Col du Pourtalet: A Scenic Mountain Pass at the France-Spain Border
France, europe
54.4 km
1,798 m
easy
Year-round
# Col du Pourtalet
Ready to tackle one of the Pyrenees' most scenic mountain passes? Col du Pourtalet sits pretty at 1,798 meters (5,898 feet) right on the France-Spain border, and it's absolutely worth the drive. You'll get stunning views of the Ossau Valley that'll make you forget all about the elevation gain.
This 54.4-km route connects the French town of Laruns with Biescas in Spain, passing through the edge of Parc National des Pyrénées. You can even spot the old border post that marks this international crossing—a cool reminder of days gone by.
The road splits into two very different personalities depending on which side you're coming from. From Spain's side (the A-136 road), it's a smooth, wide, well-maintained climb from Biescas—29 km with a mellow 3.1% average grade. This stretch was literally built to handle ski coach traffic in winter, so expect decent road quality and steady traffic, especially on weekends and during summer holidays.
The French approach (D934 from Laruns) tells a different story. This 29-km side has more character, with three steeper "ramps" hitting around 7% gradients separated by easier stretches that hover around 5%. You'll wind through dramatic gorges, pastoral high-mountain meadows, and charming Pyrenean villages. It's not as heavily trafficked, which means you can actually soak in the scenery—just watch for one brief steep kick near a dam.
At the summit? Absolutely worth it. You're greeted with unobstructed views of Pic du Midi d'Ossau and the Cirque d'Anéou, where sheep and cattle graze peacefully. Grab some food or a drink at the cafés and restaurants up top before heading back down.
The pass is famous for appearing in the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, where riders battle gradients reaching 8.8% on the steepest sections. Winter closures can happen during heavy snowfall, but otherwise it stays open year-round.
Where is it?
Col du Pourtalet: A Scenic Mountain Pass at the France-Spain Border is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 44.4087, 1.8668
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 54.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,798 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 44.4087, 1.8668
Related Roads in europe
hardHow To Drive The Challenging Road F586?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to Iceland's west coast for a seriously stunning, seriously rugged drive on the F586, also known as Haukadalsskarðsvegur. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive – you'll NEED a 4x4 for this 34.8 km (21.62 miles) stretch of pure Icelandic wilderness. Think of it as a secret passage from Road 60 to the Ring Road, a hidden gem that climbs up and over the Haukadalsskarð pass before dropping into Hrutafjordur. Just a heads-up, there's a gate to get onto the F586 from the Ring Road, so keep an eye out. Forget pavement – this is classic F-Road territory! We're talking narrow, steep sections, a bone-jarring landscape of potholes, ruts, and boulders galore. Seriously, leave the compact car at home; this is an off-road adventure. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! Imagine epic Icelandic landscapes unfolding around every bend. This road is usually only open in the summer (late June to early September), and you'll be fording a shallow river multiple times – maybe just ankle-deep, but still! Get ready for solitude – you'll likely have this remote, riverside track all to yourself. Just remember: breakdowns can be tricky out here. There's not much traffic, very few people around, and spotty cell service in places. But if you're prepared, this journey through Iceland's raw beauty will be unforgettable.
moderateCol du Mont Noir
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Mont Noir: A Southeast France Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Isère department of southeastern France, Col du Mont Noir sits at a respectable 1,421 meters above sea level, making it a perfect objective for cyclists and drivers looking to tackle some serious Alpine climbing. The good news? The entire route is paved, so you won't have to worry about gravel or unpredictable surfaces. But you've got options depending on where you're starting from. Coming from N 532 gets you the shortest route at 17.8 km, though it's no joke with 1,217 meters of elevation gain and a steady 6.8% gradient. If you're coming from Pont en Royans, expect a slightly longer haul at 19.3 km with 1,206 meters of climbing—but the slightly gentler 6.2% average grade might feel a bit more forgiving. Prefer something shorter and punchier? The Cognin les Gorges approach is the most compact at just 16.2 km, but it ramps up the intensity with a 7.1% average grade and 1,151 meters of elevation gain. Finally, starting from Saint Gervais gives you 18.3 km of climbing with 1,239 meters of elevation—right in the middle difficulty-wise at 6.8%. Whichever route you choose, you're in for consistent, challenging climbing with the gorgeous Isère scenery as your reward.
hardWhere is Col de la Croix de Coeur in Switzerland?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: You're in Switzerland, ready for an adventure. Buckle up, because Route de la Croix-de-Coeur, or Col de la Croix de Coeur, is calling your name! This high mountain pass, sitting pretty at 2,178m (7,145ft), straddles the Entremont and Martigny districts. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road is a bit of a beast, known for being challenging. You'll find a mix of paved sections and hard-pack gravel as you climb. Get ready for some seriously steep sections, hitting gradients of up to 12%! And hold on tight through the 38 hairpin turns—many without guardrails. Oh, and did I mention the 5 tunnels? Starting in Sembrancher and winding up in Riddes, this 43 km (26 miles) stretch is an experience. Trust me, it’s worth it. At the top, you'll find Restaurant La Croix-de-Coeur and a parking area. But the real reward? Jaw-dropping views of the Combins and Mont Blanc to the south, and the Bernese Alps to the north. Get your camera ready!
hardIs Road F735 (Þjófadalavegur) unpaved?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, buckle up for the F735, aka Þjófadalavegur, in Iceland's Northwestern Region! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking serious 4x4 territory, the kind where you need some major fording chops. Forget about cell service or finding a gas station; you're on your own out here. Is it unpaved? Oh yeah, and rough! This road demands a full-size 4x4 with high clearance. Don't even THINK about attempting this in a small car – it's seriously risky. Think long, arduous, rocky, and barren interior landscapes. The track throws everything at you: stony slopes, broken sections, and massive rocks. The F735 stretches from the blissful Hveravellir thermal pool, to the majestic Strútur mountain. You’re in for incredible scenery, lakes, and mountain vistas that will make your jaw drop. Hveravellir also offers facilities like camping and accommodation. Heads up, this road is high! It climbs to one of the highest elevations in Iceland, which means it's only open from late June to early September. River crossings? You bet! There's at least one major crossing. It's usually shallow, but with a strong current. You need to be confident and know what you're doing. Never attempt it alone or after heavy rain when the water level is high. Only well-equipped jeeps should even consider it. Always scout the crossing before committing. And a word to the wise: driving at night is particularly dangerous here. Oh, and rental car insurance doesn't cover water damage, so that river crossing is ALL on you!