A Delightful Yet Challenging Paved Road to Col du Soulor in the Pyrenees
France, europe
45 km
1,474 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col du Soulor: A Pyrénéan Classic
Nestled in the Hautes-Pyrénées region of southwestern France, Col du Soulor sits pretty at 1,474m (4,835ft) and delivers one heck of a scenic drive. This high-altitude mountain pass is part of the legendary Route des Cols des Pyrénées—basically the ultimate collection of spine-tingling alpine roads cutting through the Franco-Spanish border.
The D918 Road stretches about 45km (28 miles) from Argelès Gazost to Eaux-Bonnes, and it's 100% paved. But don't let that fool you—this isn't your typical highway. Expect some seriously narrow sections and a few tunnels thrown in for good measure. The views? Absolutely stunning. This is bonafide Balcony Road territory, with sweeping vistas that'll have you pulling over constantly to snap photos.
Now, let's talk about the climb itself. From Argelès Gazost, you're looking at 19.48km of climbing with 1,019 meters of elevation gain (averaging 5.2%). From the Eaux-Bonnes side, it's 22km with 1,074 meters of gain (averaging 4.9%). Here's the kicker—some sections hit 11% gradient, making this a beast of a climb. Professional cyclists know it well: the Tour de France regularly tackles this pass, usually pairing it with its neighbor, Col d'Aubisque.
Whether you're a road cyclist, a motorcycle enthusiast, or just someone who loves epic mountain scenery, Col du Soulor won't disappoint.
Where is it?
A Delightful Yet Challenging Paved Road to Col du Soulor in the Pyrenees is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.1101, 2.1483
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 45 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,474 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.1101, 2.1483
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Gjipe Beach?
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Albanian Riviera, heading for Gjipe Beach, rumored to be the most beautiful in the country. Getting there? That's half the adventure, and maybe a bit of a thrill! This isn't just a drive; it's a 4km (2.48 miles) journey from the SH8 highway to paradise. The first 2.5km are smooth sailing on pavement, leading to a parking lot by St Theodor’s Monastery (pay to park, folks!). Now, if you’ve got a 4x4, you can drive even closer. The real fun begins for the last 1.4km (0.86 miles), winding down a narrow, unpaved path to Gjipe Canyon. We're talking hairpin turns, soft sand, and some seriously steep drop-offs - up to 9% grade! No guardrails here, so keep your eyes on the road. Two cars definitely can't pass each other, so be prepared for anything. The views? Unbelievable. Towering rock formations, lush forests, and a peek at the shimmering turquoise waters that await. You'll also pass old communist-era bunkers adding a historical quirk to the scenery. When you finally arrive at the beach squeezed between high canyon cliffs, you’ll realize it was all worth it. During the summer you'll even find a couple of cafes for food and drinks. Just be mindful of snakes! Get ready for stunning views and a secluded, spectacular escape on one of Albania's best-kept secrets.
hardClue de Rouaine
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southeastern France, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to be exact. You're on the N202, also known as the Route de Grenoble, and you're about to experience the Clue de Rouaine. This isn't just any road; it's a seriously scenic route linking the charming villages of Les Scaffarels and Rouaine. Get ready for the Gorges de la Galange! The road is paved, which is a huge plus, but be warned: it’s a twisty, turny adventure with some steep sections and tight corners. Don't worry, though; it's well-marked and maintained. Expect some narrow spots, but visibility is generally good, so you can soak in the unrivalled views of the grandiose scenery. Trust me, you'll want to stop and snap some photos!
hardCherni Vrah
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, so you're heading to Bulgaria? Awesome! If you're feeling adventurous, you HAVE to check out Cherni Vrah, a.k.a. Black Peak! This beast of a mountain tops out at 2,274 meters (7,460 feet) in the Vitosha range, located in Pernik Province. Now, getting to the top? That's where things get interesting. Think gravel, rocks, bumps galore - it's a proper off-road challenge. It's essentially a service road for the chairlift, so be prepared for some serious uneven terrain. Heads up: this route is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one. This isn't for the faint of heart, as it's seriously steep in sections. Also, mountain weather can change in a heartbeat, turning the road into a mud bath, so keep an eye on the sky. The views? Totally worth it! Plus, there's a mountain hut and a cool weather station built way back in 1935 waiting for you at the summit. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
hardPass da Costainas
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Pass da Costainas: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Head to the far eastern edge of Switzerland and you'll find Pass da Costainas tucked away in Graubünden's Sesvenna Range. This rugged mountain pass sits at a seriously impressive 2,254 meters (7,395 feet) above sea level. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. The road to the summit is a gravel and rocky beast—bumpy, tippy, and steep in places. You'll need solid off-road driving skills and nerves of steel to handle it properly. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, definitely skip this one and save it for another day. Plan your visit carefully, because Mother Nature calls most of the shots here. The pass is typically locked down by snow and weather from October through June, so timing is everything. Summer months offer your best window to tackle this wild route—weather permitting, of course. This is 100% a destination for experienced mountain drivers who live for that adrenaline rush. Think you've got what it takes? The Sesvenna Range is waiting for you.