How is the drive from Col de Portet to the summit?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in the French Pyrenees, Hautes-Pyrénées to be exact, standing near the commune of , ready for a ridiculously scenic drive.
You're about to tackle the Crête de la Soumaye. This isn't your average Sunday cruise. We're talking about a short, sharp climb right from the end of the asphalt at the famous Col de Portet. Clocking in at just
, this "road" is a punchy climb, gaining 128 meters super fast. That's an average gradient of 11.6%!
Think of it like this: it's a classic, high-altitude service road twisting through ski resort infrastructure. They use it for chairlift maintenance, so you know it's gonna be rugged. It’s narrow and full of loose stones just waiting to make your tires spin. Forget guardrails; you've got some serious drop-offs, so keep your eyes on the prize. A 4x4 is a MUST. Trust me, you don't want to get caught up here if a storm rolls in and turns the dirt into something slippery.
But oh, the views!
You crest that crazy steep climb and BAM! You're at 2,348 meters, and it's a 360-degree panorama of the whole freakin' Pyrenees range! You can see all the major peaks, and you're towering above the valley below. It’s exposed, wild, and the air is definitely thin. If you've just conquered Col de Portet and want to keep pushing, this is the detour for you.
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is the Industrivägen road from Nikkala to Seskarö?
🌍 Sweden
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Industrivägen, a sweet little paved road in northern Sweden's Norrbotten County. We're talking Seskarö Island, a summer paradise begging to be explored! This 13.6 km (8.45 miles) stretch, built back in '78, links Nikkala on the mainland to the island of Seskarö. The best part? You're practically driving *on* the ocean. Seriously, this route zigs and zags across the water, treating you to some seriously stunning coastal views the whole way. It's a quickie, too – maybe 15-25 minutes if you don't stop (but trust me, you'll *want* to stop). Word to the wise, though: winters here are brutal, dipping down to -50 degrees Celsius! So pack accordingly, and get ready for an unforgettable drive.
hardA wild road (14.2%) to Alto de San Miguel de Aralar
🇪🇸 Spain
# Alto de San Miguel de Aralar Perched at 1,233 meters (4,045 feet) in Navarre, Spain, Alto de San Miguel de Aralar sits just outside the Pyrenees on the dramatic Aralar mountain chain. This is serious climbing territory—the kind of place that's earned its stripes hosting stages of the Spanish Vuelta. Starting from the charming town of Uharte-Arakil, you've got 11.5 kilometers (7.14 miles) of relentless climbing ahead, with 773 meters of elevation gain and an average gradient of 6.72%. This is a proper first-category climb, and it doesn't mess around. Here's where it gets interesting: the road is entirely paved, but much of it's concrete rather than traditional asphalt, which means your grip is constantly compromised. You're looking at roughly 11 kilometers at over 8%, with several stretches hitting 9% or more. A handful of sections even push 15%, and the final push tops out at a brutal 14.2%. This climb never has one knockout punch—instead, it's a relentless series of gut-checks that'll demand everything you've got. But here's the payoff: the summit crowns a 1,000-year-old sanctuary, San Miguel de Áralar, with absolutely stunning panoramic views stretching across the Arakil corridor, San Donato, and the sprawling sierras of Urbasa and Andia. Those final pedal strokes? Totally worth it.
moderateA Very Relaxing Drive with Nice Views to Col des Mosses in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Col des Mosses: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Ready for an epic drive through the Swiss Alps? Col des Mosses is calling your name. This stunning mountain pass sits at 1,452m (4,763ft) in the canton of Vaud and has become legendary among cyclists and road-trippers alike—it's even a favorite of the Tour de France! The fully paved Route 11 stretches 32.4 km (20.13 miles) between charming Château-d'Œx and the town of Aigle, offering two distinctly different experiences depending on which direction you tackle it. **Coming from Château-d'Œx?** You're in for the gentler ride. The 14 km ascent climbs 521 meters with an average gradient of 3.7% (maxing out at 8%). Sure, you'll encounter more traffic and pass through villages that'll slow you down, but the road quality is solid and the journey feels more relaxed. Plus, there's an absolutely gorgeous section through a gorge alongside a wild mountain river that'll take your breath away. **Attacking from Aigle?** Now that's where things get spicy. The 18.8 km climb gains a whopping 1,028 meters with a steeper average of 5.5%—and this is where the real fun happens. Wind through postcard-perfect villages nestled in the foothills, each one tempting you to slow down and soak in the scenery. The best part? This road stays open year-round, so you can experience Alpine beauty whenever the mood strikes. Whether you're a seasoned driver or just chasing incredible mountain vistas, Col des Mosses delivers on every level.
moderateWhere is Klausen Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, buckle up for the Klausen Pass, a Swiss thrill ride punching in at a lofty 6,417 feet! Located smack-dab in central Switzerland, straddling the Uri and Glarus cantons, this beauty throws down 136 curves as it climbs a whopping 4,058 feet from bottom to top. You'll be cruising on Road 17 (Klausenstrasse), a totally paved path that's been charming drivers since '48. Think smooth surfaces, killer views, and a biker/cyclist haven. Keep an eye out for the historic cobblestone section near the start - it’s a little tight and twisty, but totally worth it. A few tiny tunnels will add to the adventure. Clocking in at just over 28 miles, this east-west route links Altdorf to Linthal. Coming from Zurich? You can ditch the highway and be carving these Alpine roads in just over an hour! Expect some steep sections, hitting around a 9% gradient, but the traffic is generally light. Heads up: this road's a snow bunny from November to June/July, so plan your trip accordingly. And forget about bringing any big rigs - longer vehicles are a no-go. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Budget an hour to an hour and a half for a non-stop blast. You'll be snaking your way up, soaking in insane mountain views at every turn. The summit is your reward – a gift shop, snack bar, and even a public toilet! Don't miss the Bruder-Klaus-Kapelle, a historic chapel from 1938. Plus, the whole pass is dotted with those impossibly cute Swiss alpine villages. Get ready for a postcard-perfect drive!