
Col de la Quillane
France, europe
N/A
1,714 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de la Quillane
Tucked away in the Pyrénées-Orientales of southern France, Col de la Quillane sits pretty at 1,714 meters (5,623 feet) above sea level. This is the real deal for mountain enthusiasts.
The climb up via the D118 is all asphalt—no gravel surprises here—but don't let that fool you. You'll encounter some seriously steep pitches along the way, hitting grades up to 9.0%, which means your engine (and your legs, if you're cycling) will definitely feel the burn. The gradient is legit enough that the Tour de France has actually featured this pass during the race, so you know it's got some serious credentials.
If you're planning a drive through this stretch of the French Pyrenees, expect a challenging but rewarding climb with some stunning alpine scenery. It's the kind of road that'll test your driving skills while rewarding you with incredible views. Perfect for anyone looking to tackle an authentic mountain pass experience.
Where is it?
Col de la Quillane is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 42.5481, 2.1142
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,714 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.5481, 2.1142
Related Roads in europe
easyDriving the echoing gorges of Hoz de Valeria
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Cuenca province in Spain, heading into the epic Hoz de Valeria canyon. Seriously, this place is stunning! It’s like nature went wild with a chisel in the Sistema Ibérico mountains. The road, CM-2100, winds right through Hoz del Río Gritos, hugging the river. The pavement is smooth, so you can really soak in the views as you drive. It's super chill here, no crazy traffic, just you and the scenery. And get this, the river is called "Gritos" (shouts) because of the awesome echoes in the canyon! The drive is only about 6.8 km (4.22 miles) from Valeria to Valeria de Abajo, but every kilometer is pure magic. You're surrounded by towering mountains and sprawling valleys, a total feast for the eyes. The landscapes have got a contrasting topography, with its vast plains and exquisite valleys, amplifies the region's immense beauty and allure. This road is a must-do if you're anywhere nearby!
moderateWhere is Brenner Pass?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Brenner Pass, straddling the border between Italy and Austria. This isn't just any drive; it's a historic route that's been connecting Northern Europe to the Italian Peninsula forever! We're talking about a fully paved, four-lane motorway (E45/A22/A13) that was originally built way back in the 1800s. It climbs to a lofty 1,370m (4,495ft) above sea level, linking Bolzano-South Tyrol in Italy with Innsbruck-Land in Austria. Be warned: this popular route can get pretty crowded. The pass stretches for about 49.1km (30.5 miles) from Sterzing, Italy, to Innsbruck, Austria. The road throws in some serious climbs, with gradients hitting up to 10.7% in places. But hey, the views are totally worth it! Since it’s the lowest of the Alpine passes around here, it's usually open year-round. Get ready for an epic drive!
hardCherni Vrah
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, so you're heading to Bulgaria? Awesome! If you're feeling adventurous, you HAVE to check out Cherni Vrah, a.k.a. Black Peak! This beast of a mountain tops out at 2,274 meters (7,460 feet) in the Vitosha range, located in Pernik Province. Now, getting to the top? That's where things get interesting. Think gravel, rocks, bumps galore - it's a proper off-road challenge. It's essentially a service road for the chairlift, so be prepared for some serious uneven terrain. Heads up: this route is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one. This isn't for the faint of heart, as it's seriously steep in sections. Also, mountain weather can change in a heartbeat, turning the road into a mud bath, so keep an eye on the sky. The views? Totally worth it! Plus, there's a mountain hut and a cool weather station built way back in 1935 waiting for you at the summit. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
moderateFeldberg: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇩🇪 Germany
# Feldberg: Germany's Black Forest Gem Ready for a scenic drive to the top of Baden-Württemberg? Feldberg is calling your name! This stunning 1,495m (4,904ft) peak reigns supreme as the highest mountain in the state and Germany's tallest peak outside the Alps and Bavaria. Tucked away in the heart of the Black Forest in southwestern Germany, just north of Feldberg Pass, this summit offers an unforgettable experience. The road itself is a dream—fully paved and taking you on a 7.0 km (4.34 mile) journey straight to the top, where communication and weather station towers mark the peak. Here's the catch: winter driving is completely off the table. The road becomes impassable when snow and ice move in, and it's closed to private vehicles during those months. But when conditions are right, this paved route delivers an incredible alpine experience with breathtaking Black Forest scenery surrounding you at every turn. Perfect for those golden months when the weather cooperates!