Driving Route des Cols des Pyrenees with 34 remarkable mountain passes
France, europe
942 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# Route des Cols des Pyrénées: A 585-Mile Alpine Adventure
Ready for an unforgettable road trip? Buckle up for the Route des Cols des Pyrénées, a spectacular 942 km journey that stretches from the Atlantic coast all the way to the Mediterranean. This isn't just any drive—it's a masterclass in mountain scenery, crossing a whopping 34 alpine passes and climbing nearly 16,000 meters of elevation.
Built back in the 1800s under Napoleon III and his wife Eugénie, this route originally connected the region's most luxurious spa towns. Today, it remains entirely paved and winds through all six French Pyrenees departments, with about half the route cutting through the Midi-Pyrénées region. Many of these passes have become legendary thanks to the Tour de France—cycling enthusiasts will instantly recognize names like Tourmalet and Aubisque.
What makes this drive truly special is how dramatically the landscape shifts. Head from the Mediterranean side toward the Atlantic, and you'll witness wild transformations in scenery, culture, language, and cuisine as you move through Mediterranean France into Occitan and Basque country. The panoramic views are simply stunning.
But here's the reality check: Mother Nature plays for keeps up here. Expect ice, snow, Atlantic storms, flash floods, and rockslides. Free-range cattle, horses, and deer roam freely, while some impatient drivers keep things interesting. Winter visitors should know that higher passes typically shut down from late October through mid-June due to snow. Even in summer, weather can turn treacherous fast—Atlantic storms drop temperatures rapidly and can trigger flash floods at lower elevations.
Pro tip: Travel between April and mid-June? Check the weather each morning before you go. And if storms roll in, Spain's just 20-30 km south with a completely different (usually sunnier) forecast.
Where is it?
Driving Route des Cols des Pyrenees with 34 remarkable mountain passes is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.1953, 2.3675
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 942 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.1953, 2.3675
Related Roads in europe
hardDosso dei Galli: a road on top of the mountains
🇮🇹 Italy
# Dosso dei Galli: Italy's Intense Alpine Challenge Ready for an adrenaline rush? Welcome to Dosso dei Galli, a seriously impressive mountain pass sitting at 2,188 meters (7,178 feet) high in Brescia province, Lombardy. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—this is the real deal for adventure seekers. The Strada Provinciale 345B, nicknamed "Delle Tre Valli" (Of the Three Valleys), is a wild 17.4 km (10.81 miles) roller coaster that'll test your nerves and your driving skills. Picture this: you're cruising along a road that's mostly perched above 2,000 meters elevation, with sheer rock faces towering beside you and heart-stopping drops plunging hundreds of meters down—and here's the kicker—most of it's completely unprotected by guardrails. In several spots, the road narrows so much that two vehicles can barely pass each other. The road kicks off from Passo del Maniva on the Anfo Ridge Road and winds its way to the SP 669 junction. It starts and ends nicely paved, but don't get too comfortable—the middle section switches to gravel, throwing in some rocky, deteriorated surfaces especially through the curves. Still, it's totally doable for experienced drivers. Fair warning: the speed limit is a cautious 20 km/h. Overtaking is off-limits, and you'll need to stick to designated parking areas. This route demands respect and full concentration, but the payoff? Absolutely unforgettable mountain scenery and bragging rights that last forever.
moderateHow to drive to the summit of Col d’Eylac in Cantal
🇫🇷 France
# Col d'Eylac If you're craving a proper mountain adventure in France, Col d'Eylac is calling your name. Perched at 1,442 meters (4,730 ft) in the Cantal department of south-central France, this pass sits proudly within the stunning Massif Central range. The 32-kilometer (20-mile) D680 road winds its way from Salers to Dienne, offering a fully paved but seriously challenging drive. Don't let that "fully paved" part fool you though—this route means business. Expect tight hairpin turns and steep sections that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel, with gradients hitting a punchy 15% in places. It's the kind of road that demands respect and rewards you with incredible mountain scenery. Reaching the summit feels like an accomplishment (and it should). There's a welcoming little bar and parking area up top—perfect for catching your breath and soaking in the views. The pass has earned its stripes as a Tour de France climb, so you'll be following in the tire tracks of cycling legends. While the road typically stays open year-round, winter can throw curveballs with occasional closures, so check conditions before heading out during colder months. This is proper mountain driving through one of France's most dramatic landscapes. Thrilling, demanding, and absolutely worth the drive.
moderateWhere is Val Pelouse?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for a trip to Val Pelouse, a totally abandoned ski resort nestled high in the Savoie department of France! Picture this: you're in the southeastern part of the country, heading up to 1,728m (5,669ft) above sea level. What awaits you at the top? A parking lot, and… well, not much else. So, what’s the story here? Back in the day, during the Alps' winter sports boom, some bright sparks decided to create a ski resort way up here. It started small, just a few lifts and a cozy chalet. Over time, it grew, boasting five lifts serving nine slopes, and even a unique dormitory-restaurant combo. Locals and school groups flocked here, but sadly, it was never a roaring success. The slopes were deemed a bit too intense for families, though off-piste adventurers loved it. Plans for expansion never panned out, and the resort eventually closed its doors. These days, Val Pelouse is a ghost of its former self, a free flight take-off site, and the starting point for some epic hikes. But let's talk about the road! It's paved, but don't expect smooth sailing. Expect some potholes and rough patches, so keep your eyes peeled, especially on the way down. This relentless, steep climb winds through the woods before emerging above the treeline, offering some gorgeous views. The road may be deserted, but it's also used by hikers and paragliders. Ready for the numbers? The ascent is a solid 13.5 km (8.38 miles). The first 4 km are a gentle warm-up, but then BAM! The remaining 12.4 km average over 9%, and the last 10 km never dip below that. Be prepared for a challenge! Oh, and one more thing: the road to the summit is typically closed in winter, only opening to the village of Arvillard at 728m.
extremeDriving the Ridge Road to Monte della Guardia, Monte Dubasso, and Colle San Bartolomeo
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising in the Italian Ligurian Alps, Piedmont region, tackling an absolutely wild mountain ridge road. We're talking 11.4 km (7.1 miles) of pure adrenaline as you connect two points on the SP216, summiting Monte della Guardia, Monte Dubasso, and Colle San Bartolomeo di Ormea. Epic, right? But hold on, this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is seriously narrow, clinging to the mountainside, and often barely wide enough for one car. Imagine having to reverse for kilometers on a winding, tiny track with a drop-off just inches away! You'll need all your driving skills here: the road surface alternates between crumbling asphalt and loose gravel, which gets extra slick after rain or when the snow melts. This high-altitude route takes you on a scenic rollercoaster, crossing three seriously cool landmarks. Oh, and a word of warning: you're out in the wilderness. No gas stations, no cafes, nada. Make sure your car is in tip-top shape, especially your brakes and tires, before you even think about starting the ascent. Plus, be prepared for heavy mist and low clouds that can roll in and make the road even more treacherous. The views are incredible, but keep your eyes glued to the road because there are no guardrails here to save you if you mess up. You can usually drive this road from late spring to autumn, but snow will block access in the winter. Don't miss the little chapel at Colle San Bartolomeo di Ormea. Shepherds and travelers have been stopping here for centuries, as it marks the crossing point between Piedmont and Liguria. It's a great spot to take in the scenery, but parking is super limited, so be mindful of blocking the road for others.