
A narrow paved road to the summit of Col de Mehatche
Spain, europe
4.1 km
716 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de Méhatché
Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees, Col de Méhatché is a hidden gem that straddles the Spain-France border at a modest 716m (2,349ft) elevation. Also known as Artzamendiko Bidea, this mountain pass connects Spain's Navarre region with the French Pyrénées-Atlantiques, making it a perfect pit stop for cross-border adventurers.
The route stretches just 4.1km (2.54 miles) from Col des Veaux to Sommet de l'Artzamendi, and you'll find a small parking area right at the summit—perfect for catching your breath and snapping some photos.
Now, here's the real talk: this isn't your typical smooth highway. Narrow passages are the name of the game here, so you'll want to take it slow and hope you don't meet another vehicle coming the other way. The winding road throws some seriously steep sections at you, with gradients hitting a jaw-dropping 17.2% at their steepest. If reversing on a mountain road isn't in your skill set, you might want to reconsider this one. But for those with solid driving chops and a sense of adventure? It's totally worth the challenge.
Where is it?
A narrow paved road to the summit of Col de Mehatche is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.4697, -3.6188
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 716 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.4697, -3.6188
Related Roads in europe
hardFurka Pass is the Alpine road for James Bond
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Furka Pass: Switzerland's Most Thrilling Alpine Drive Want to experience one of the Swiss Alps' most legendary roads? The Furka Pass is calling your name. Sitting at a jaw-dropping 2,431 meters (7,976 feet) above sea level, this iconic route cuts through one of Switzerland's snowiest regions and delivers some seriously unforgettable Alpine scenery. Located on the border between Uri and Valais cantons near the Italian frontier, Furka Pass has been turning heads since the 14th century. When the 31.5 km route officially opened in 1867, it was Switzerland's longest pass road. Today, the well-maintained Furkastrasse (Route 19) connects Andermatt to Gletsch, mostly paved with just a few cobblestone sections for character. The drive gets serious pretty quickly. From Amsteg, you're climbing 1,942 meters over 42 km with an average gradient of 4.6% (max 10.3%). Starting from Brig? That's a 57.8 km ascent with a maximum gradient of 10.8%. These aren't just numbers on a page—you'll feel every percentage point in those hairpin turns. Fair warning: bring your A-game as a driver. The switchbacks are exhilarating (read: genuinely challenging), especially on the first section with its precipitous slopes. Rain and darkness ramp up the difficulty significantly. But here's the thing—the road is beautifully maintained and well-marked, because, well, it's Switzerland. The views? Absolutely spectacular. Glaciers, mountain peaks, dense forests, and charming villages unfold as you climb. You'll spot the historic rack-and-pinion steam train chugging along the mountainside, adding to the magic. Most thrilling detail: you get within a few hundred meters of the Rhone Glacier, the actual source of the Rhone River. Park up and walk inside the glacier itself (200 meters of pure ice-cold adventure—dress warmly!). Despite dramatic retreating in recent years, this 7 km glacier remains genuinely awe-inspiring. Over 250,000 visitors tackle this pass annually by car, bike, motorcycle, or historic train. Weekends and peak season get crowded, so plan accordingly. Pro tip: only open from late May through early November due to heavy winter snow. Check the weather before you go—driving through clouds kills the whole point. Yes, this road has serious street cred. The legendary hairpin bends made cinema history in 1964's Goldfinger when they filmed that iconic car chase in front of the Rhone Glacier. There's even a "James Bond Strasse" curve with its own lookout point. For the full Bond experience, hunt down the historic petrol station in Andermatt where the characters parted ways (now part of the Aurora Hotel). Bottom line? The Furka Pass is one of the most thrilling, challenging, and visually stunning Alpine crossings you can drive. Take your time, stop constantly for photos, and soak it all in. This is bucket-list territory.
moderateWhere is Cim de Coma Morera?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Cim de Coma Morera! Perched high in the Pyrenees, right on the Spanish-French border (smack-dab between Girona, Catalonia, and France), this isn't your average Sunday drive. The summit, also known as Tuc de la Llança, is a proper lung-buster. From the Spanish side via Camí a la Coma Morera connecting to the Eje Pirenaico N-260 road, you'll need a 4x4 to handle the seriously rugged terrain. The climb on either side is an 11.3 km (7.02 miles) workout for your engine and your nerves, gaining a whopping 800 meters (2,625ft) in altitude with an average gradient of 7.07%. But the views? Totally worth it. Think staggering mountain vistas and that feeling of being on top of the world. This area bordering Llauset Lake in Aragon is calling you for an off-road expedition!
moderateDriving Iceland's F338 Road (Skjaldbreiðarvegur): A Journey Along Powerlines
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Skjaldbreiðarvegur (F338) in Iceland's Southern Region! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a proper Icelandic F-Road experience. We’re talking 51 km (32 miles) of pure, unadulterated 4x4 heaven (or hell, depending on your driving skills!). You'll find this track running between Route 550 (near Brunnavatn) and Route F35 (just 5 km north of Gullfoss). Forget smooth tarmac; expect a rollercoaster of boulders, ruts, potholes, and everything in between. You'll traverse stony terrain, sandy soil, and even some epic black sand stretches. Oh, and did I mention the two river crossings? Yeah, you'll definitely need that high clearance and a healthy dose of bravery. These river fords can get dicey, especially after rain or warm weather – always check the depth! A small car will *not* cut it here. Open only during the summer (usually late June to early September), this highland route serves up some seriously stunning views of volcanoes and lava fields. Just follow the power lines! But fair warning: it's remote. You might not see another soul for ages, cell service is spotty, and breakdowns can turn into full-blown survival situations. So, maybe don't go it alone. While the scenery is out-of-this-world gorgeous, keep your wits about you. This road demands respect, a solid 4x4, and a good sense of adventure. Remember, rental car insurance doesn't usually cover water damage from river crossings, so choose your line carefully!
extremeLes Tourniquets d'Astoin
🇫🇷 France
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Les Tourniquets d'Astoin! This is a seriously twisty, steep climb located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in France. Imagine snaking your way up a narrow road, switchbacking through six seriously tight hairpin turns – locals even call it Les Six Tournants! You'll gain some serious altitude, reaching 1,084 meters (3,556 feet) above sea level. The whole stretch is only about 550 meters long as you make your way from Bayons to Astoin on the D1 road. This road is so epic, it's actually featured as a stage in the legendary Monte Carlo Rally. Get ready for incredible views... and maybe a little bit of white-knuckle driving!