Climbs in France: Col de la Machine: a climb with a surprise effect

The Machine is not particularly difficult to drive, in fact it is not even a real pass. After crossing it from the north-west, it is only a few metres downhill to the karstic high plateau of the Vercors. It is the magnificent landscape alone that elevates the Col de la Machine to the status of nobility.

The journey begins unspectacularly in the tranquil village of Saint-Jean-en-Royans, which lies amidst lovely hills and orchards at the foot of a huge rocky outcrop. At first, the little road disappears into the forest for quite a while. It may seem almost boring now. Only now and again do gaps in the trees allow a brief view, confirming that you are gaining height. However, it is precisely this uneventfulness that increases the surprise effect. At an altitude of around 900 metres, you turn around a rocky outcrop - and suddenly feel like a bungee jumper about to jump. The rock drops 500 metres vertically into the depths. Only a knee-high wall marks the edge of the abyss. The view glides over it: down into the Combe Laval gorge and out into the Alpine foothills. Breathtaking! Time and again over the following kilometres, you wonder who came up with the crazy idea of blasting a road into the rock here. Balancing on a narrow ledge, the rough tarmac winds its way along the rugged wall, interrupted by a few short tunnels. It's a shame that the exhilaration is over after a few kilometres. You leave the gorge, a final climb follows and the unadorned pass summit is reached. If you don't want to take the same route, turn left at the top of the pass. The D 2 also takes you back to Saint-Jean on the other side of the Combe Laval. But not half as spectacular.

The western ramp: starting point Saint-Jean-en-Royans

You can find the entire passport profile as a PDF download below.

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PDF: France: Col de la Machine