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
moderateDriving the scenic Route 61, a coastal road in Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Hey there, adventure seekers! Let's talk about Route 61, or as the locals call it, Djúpavegur—the "Midnight Sun Road" in Iceland’s stunning Westfjords. This fully paved gem is snuggled in the northwest and stretches for 249 km (155 miles) from Road 60 to Ísafjörður, the biggest town in the Westfjords (population: around 2,600). Think dramatic coastal views and landscapes that’ll make your jaw drop! Keep in mind, though, this route isn't for the faint of heart. You'll encounter some seriously steep sections, climbing up to 440m (1,443ft) at the Steingrimsfjörðurheiði Pass. Winter travelers, listen up: keep a close eye on the weather. This pass can get gnarly with high winds and sudden storms, sometimes leading to closures. On the plus side, ancient stone cairns mark the path, like little breadcrumbs through a Nordic fairytale. Expect a smooth ride, though! The road is generally in great shape. Plan for about 3-4 hours of pure driving bliss. With epic scenery and light traffic, this could easily be the highlight of your Icelandic road trip.
extremeWhere is Mount Duldul?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! I've found a wild one for ya in Turkey's Osmaniye province: Düldül Dağı. Picture this: You're in the Mediterranean region, smack-dab in the Amanos Range. Legend says Ali bin Abu Talib's horse even left footprints up here! Now, getting to the top? That's where the *real* fun begins. We're talking a rough, rocky track that screams "4x4 ONLY!" Seriously, leave your sedan at home. Think hairpin turns galore, steep climbs that'll test your off-roading skills, and oh yeah, zero guardrails with some pretty serious drop-offs. This wild road stretches from Kuşcu to the peak, feeling like a ladder to the sky, winding its way up the mountain. It was built to access a massive cable car system - supposedly the longest in Europe! Word is, though, the cable car's pretty much abandoned now, which adds to the whole mysterious vibe. A word to the wise: this road is often snowed in for most of the year. Even after the thaw, conditions can be rough because it sounds like upkeep is a little lacking, so keep an eye on local reports. But if you're after a seriously challenging drive with insane views, Düldül Dağı might just be your next adventure.
moderateThings to Know Before Driving to Col des Anderets in the Western Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Col des Andérets: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Nestled high in the western Swiss Alps at 2,031m (6,663ft), Col des Andérets is a hidden gem in the Vaud canton that'll take your breath away—literally and figuratively. This scenic mountain pass sits in the charming municipality of Ormont-Dessus, and it's absolutely worth the drive. The 7.5 km (4.66 miles) route winds from Col du Pillon up to Col de Voré, mostly following smooth asphalt with just a few short gravel sections (around 400-600m) to keep things interesting. The steeper bits stick to proper asphalt, so you won't have to worry too much about your tires. Fair warning: this pass gets seriously snowed in during winter, so timing your visit for the warmer months is definitely recommended. But when conditions are good? Pure magic. The drive delivers jaw-dropping alpine scenery at every hairpin turn, and there's a quirky red pond near the summit that's become something of a local curiosity. Cap off your drive with stunning views of Lake Arnen and the surrounding peaks. It's the kind of road that reminds you why Switzerland is legendary for mountain driving.
hardGorges d'Omblèze, a French balcony road
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges d'Omblèze: The French Canyon Road That'll Make Your Palms Sweat Ready for a heart-pounding drive through one of France's most dramatic landscapes? The D578 winds through the jaw-dropping Gorges d'Omblèze in southeastern France's Drôme department, carving its way through a stunning limestone canyon sculpted by the La Gervanne river. This 8.1 km (5.03 miles) stretch running from Plan-de-Baix to Omblèze is basically the poster child for French balcony roads—those death-defying ribbons of asphalt clinging to sheer cliff faces. The fully paved road snakes through the gorge like, well, like a river itself, with hairpin turns that'll have you gripping the steering wheel a little tighter than usual. Here's the reality: this is a narrow, single-track road in places with nowhere to squeeze past oncoming traffic. Rockfalls are a real concern, and those unlit tunnels demand your full attention. The constant switchbacks, combined with the dramatic mountainside drops, mean every mile requires serious concentration and careful maneuvering. But honestly? It's absolutely worth it. Surrounded by the lush forests and mountains of the Parc naturel régional du Vercors, the scenery is *chef's kiss*. While you're tackling this epic drive, don't miss the 72-meter Druise waterfall—a stunning reward for your bravery. **Pro tip:** Use those provided pullouts to catch your breath and take in the views. And remember, this isn't a race—respect the road, take your time, and you'll have the adventure of a lifetime.