An iconic paved road to Llac d'Engolasters
Andorra, europe
65 km
1,616 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Andorra? Make sure you check out Llac d'Engolasters, a stunning mountain lake nestled high up in the Encamp parish.
Getting there is half the fun! The road, CS-200, is a smooth asphalt ribbon that winds its way up from the CG-2. It's only 6.5 km long, but don't let that fool you. You'll be grinding up some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients of up to 12.3%! Get ready for 13 hairpin turns as you climb 482 meters. That’s an average incline of 7.41%, so be prepared to drop a gear or two!
The road itself is usually in great shape, and you won't find too much traffic, except maybe on weekends or during peak season. It's generally open year-round, but be aware that winter weather can sometimes cause temporary closures. The climb is a popular (and very challenging!) cycling route, with incredible views awaiting you at the top.
Road Details
- Country
- Andorra
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 65 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,616 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeRotwand
🇩🇪 Germany
# Rotwand: A Bavarian Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious elevation gain? Rotwand is calling your name. This impressive 1,727-meter peak sits in the Miesbach district of Bavaria, making it one of Germany's highest driveable summits and a true gem of the Mangfall Mountains. The route kicks off from the B307 and climbs 11.9 kilometers of pure gravel and rocky terrain straight to the Rotwandhaus mountain refuge. You're looking at nearly 1,000 meters of elevation gain over that distance—we're talking an average gradient of 7.9%, with a particularly gnarly 700-meter stretch that hits 18%. This is no leisurely Sunday drive. Weather and altitude will keep you honest no matter what season you tackle this beast. The combination of steep inclines, rugged road conditions, and unpredictable mountain weather means you need to come prepared. But if you've got the chops for it, the views and that sense of accomplishment at the refuge? Absolutely worth it.
hardClue de la Roche Percee is a French balcony road
🇫🇷 France
# Clue de la Roche Percée: A Canyon Drive Through the French Alps If you're hunting for one of France's most thrilling scenic drives, look no further than the Clue de la Roche Percée in Southeastern France. This iconic canyon road—also called the Clue de Taulanne—sits in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, nestled in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur area. The fully paved RD4085 (formerly the Route Napoléon's main artery) stretches 24.3 km (15.09 miles) between Castellane and Barrême, weaving through some seriously dramatic landscapes. Towering cliff walls and gorges frame every twist and turn, creating views that'll make your jaw drop—though fair warning: finding a safe spot to snap photos is basically mission impossible on this one. What makes this drive unforgettable? The constant switchbacks, steep sections, and the sheer beauty of navigating through a narrow canyon with dramatic rock formations on either side. You'll climb steadily as you head north, eventually reaching Col des Lèques at 1,150m (3,772ft), where you can actually catch your breath at the summit's bar, restaurant, and hotel. This is legitimate balcony-road territory—the kind of drive that gets your heart racing and reminds you exactly why road trips through the Alps are absolutely worth it. Just go in with plenty of attention, respect the curves, and prepare to be amazed.
extremeDermati Road
🇬🇷 Greece
# The Wild Ride to Dermati Perched at 1,020 meters (3,346 feet) in the heart of Evrytania, central Greece, Dermati is a mountain town that doesn't welcome visitors with open arms—it tests them first. The 4.9 km gravel road climbing up to this remote settlement is absolutely relentless. Loose, rocky surfaces—especially crumbly along the edges—demand serious respect from your vehicle. Skip this drive if bad weather's rolling in; your tires will thank you. And if you're easily queasy or struggle with heights, fair warning: the panoramic mountain vistas are absolutely stunning, but they come with a price. Hundreds of meters of completely unprotected drops border the road in plenty of spots, with zero guardrails to catch you if things go wrong. Buckle up for 21 hairpin turns of pure adrenaline. This isn't your average mountain climb—it's a gut-wrenching ascent that'll have even seasoned drivers gripping the wheel. Starting from the Prousos-Karpenisi road, you're looking at an elevation gain of 541 meters over that 4.9 km stretch, which translates to an average gradient of 11%. Some sections? They crank up to 15%. Skip the heavy lunch before this one—altitude sickness and switchbacks aren't a fun combination. This is the kind of road that separates the thrill-seekers from the faint-hearted. Proceed with caution, respect, and a full tank.
hardBocca de Sevi
🇫🇷 France
# Bocca de Sevi: Corsica's Steep Mountain Challenge Tucked away in Corse-du-Sud on the beautiful island of Corsica, Bocca de Sevi (also called Col de Sevi) sits at a respectable 1,101 meters above sea level. This is the kind of pass that rewards adventurous drivers with seriously stunning views. The D70 road up here is fully asphalted—good news for your tires—but don't let that fool you. This route gets *steep*, with some sections hitting 8.8%, so you'll definitely feel your car working. The real fun is choosing your approach. Coming from Pont de Belfiori is the shortest and spiciest option: just 12.5 km but a gnarly 875-meter elevation gain averaging 7%. If you prefer a more measured climb, start from Sagone for a 21 km journey with 1,097 meters of elevation gain (5.2% average). Looking for the most leisurely ascent? Porto Marina offers the longest route at 27.6 km, but the gradient chills out to a mellow 4% average with 1,091 meters total elevation. Expect a thrilling balcony road experience as you weave through the dramatic Gorges de Trente-Pas, with Lac de la Glère beckoning with some seriously photogenic scenery. Pick your route based on how much adrenaline you're after, but no matter which way you go, this Corsican gem delivers an unforgettable ride.