carved into the rocks. This stretch of the road trip offers unusual rocky arches. Plan about 13 minutes to complete the drive without any stop. High risk of rock slides. Don’t stop your car in the middle of the road, and don’t park on the roadside. Caution is required when driving on this road but the location is worth it.

Where was James Bond film – Goldeneye filmed?

This short but exceptional daytrip in the French Riviera can't be missed. The gorge is famous for its bewildering network of subterranean caves, a few of which are open to the public. The road has an extraordinary appeal. So much so that the street even made it into the James Bond film – Goldeneye for the car chase scene.