A steep paved road to Col de Mehatche in the Pyrenees
France, europe
4.1 km
716 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de Méhatché
Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees on the Spanish-French border, Col de Méhatché (also known as Artzamendiko Bidea) is a mountain pass that connects Spain's Navarre region with France's Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. Sitting at 716m (2,349ft) above sea level, this scenic route is definitely worth adding to your mountain driving bucket list.
The pass stretches just 4.1km (2.54 miles) from Col des Veaux to Sommet de l'Artzamendi, where you'll find a small parking lot waiting at the summit. Fair warning though: this isn't your typical cruise-through-the-mountains road. The route features plenty of hairpin turns and seriously steep sections, with gradients reaching up to 17.2% at their steepest.
The real challenge? The narrow sections that make you hold your breath whenever you hear an engine coming from the opposite direction. If you're not confident with tight spaces and reversing, you might want to save this one for when your driving skills are a bit sharper. But if you're up for the challenge, the reward is a thrilling alpine experience with spectacular Pyrenean views.
Where is it?
A steep paved road to Col de Mehatche in the Pyrenees is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.6488, 2.8545
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 716 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.6488, 2.8545
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col de Mehatche?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you're looking for an adventure? Check out Col de Méhatché, a super cool mountain pass straddling the border between Spain and France! Officially known as Artzamendiko Bidea, this baby winds its way up to 716m (that's 2,349ft for you non-metric folks!) through the stunning Pyrenees. You'll find it connecting Navarre (Spain) to the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department (France). The climb is about 4.1km (2.5 miles) from the base up to the Sommet de l'Artzamendi, where you'll find a tiny parking lot at the top. Word of warning: This isn't a drive for the faint of heart. The road gets seriously narrow in places, so be prepared to hug the edge and maybe even throw it in reverse if you meet someone coming the other way! Plus, hold on tight, because it's got some steep sections, with gradients hitting a max of 17.2% in places. But hey, the scenery is absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive. Think panoramic mountain views and that "I conquered something amazing" feeling when you reach the summit! Just take it slow, stay alert, and enjoy the ride!
moderateWhere is the F902 Road?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Alright adventure seekers, buckle up for Kverkfjallaleið (F902), a true Icelandic heart-pumper! This isn't your Sunday drive - we're talking about a seriously demanding route snaking through the southeastern Highlands. You'll be in Vatnajökull National Park, surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery and some seriously gnarly river crossings. This F Road stretches about 84 km (52 miles) north to south and is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking high clearance, folks, because the track is rough, to say the least! And get this - it's one of the highest roads in Iceland, only open during the summer months (late June to early September, usually). Prepare for solitude because you're heading into one of the most remote areas of the Highlands. Seriously consider traveling with other vehicles, as breakdowns are a real possibility, cell service is spotty, and help is far away. The landscape is a geologist's dream, but those river crossings are no joke. You'll need experience and a healthy dose of caution. Don't even think about solo crossings or tackling them during heavy rain. Only modified 4x4s (and bigger!) should attempt it, and always check the water depth first—it can change in a heartbeat with the weather! And remember, while the daytime views are epic, this road gets way more dangerous after dark. One last tip: rental car insurance often doesn't cover water damage, so proceed with extreme caution!
hardWhat makes Skarvanes so special?
🌍 Faroe Islands
Okay, so you're headed to Skarvanes, a tiny, super-charming coastal village on the west side of Sandoy. Let me tell you, getting there is half the adventure! The road in, Skarvanesvegur (or Route 37), is only about a mile and a half long, branching off from Route 40. Now, don't let the short distance fool you! This road is an experience. Think paved... but seriously narrow. We're talking "hold your breath and hope no one's coming the other way" narrow. Two average-sized cars? Forget about it. Reversing skills are a MUST. If you're not a fan of edge-of-the-world driving, maybe skip this one. Because this road hugs the coastline TIGHT. One wrong move, and you're taking an unplanned dip in the ocean! But if you're up for the thrill, the views are absolutely incredible. Just take it slow, be careful, and get ready for some seriously stunning coastal scenery.
moderateWhere is Silla de la Yegua?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a hidden gem for you in the Province of León, Spain: Silla de la Yegua (or Pico Cabeza de la Yegua, if you're feeling fancy). This epic peak punches 2,135 meters (that's over 7,000 feet!) into the sky, offering killer views from its summit, which is also home to some cool communication towers. You'll find it nestled south-southeast of El Bierzo, in the Castile and León region. But here's the deal: the road to the top is totally unpaved. We're talking a proper 4x4 situation. And fair warning, this climb through the Montes Aquilanos isn't for the faint of heart when winter rolls around – expect impassable conditions. The fun starts on Road LE-CV-192/21. From there, it's a 3.4 km (or a little over 2 miles) climb. Don't let the short distance fool you; you'll gain 243 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 7.14%. Get ready for a good time and views that will blow your mind!