How to drive the narrow Road D71 in southeastern France

Located in the Var department of southeastern France, the D71 (known as the Corniche Sublime) is a scenic 37 km road running along the south rim of the Verdon Gorge between Aiguines and Comps-sur-Artuby. It’s one of the most scenic balcony roads in France.

Location	Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
Length	37 km (Aiguines to Comps-sur-Artuby)
Max Elevation	1,202 m / 3,943 ft (Col de Vaumale)
Height Limit	4.0 meters
Surface	Fully paved asphalt

Where is the D71 road located?

The D71 is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. The 37 km route runs west to east from Aiguines to Comps-sur-Artuby, climbing over Col de Vaumale at an elevation of 1,202 meters (3,943 feet) above sea level.

When was the D71 road built?

Construction of the D71 took 5 years to complete. The route was specifically engineered to provide panoramic views over the canyon floor and was officially inaugurated in 1950.

Is the D71 road paved?

The D71, nicknamed the Corniche Sublime, is fully paved. The route climbs through steep cliffside sections, featuring narrow stretches and the Tunnels de Fayet, a pair of single-lane rock tunnels over a 3 km gorge sector elevated 250 to 400 meters above the canyon floor.

What are the height and size limits on the D71 road?

The route is closed to vehicles exceeding 4.0 meters in height due to low tunnel ceilings. Tight hairpin turns force long vehicles to slow down significantly to avoid oncoming traffic on narrow bends.

Is the D71 road scenic?

The road offers direct views of the turquoise waters of Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Verdon Gorge. Stopping points are limited along the narrow shelf, though Balcons de la Mescla provides dedicated parking above the canyon bend.

Is the D71 road busy in summer?

The route experiences heavy tourist traffic, slow caravans, and pedestrians during peak summer months. Traveling outside busy periods helps avoid delays along narrow single-lane sections and unlit tunnels.