La Route des crêtes is hands down one of the scariest drives I have ever taken.
Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, this extremely scenic drive has some of the steepest roads in the country.
The route, also known as the D141, links La Ciotat to Cassis.
The road is 13 kilometers long and is a mountainous, narrow, zigzagging road that has little to no barrier at times.
The road climbs to an elevation of 1250 ft (380 meters) above sea level.
So why was I even taking this crazy scary road
Now you might be wondering what the heck was I doing on that road with my scared of heights little ol’ self.
Well I will tell you why.
After a few days touring Montélimar, we spent a night in La Cadière-d’Azur which was about the halfway mark to our destination in Cagnes-sur-mer.
Our Airbnb host was super friendly and accommodating and when we told him where we were heading, he suggested we had to take La Route des Crêtes.
He exclaimed how it was an amazingly scenic road that anybody passing through the South of France should take the drive.
Obviously we were like um heck ya!
The views are what we came for.
After talking a little bit more, he gave us some directions and then we thanked him and set off.
A quick walk around La Ciotat
The airbnb was located just outside of La Ciotat, a small cute picturesque town.
We decided to first take a stroll around town and I got to experience the beautiful Calanques de Figuerolles there.
Another amazing first for me, which this trip was full of by the way.
You can check out the awesome photos we captured of the calanques here.
Related: A stroll through Bandol
I was totally unprepared for what came next.
I know I sound dramatic, but when I tell you I am afraid of heights, I am NOT kidding.
The drive
I believe I was just expecting a nice drive with some nice views.
However, when we made our way along the d141 and started climbing on this narrow road with a tiny little barrier, I legit started freaking out!
Don’t get me wrong the views were awesome, but when I’m faced with heights of any sort, all rationality flees from my mind.
My heart starts beating 50 miles an hour, my whole body starts shaking and quivering and I get the worst anxiety.
Rediculous thoughts of the car somehow colliding into the non-existent barrier and us tumbling down the side of the mountain filled my head.
I had to focus on my breathing to keep the insane thoughts at bay.
I know, it’s so absurd, but I really can’t help it.
When we came up to the first lookout point, I was ecstatic to get out of the car and walk some of the shakes away.
I jumped out of the car, and although still a little scared and shaken, I felt completely exhilarated!
I could finally take in this view properly and appreciate it.
And appreciate it I did!
Spectacular views
I was absolutely amazed.
The view was incredible.
Was this real life?!
We had to commemorate the moment with a quick photo sesh, capturing photos of my scared a$% yours truly and the marvelous views as the backdrop.
Related: A trip to Cassis, a colourful harbour town in Provence
Wrapping up the sesh after a few mins, we continued on the winding road stopping several more times.
And only when I thought there was a sufficient amount of space for us to safely stop and maneuver the car easily, where the risk of falling down the mountain was low to non-existent.
Dessert with a view
We decided to enjoy the view at one of the stops a little more and took out some of the desserts we’d purchased in town.
Dessert with a view?
Um yes please!
The drive was so amazing (even though I was scared 93.985% of the time) and the views were out of this world.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t happy when I noticed that we’d reached the highest point and that the road from here started to descend.
What goes up must come down
The drive down was still a little overwhelming, but at least I knew the end was near.
Stopping one last time where a number of other cars were parked, we were once more rewarded with views of Cassis below.
With the city on one side and the gorgeous blue water on the other, I thought “this view is what dreams are made of”.
This view is what dreams are made of.Click To Tweet
We continued down the road and I was so happy when we safely reached level ground and were driving into the city.
***
La Route des Crêtes was hands down one of the scariest drives I have ever taken, but it was also one of the most rewarding and beautiful drives I’ve experienced.
Although I freaked out for most of it, I wouldn’t have traded that experience for the world.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Feel the fear and do it anyway
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