Col de Gembre

Col de Gembre

France, europe

Length

14 km

Elevation

1.6 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Col de Gembre in the Hautes-Pyrénées, France, is calling your name. This high mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,635m (5,364ft) – are you ready for those views?

The road starts out smooth in Nistos, a cute little mountain town. Cruise along for 14km on asphalt until you hit the Nistos ski resort, sitting pretty at 1,600m. But that's where the real fun begins! The pavement ends, and the road turns to gravel for the final push to the summit.

Word of warning, though: this gravel road is steep and narrow. But don't let that scare you away – it's all part of the experience! Get ready for some seriously epic scenery. Plus, you'll be driving along Route de Thiéry, a balcony road with views for days as you head towards Col de la Madone. What are you waiting for? Time to add this one to your bucket list!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
14 km
Max Elevation
1.6 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Superbagneres: the road continually snakes its way up aheadmoderate

Superbagneres: the road continually snakes its way up ahead

🇫🇷 France

# Superbagnères: A Mountain Climb Worth the Drive Nestled in the Haute-Garonne department of southern France, Superbagnères sits pretty at 1,804 meters (5,918 feet) above sea level in the Midi-Pyrénées region. It's a ski station that's become legendary among cycling enthusiasts and road trip lovers alike. The journey up via the D46 is nothing short of spectacular. Starting from the charming town of Bagnères de Luchon, you've got an 18.5-kilometer (11.49-mile) climb ahead of you, gaining 1,170 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 6.3%. Fair warning though: there are some punchy stretches that hit over 12.5%, so you'll definitely feel this one in your legs—whether you're cycling or driving. The good news? The road is beautifully maintained with smooth asphalt throughout. This route has made its mark on cycling history, having hosted several Tour de France mountain finishes. These days, a weight restriction on a bridge further up the valley means the Tour can't quite include it in the official route anymore, but that doesn't diminish its prestige. What really makes this drive special is the scenery. Wind your way around the massif as the landscape constantly shifts around you, with the towering Pyrenees closing in from all sides. Once you reach the summit, you're treated to a jaw-dropping 360-degree panorama. On a clear day, you'll be surrounded by no fewer than fifteen snow-capped peaks above 3,000 meters. It's absolutely breathtaking.

Punta d’Icún: Driving the 9.6% 4x4 climb in the Pyrenees of Huescaextreme

Punta d’Icún: Driving the 9.6% 4x4 climb in the Pyrenees of Huesca

🇪🇸 Spain

# Punta d'Icún: A Pyrenean Beast for Off-Road Adventurers Tucked away in the Aragonese Pyrenees near the French border, Punta d'Icún is a stunning 2,069m (6,788ft) peak that's become something of a cult classic among serious off-roaders. Also known as Cerro de las Canales, this hidden gem sits high above the Tena Valley and serves up some genuinely challenging terrain for those brave enough to tackle it. The adventure kicks off from the tiny village of Yosa de Sobremonte and covers just 9 km (5.6 miles) to the summit. Sounds doable, right? Well, here's the catch—you're climbing 868 meters in those 9 kilometers, translating to a punishing 9.64% average gradient. This is genuinely steep stuff, and the unpaved track of loose gravel, limestone rocks, and natural earth demands your full attention. Expect relentless climbing with barely any flat sections where you can catch your breath. The real challenge isn't just the gradient, though. The Pyrenees throw everything at you up here. Year-round high winds are the norm, and they can get seriously intense near the summit, making exposed stretches without guardrails genuinely nerve-wracking. You'll absolutely need a capable 4x4 with proper ground clearance and solid off-road chops to handle this one. From the top, the reward is magnificent—a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of dramatic granite peaks and deep valleys stretching toward France. It's the kind of view that makes the bruising climb worthwhile. Fair warning: this road only opens during summer. Heavy snow blankets the area from October through June, turning those steep grades into icy death traps. Even in summer, mountain storms can appear out of nowhere, so always check conditions before you go. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's a technical, isolated mountain expedition that demands respect and proper preparation.

Xerokambos Beachextreme

Xerokambos Beach

🇬🇷 Greece

# Xerokambos: Crete's Hidden Gem Beach Road Nestled in the remote southeastern corner of Crete's Lasithi region, Xerokambos is a stunning beach that feels like your own private slice of paradise—and the winding journey to get there is half the adventure. The road down is freshly paved and absolutely spectacular, though it demands respect from anyone behind the wheel. With 23 hairpin turns compressed into just 10.9 km starting from Chametoulo village, this isn't your typical straightaway. The endless switchbacks and narrow sections will test even seasoned drivers, and that's before you factor in the seriously intense winds that can catch you off guard. Fair warning: this route is notorious for triggering motion sickness, so skip the heavy meal beforehand and maybe pop some ginger tablets. What makes this drive so incredible is the sheer isolation and raw beauty. You'll wind through untouched green plateaus and pass by charming abandoned medieval villages like Etia and Chametoulio—places where time seems to have stopped. As you descend, the landscape transforms into something almost otherworldly, with breathtaking panoramas of the South Cretan Sea opening up before you. The road hugs the dramatic Gorge of Lamnoni, adding another layer of wow factor to the experience. Pro tip: heading southbound means you'll be facing the sea as you navigate those curves, which somehow makes the whole thrilling ride feel a bit more bearable (and scenic). This is truly one of Crete's least-touched corners—mass tourism hasn't spoiled what makes it special. Just take your time, respect the road, and prepare for unforgettable views.

How long is the road to Col de la Buffaz?hard

How long is the road to Col de la Buffaz?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Col de la Buffaz in the French Alps is calling your name! Nestled in the Haute-Savoie department, this mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,502 meters (that's 4,927 feet!). The road? Well, it's an experience! Think mostly unpaved, so buckle up for a bumpy (but scenic!) ride. The first section is a real leg burner, seriously steep! Starting from Thônes, you're looking at a 6.4 km (almost 4 miles) climb. Don't let the distance fool you; you'll gain 900 meters in elevation, averaging a pretty intense 14% gradient. So, is it worth the trek? Absolutely! At the summit, you'll find the Chalets de la Buffaz, a mountain hut with postcard-worthy views, especially of La Croix du Lachat. The path itself is gorgeous, winding through lush undergrowth before opening up to breathtaking alpine scenery. Get ready for a taste of real mountain life!