Guide to the Mines de Bentaillou
France, europe
10 km
1,875 m
hard
Year-round
Anciennes mines du Bentaillou is a zinc and silver-bearing abandoned mine at an elevation of 1.875m (6,151ft) above the sea level, located in the Ariège department in southwestern France, near the Spanish border.
Located in the heart of the Pyrenees, within the Biros valley, the road to the summit is unpaved and very steep, with narrow parts and 35 sharp hairpin turns. 4x4 vehicle required. The final part is totally closed to private vehicles. It’s an old mine trail following numerous remnants of France's mining heritage. Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season.
Starting from Parking du Bocard d'Eylie, the ascent is 10 km long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 930 meters. The average gradient is 9.3%.
Pic: thierry llansades
Puy de Dome is an iconic Tour de France climb
An iconic road to Col du Grand Ballon in the Vosges Mountains
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,875 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardA curvy paved road to Lago di Morasco
🇮🇹 Italy
# Lago di Morasco: Alpine Adventure Awaits Tucked away in the Alta Val Formazza region of Piedmont, Italy, Lago di Morasco sits pretty at 1,794 meters (5,885 feet) above sea level—a stunning high mountain lake that's totally worth the drive up. The route to reach it is Strada Statale 659 (SS659), and here's the good news: it's fully paved! The not-so-good news? It's narrow and genuinely steep. Starting from Formazza, you're looking at a 9.2 km climb that'll gain you 509 meters of elevation, averaging around 5.5% gradient. Translation: your car will definitely feel the burn. The scenery makes up for it though. Once you make it to the top, you'll find a convenient parking lot and a refuge waiting for you—perfect for catching your breath and soaking in the alpine views. Just keep your eyes peeled for the occasional rock slide, which can happen in this mountainous terrain. It's a thrilling drive through some seriously beautiful country, and Colle della Cavallina's narrow paved summit road delivers exactly the kind of mountain driving experience that makes these trips so memorable.
hardA scenic paved road to Puerto de Navafría
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Navafría Ready to tackle one of Spain's most thrilling mountain passes? Welcome to Puerto de Navafría, sitting pretty at 1,775 meters (5,823 feet) right on the border between Castile and Leon and Madrid. This 23-kilometer (14-mile) beauty winds through the heart of the country, connecting N110 near Navafría to M604 near Lozoya as it cuts north-south through the landscape. Fair warning though—while the M-637 and SG-612 routes are fully paved, they're narrow, bumpy, and seriously steep. We're talking maximum gradients hitting 10% in some sections, which is exactly why the Spanish Vuelta race decided it was the perfect place to challenge cyclists. The drive itself? Absolutely stunning. You'll climb through dense forests in the Sierra de Guadarrama, with panoramic views that just keep getting better as you gain elevation. Once you reach the summit, you'll find a ski station ready to welcome you—making this pass a year-round destination depending on conditions and season. So buckle up, take it slow on those winding curves, and prepare yourself for one seriously memorable Spanish mountain experience. This isn't just a drive; it's a test of nerve and a feast for the eyes.
extremeWhere is Col de la Montee du Fond?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're in the French Alps, in the Savoie department, ready for an off-road adventure. You're headed to Col de la Montée du Fond, clocking in at a breathtaking 3,007 meters (9,865 feet)! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's one of Europe's highest roads, a true test of your off-roading skills. Starting near the popular Val Thorens ski resort and winding down to Orelle, this 28.3 km (17.58 mile) unpaved beast is only for 4x4s. Brace yourself for a wild ride with a staggering 55 hairpin turns – each one numbered, just so you know how far you've come (and how much further you have to go!). This road is a beast! Expect an average gradient of 10.4%, but don’t be surprised when it spikes to 17-18% on those crazy corners. But hey, the views! You'll be treated to panoramic vistas of a thousand summits across France, Switzerland, and Italy. Just remember, this road is usually only open in July and August. So, get ready for an epic, high-altitude adventure!
hardThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Collado de Orgambide
🇪🇸 Spain
# Collado de Orgambide Tucked away in the Pyrenees, Collado de Orgambide is a stunning international mountain pass that sits right on the Spanish-French border at 992m (3,254ft). This hidden gem connects the charming Spanish town of Orbaizeta in Navarre with the D428 road over in France's Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. The 11.2 km (6.95 miles) journey winds its way up from south to north through some seriously dramatic mountain terrain. Fair warning: this isn't your typical wide highway. The road is narrow—really narrow—with stretches so tight that two cars passing each other would be a squeeze. You'll want to take it slow and watch for oncoming traffic around those blind curves. The pavement is solid throughout, with just a few concrete sections breaking things up, but those steep grades are no joke. Your brakes will definitely get a workout on the way up. The payoff? Once you crest the summit and hit that border crossing, the views are absolutely worth every hairpin turn. The landscape here is raw and spectacular, with sweeping vistas that make you understand why these mountains have captivated travelers for centuries. This is the kind of road that rewards patient drivers who respect the mountain's mood. Bring your A-game, take your time, and soak in every incredible moment.