Hourquette d'Ancizan
France, europe
22.6 km
1,564 m
hard
Year-round
# Hourquette d'Ancizan: A Pyrenean Gem for Road Enthusiasts
Nestled in the French Pyrenees in Hautes-Pyrénées, the Hourquette d'Ancizan sits at a respectable 1,564 meters (5,131 feet) and offers two distinct routes to the top, each with its own personality.
**The Longer Climb from Campan**
Starting from Campan, you're looking at a 22.6 km ascent that'll gain you 904 meters of elevation. It's a more gradual affair with an average gradient of just 4%, though sections do kick up to 11% to keep things interesting. The road—D113—is paved throughout, though it's definitely on the narrow side with some legitimately steep pitches.
**The Shorter but Spicier Route from Ancizan**
If you're feeling spicy, the Ancizan side is only 10.33 km but doesn't mess around. You'll climb 805 meters with a punchy 7.8% average gradient and max out at 12%—this one's definitely more intense. Same narrow asphalt, but expect your calves to know about it.
**Cool Details**
The pass has earned its stripes as a Tour de France climb, and the French have helpfully placed kilometer markers all along both routes. These milestones show you exactly how far you've come, how much further to go, and what gradients are lurking ahead—super handy for planning your pace.
Whether you choose the patient grind from Campan or the spicy sprint from Ancizan, you're in for some stunning Pyrenean scenery with roads that'll test your mettle.
Where is it?
Hourquette d'Ancizan is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 42.9003, 0.3053
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 22.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,564 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.9003, 0.3053
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Puerto de Valdelinares?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Puerto de Valdelinares! Nestled high in the province of Teruel, Spain, this mountain pass, also known as Alto de Valdelinares, tops out at a cool 1,837 meters (that's 6,026 feet!). You'll find it in the eastern part of Aragón, winding through the Sierra de Gúdar mountains. Why is it famous? Well, for starters, it's part of Valdelinares, which claims to be the highest town in mainland Spain! It's also a regular feature in the Vuelta a España, so you know it's got some serious climbs. Speaking of climbs, the paved road (TE-V-3 if you're looking for it on a map) stretches for 25.3 kilometers (about 15.7 miles) from Allepuz to Linares de Mora. Be warned: it's a bit rough around the edges with some narrow bits, steep sections that'll test your engine, and plenty of hairpin turns. The views are totally worth it, though! Usually, you can tackle this pass year-round, but keep an eye on the weather during winter. Snow can cause short-term closures, so plan accordingly!
moderateWhere is the Folgefonna Tunnel?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're in southern Norway, right in the heart of Folgefonna National Park, ready for an adventure. Buckle up, because you're about to dive into the Folgefonntunnelen! This isn't just any tunnel; it's a whopping 11,150 meters (that's over 36,000 feet!) of paved road snaking beneath the majestic Folgefonna glacier. Connecting the charming villages, this tunnel is a vital link. Now, a heads-up: this tunnel is strictly for cars. No pedestrians or bikes allowed, so leave your hiking boots and bicycles for above-ground exploration.
moderateIs Kitzbüheler Horn paved?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: you're in the Austrian Tyrol, ready to tackle one of the most intense climbs in cycling history. I'm talking about the Kitzbüheler Horn! This baby sits at almost 2,000 meters high! The Kitzbühel Horn Alpine Road is paved, yes, but don't let that fool you. We're talking seriously steep – like, up to 22.4% gradient in sections, and the road gets pretty narrow in spots. You'll be winding your way up past charming alpine huts with switchbacks galore. Heads up though, this road is usually closed from late October to May due to snow. And the last 2.2 km? That's where things get *really* interesting. It's privately owned, with a little gate, and trust me, it's the toughest part – narrow, steep, and the road surface isn't the greatest. Starting in the sweet little town of Kitzbühel, this panoramic beauty stretches for almost 11 kilometers, climbing over 1,200 meters. The average gradient is over 11%, but that last kilometer before the top? Hold on tight, because that’s where you hit that crazy 22.3% slope! Is it worth it? Absolutely! At the summit, you're rewarded with a restaurant, a chapel, and this huge TV tower – the Sendeturm Kitzbüheler Horn. The views are insane! Get ready for an unforgettable ride (or drive!).
hardSüvarihalil Geçidi
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: you're carving your way through the Hakkâri Province in Turkey, practically spitting distance from the Iraqi border. You're headed for Süvarihalil Geçidi, a mountain pass that tops out at a cool 2,442 meters (that's over 8,000 feet!). Fair warning, though: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road's gravel, and the climb gets pretty intense. Plus, it's notorious for winter storms. If you're new to this route, I'd seriously think twice about tackling it at night or when the visibility is poor. But hey, if you're up for an adventure, the views are supposed to be epic!