Canyons around Hostun, located in the Drôme section of the Vercors massif, feature a landscape characterized by limestone escarpments, winding roads, and deep gorges. The region offers routes carved into rock faces, providing views of valleys and mountains. These natural features are often traversed by roads popular with cyclists and drivers. The area is known for its geological formations and varied terrain.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
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After a long section of "classic" pass, we suddenly find ourselves on the side of a cliff with a majestic view 😍. The valley is not very long but magnificent. Many nooks and crannies to stop and take a photo.
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The Col road leads to Barbières, winding through the sublime landscapes of the Vercors. Upon reaching the village, after a gentle but winding climb, the view opens up onto majestic mountains and green valleys. Dotted with meadows and forests, this route is ideal for cyclists in search of natural beauty. The village of Barbières, nestled at the foot of the cliffs, offers a picturesque setting, perfect for a well-deserved break.
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The landscape is an absolute eye-catcher, a great road with countless views.
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Magnificent landscape, great road in the rocks. More information: https://www.quaeldich.de/touren/touren-im-parc-naturel-regional-du-vercors/route-combe-laval-variante-1/
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Fantastic landscape, beautiful road. Combe Laval, a must in the Vercors.
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In the Drôme section of the Vercors massif, a spectacular road runs for nearly 4 kilometres along the impressive limestone escarpments. This is the Combe Laval road, which connects Saint-Jean-en-Royans to the Col de la Machine. Opened in 1898, it was originally used to transport wood but soon became a tourist attraction. Today, the Combe Laval road is a must-see in the region, due to its location in the centre of a majestic cirque, with breathtaking scenery. The continuous alternation between tunnels and open-air sections leaves no room for monotony. It is also dotted with dizzying viewing points offering splendid views of the Royan landscape.
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Very nice! You have to at least have a rear light though.
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The Combe Laval circus route takes you up between 253 m and 1015 m above sea level. This road is very popular with cyclists for its exceptional panorama. A veritable cornice carved into the rock, you can reach the Col de la Machine at 1015m offering you a view of the entire valley below.
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The Hostun area, located in the Drôme section of the Vercors massif, is known for several impressive gorges. Key highlights include Combe Laval Cirque, famous for its road carved into rock and panoramic views, and Route des Petits Goulets, which offers a unique driving experience through a gorge with tunnels. Another popular spot is Barbières Cliffs Road, winding through scenic Vercors landscapes.
The gorges around Hostun are characterized by dramatic limestone escarpments, deep valleys, and varied geological formations. You'll encounter roads carved directly into cliff faces, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and green valleys. The landscape provides a continuous alternation between tunnels and open-air sections, showcasing the region's natural beauty.
Yes, the gorges around Hostun are particularly popular with cyclists. Routes like Combe Laval Cirque are renowned for their exceptional panoramas and challenging terrain. The roads, often carved into the rock, provide a unique and scenic cycling experience. For more cycling options, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Hostun or Cycling around Hostun guides.
Beyond exploring the gorges themselves, the Hostun area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, general cycling, and hiking. For detailed information on trails and routes, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Hostun, Cycling around Hostun, and Hiking around Hostun guides.
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities near the gorges. The region offers varied terrain suitable for different difficulty levels. For example, you can find trails like the 'Tour of the Monts du Matin' or routes leading to viewpoints of the Vercors. You can explore more options in the Hiking around Hostun guide.
Visitors frequently praise the spectacular scenery and the unique experience of traversing roads carved into the rock. The panoramic views of the valleys and mountains, especially from spots like Combe Laval Cirque, are often highlighted. The area's appeal is reflected in the komoot community's engagement, with over 100 upvotes and more than 160 photos shared.
While the Hostun area is known for its deep gorges and cirques, the primary activities highlighted for these specific formations are cycling and driving along the carved roads. The guide data does not specifically mention canyoning as a popular activity within these particular gorges. However, the Drôme region, where Hostun is located, is generally known for various outdoor sports.
The gorges around Hostun are generally enjoyable during the warmer months, particularly for cycling and driving, when the weather allows for clear views and comfortable outdoor exploration. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes. Some roads, like the Route des Petits Goulets, may have planned maintenance or closures, so it's advisable to check local conditions before your visit.
The gorges offer scenic drives and viewpoints that can be enjoyed by families. The experience of driving or cycling along roads carved into cliffs provides a memorable adventure. While specific family-friendly trails within the gorges are not detailed, the general area offers various outdoor activities, including easier hiking and cycling routes, which can be found in the respective komoot guides for the region.
The village of Barbières, nestled at the foot of cliffs, offers a picturesque setting and could be a good spot for a break. For broader amenities, including cafes, restaurants, and accommodation, you would typically look to larger towns or villages within the Drôme region surrounding Hostun. The guide data does not specify particular establishments, but local towns will provide these services.
The guide data does not indicate any specific permits required for general access to the main gorges like Combe Laval Cirque, Route des Petits Goulets, or Barbières Cliffs Road. These are generally public roads or natural areas. However, it's always a good practice to check for any local regulations or temporary closures, especially for roads that may undergo maintenance.


Already discovered everything in this region? See additional gorges around Hostun for your next adventure: