Dare to Drive the Challenging Col de Spandelles
France, europe
17.2 km
1,378 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de Spandelles
Nestled in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of southwestern France, Col de Spandelles sits at a pretty impressive 1,378m (4,520ft) and offers a scenic mountain experience just west of Argelès-Gazost in the Occitania region.
This 17.2 km (10.68 miles) route runs north-south between Ferrières and Aucun, and honestly, it's a mixed bag depending on which direction you're heading. Coming up from the north on Route du Col de Spandelles? You'll be on pavement the whole way, though fair warning—it's seen better days. Expect potholes and some seriously tight squeezes that'll have you white-knuckling the wheel.
The southern approach is where things get real. Beyond Refuge du Haugarou, you're trading asphalt for gravel, and the road gets genuinely narrow and steep. It's the kind of drive that demands respect and careful navigation, but rewards you with authentic mountain scenery and that real sense of adventure. Perfect if you're looking for something with a bit of character and don't mind a rougher ride.
Where is it?
Dare to Drive the Challenging Col de Spandelles is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.7021, 2.8709
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,378 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.7021, 2.8709
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