
Coll de Creu
France, europe
22.7 km
1,708 m
hard
Year-round
# Coll de Creu: A Pyrenean Adventure
Ready for a proper mountain challenge? Coll de Creu sits pretty at 1,708 meters (5,603 ft) in the heart of the Pyrenees, that stunning mountain range that forms the natural border between France and Spain.
The road itself is quite the character. Starting from Olette, you're looking at a 22.7 km climb that'll test your driving skills. The first part treats you to smooth asphalt, but once you pass Col de Jou, things get properly rugged—the road turns to gravel and narrows considerably as it steepens. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely cruise.
The numbers tell the story: you'll be gaining 1,100 meters of elevation over those 22.7 km, averaging 4.85% gradient. The steepest sections hit 9.0%, so low gears and steady nerves are your friends here. It's the kind of road that demands your full attention but rewards you with incredible mountain scenery and the satisfaction of tackling one of Europe's more challenging passes.
Where is it?
Coll de Creu is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.0046, 1.3488
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 22.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,708 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.0046, 1.3488
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