An iconic road to Col de Puymorens in the Pyrenees
France, europe
10.7 km
1,920 m
moderate
Year-round
Col de Puymorens is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,920 meters (6,299 feet) in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of France. Nestled in the Occitania region down south, it's right in that sweet spot near the Spanish border with views toward the Mediterranean.
The fully paved N320 road climbs 10.7 kilometers (6.64 miles) from the N20 to the N22, running south to north. Fair warning though – this route gets seriously busy with traffic, including plenty of heavy trucks. The terrain is no joke either, with some brutal 7.7% gradients that'll test your driving skills. If you're into cycling, you might recognize it from Tour de France coverage – yeah, it's *that* famous.
Since it's up there in the Pyrenees, the pass stays open year-round, which is pretty impressive. Winter can throw some curveballs though – occasional closures happen when conditions get gnarly. Pro tip: if you want to skip the climb entirely, there's a tunnel that's been handling through-traffic since 1994, so you've got options.
The scenery around here is absolutely worth the drive though. Whether you're tackling the pass itself or exploring the surrounding area, it's the kind of place that makes road trips memorable.
Where is it?
An iconic road to Col de Puymorens in the Pyrenees is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.0736, 1.2406
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,920 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.0736, 1.2406
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow Long is the Vecchia Strada dei Crozi?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on the Strada dei Crozi in northern Italy's Trentino–Alto Adige region! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Tucked east of Trento, this 1.8-kilometer (1.11-mile) stretch was once part of the main drag, Strada Statale 47. Picture this: a fully paved road carved directly into the rock face. We're talking seriously narrow sections that will test your driving skills. Back in the day, this route was a vital connection between Trento and Valsugana. Originally built as an "Imperial Work," the construction of this road started in 1844 and took six years, requiring blasting teams who could only advance about 70-80 centimeters per day. Can you imagine the views as you hug the cliffside? Though it was bypassed in 1972, replaced by a viaduct over the Fersina stream due to safety concerns, it briefly reopened (2020-2022). Currently closed to private vehicles (with cycling plans in the works!), this historic road is a testament to engineering feats and a reminder of the challenging landscape of the Italian Alps.
hardA very narrow road to Chew Reservoir in Greater Manchester
🇬🇧 England
Okay, adventure awaits in Greater Manchester! Let's talk about Chew Reservoir. Perched way up high at 1,600 feet, this beauty was England's highest reservoir for ages. You'll find it nestled at the top of Chew Valley. The road? Mostly paved, but keep an eye out for a bit of gravel thrown in for good measure. It's known as Chew Road, but here's the thing: private cars aren't allowed all the way up. Park up near Dovestone Reservoir and enjoy the final leg on foot. Trust me, the views of Saddleworth Moor are worth it! This climb, starting from the A635 near Greenfield, clocks in at just under 3 miles, but don't let the short distance fool you. You'll gain over 900 feet, making for a pretty solid 6% average gradient. Get ready for those legs to feel it!
hardWhere is SH20 road in Albania?
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, picture this: SH20, a hidden gem in Albania's Shkodër County, practically hugging the Montenegro border. This 30km (18.6 miles) stretch of pure driving bliss snakes its way from Hani i Hotit to Tamarë. Worried about conditions? Fear not! This road got a major glow-up and was completely paved in 2016. And past Tamare towards the border? That was done in 2018. There's just a tiny bit of gravel right before you hit the border. Now, here's the kicker: SH20 is a well-kept secret. Seriously, it's like nobody knows it's been resurfaced, so traffic is practically non-existent. Translation? Twisty roads all to yourself! Get ready for a workout – this road climbs with an average gradient of 7% and a zillion hairpin turns. But trust me, the views are worth every single shift of the gear. You'll be carving through massive rocky mountains, following the Cem Selcit river, with incredible scenery around every bend. Keep your eyes peeled for old bunkers and abandoned military houses – little slices of history along the way. Cyclists and motorcyclists adore this route, and you will, too.
hardKahler Asten: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇩🇪 Germany
# Kahler Asten: A Scenic Drive to a Stunning Mountain Summit Ready for a gorgeous mountain drive? Head to Kahler Asten, an 841m (2,759ft) peak nestled in North Rhine-Westphalia's Hochsauerland district. Starting from Oberkirchen, this fully paved 13km (8.07 miles) route via L540 and L640 roads treats you to some seriously beautiful scenery as you climb toward the summit. Fair warning though—this isn't a straightforward cruise. Expect narrow stretches, hairpin turns, and steep sections that'll test your driving skills, with grades reaching up to 6.4%. It's manageable, but definitely keep your wits about you, especially during winter when weather can get gnarly and temporary closures happen without notice. That said, the road is typically accessible year-round, so you've got plenty of opportunities to tackle it. Once you reach the top, you'll understand why over 500,000 visitors flock here annually. The summit is basically a full-fledged destination—there's a 20-meter observation tower, a restaurant, the Hotel Kahler Asten for overnight stays, and a small nature museum. There's even a spacious toll parking lot, so finding a spot is usually hassle-free (though expect crowds during peak holiday times). The Rothaar range location makes this drive as rewarding as it is challenging. Whether you're after mountain views, a hearty summit meal, or a full weekend getaway, Kahler Asten delivers.