An iconic Tour de France road to Col de Jau
France, europe
27.1 km
1,509 m
moderate
Year-round
Col de Jau is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,509m (4,950ft) in the Occitania region of southern France. It marks the boundary between the Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales departments, and if you're into exploring off-the-beaten-path spots, you'll want to check out the atmospheric ruins of the Cistercian abbey of Sainte-Marie de Jau nearby.
This Eastern Pyrenees gem is fully paved, making it a solid choice for any road trip. The route runs 27.1 km (16.83 miles) total, connecting Mosset in the south to Sainte Colombe sur Guette in the north. You'll drive the D84 on the northern side and the D14 on the southern side.
Now, let's talk about what you're getting into. This isn't a leisurely cruise—the road definitely tests your driving skills with grades hitting up to 9.8% in the steeper sections. From Mosset heading up, you're looking at a 13.6 km climb that gains 806 meters of elevation at an average gradient of 5.9%. Coming from the Sainte Colombe sur Guette side, the ascent stretches 13.4 km with 896 meters of elevation gain, averaging a punchier 6.7%. It's challenging but absolutely doable if you're prepared for some serious elevation gain.
Where is it?
An iconic Tour de France road to Col de Jau is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.4873, 1.6847
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 27.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,509 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.4873, 1.6847
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhat’s Møns Klint?
🌍 Denmark
Okay, picture this: you're on the eastern coast of the Danish island of Møn, Baltic Sea breezes in your hair, heading towards one of Denmark's most stunning spots – Møns Klint! The road, Møns Klint road, is totally paved and stretches for about 9.6 kilometers (almost 6 miles) from Magleby to Mandemarke. As you get closer, prepare to be wowed. These aren't just any cliffs; they're towering chalk cliffs that dramatically jut out of the turquoise Baltic Sea. Seriously, they reach up to 128 meters (that’s a whopping 420 feet!). The road to the cliffs is pretty narrow, so take your time and enjoy the ride. As you cruise along the coastline, which spans for about 6 kilometers (almost 4 miles), get ready for seriously breathtaking views. The cliffs are ever-changing, sculpted by wind and weather. And Møns Klint itself? Totally worth it! There's a visitor center, exhibitions, and even guided tours where you can geek out on the area's geology, ecology, and history. Trust me; this is an experience you don't want to miss in southwest Denmark.
extremePas de l'Âne: Driving the brutal 17.4% ski track in the Massif des Cerces
🇫🇷 France
# Pas de l'Âne: Not Your Average Mountain Drive Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes of southeastern France, Pas de l'Âne is a wild high-altitude adventure sitting at 2,475m (8,120ft) in the dramatic Massif des Cerces. This isn't your typical scenic mountain pass—it's a legitimately gnarly chairlift maintenance track carved into the limestone cliffs above Le Monêtier-les-Bains, serving the ski infrastructure of Serre Chevalier valley. Perched at coordinates 44.94263, 6.49144, this beast of a route dominates the landscape with jaw-dropping views of Ecrins National Park. But honestly? You won't have much time to soak in the scenery—you'll be too focused on the narrow single track hugging those steep ridges. Fair warning: there's not a shred of pavement up here. The whole thing is loose gravel and dirt, designed for heavy maintenance vehicles, not your average road tripper. We're talking no safety barriers, sketchy hairpins, and drops that'll make your palms sweat. You'll absolutely need a serious high-clearance 4x4 with low-range gearing to even attempt this. Just 5.5 km (3.4 miles) from start to finish, but don't let that fool you—you're climbing nearly 1,000 meters of elevation, which means a relentless 17.4% average gradient. That's some of the steepest stuff in the French Alps. There are virtually zero flat sections, so your brakes and transmission are getting a serious workout the entire way. Timing matters here. The road is completely buried under meters of snow most of the year, only opening up from late June through September for 4x4s brave enough to try. Even in summer, a sudden alpine storm can turn that dirt track into a mudslide in minutes. Always check the weather before attempting this one.
hardRefugi Borda de Sorteny
🌍 Andorra
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you’re heading to Andorra's Ordino region, you HAVE to check out Refugi Borda de Sorteny. Perched way up at 1,965 meters (that's 6,446 feet!), this mountain refuge offers insane views. The road in, Carretera de Sorteny, is mostly paved, but hold on tight because it gets STEEP. The final 2 kilometers turn to gravel and seriously narrow down – think rugged! A 4x4 is your best friend past the lower parking area. Fair warning: Mother Nature usually shuts this road down between October and June with snow, so plan accordingly. Trust me, the scenery is worth the white-knuckle drive!
hardIs the road to Col du Chaussy paved?
🇫🇷 France
Get ready for the Col du Chaussy, a wicked mountain pass in the French Alps! Located in the Savoie department, this road hits a summit of 1,533m (5,029ft). The real kicker? The legendary "Lacets de Montvernier" at the start. This 3 km stretch is insane, with 17 hairpin turns practically glued to a cliff face! Yep, the entire road, known as D77B, is paved, but don't think it's a smooth ride. Those seventeen hairpins are stacked super close together, climbing steeply. Built way back in 1934, Col du Chaussy is famous for these unbelievable bends, a true feat of engineering. But it's not just about the hairpins; you'll climb over 1000 meters overall! This road is narrow! Remember, uphill traffic has priority. If you need to reverse, the more maneuverable vehicle yields. On the way up, stick to 3rd or 4th gear, and use engine braking on the descent, especially before tight turns. You'll drop 400 meters in just 3 miles on those corners! Pre-trip brake checks are essential. The initial bendy section is concentrated in a 2.5km stretch, so you will be turning constantly! After the hairpins, the road winds through alpine fields, with a stunning cliffside section near the top. The slope evens out to about 7-8% as you pass through villages like Le Noirey, Montbrunal, and Montpascal. The last few kilometers to the summit aren’t in great condition. Starting in La Chambre or Pontamafrey, the climb is around 14 km with an average gradient of 7.4%. This drive is also super scenic! If you look up from the road, you might spot the ruins of an old castle. It took six years (1928-1934) to conquer that 400-meter ascent. Cyclists will find this a real challenge. The upper section runs through villages and offers views of the Belledonne Mountains. This is one of France's most famous balcony roads. It's not for the faint of heart, with little room for error on those cliff edges. This is a must-drive for any road trip enthusiast!