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
hardConquering the iconic road to Rasos de Peguera
🇪🇸 Spain
# Rasos de Peguera: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Want a ride that'll keep you on your toes? Rasos de Peguera ski resort, perched at 1,897m (6,223ft) in Barcelona's Berguedà comarca, delivers exactly that. This isn't a leisurely cruise—it's a rollercoaster of a drive with constant elevation changes, sharp turns, and plenty of switchbacks to test your driving skills. The BV-4243 road is fully paved but seriously steep, with grades hitting 18% at the start and easing to around 12% toward the summit. Don't expect much company on the road, though weekends—especially in summer—can get moderately busy with other adventure seekers. Nestled in the stunning Serra d'Ensija-els Rasos de Peguera national park, this pass stays open most of the year, but winter weather can throw surprise closures at you. Fair warning: if your passengers get queasy about heights, save this route for solo trips. Starting from Berga, you're looking at a 14.8 km (9.19 miles) climb with 14 hairpin turns and 1,075 meters of elevation gain averaging 7.26% gradient. The road's become legendary—it's appeared multiple times in the Vuelta a España cycling race. Once you've conquered the resort, continue beyond on a mix of paved and unpaved roads leading to Coll de Peguera, a haunting ruined mountain village, and Mina del Griell, an eerie abandoned mine. Perfect for those seeking a bit of history with their adrenaline rush.
extremeStrada degli Alpini
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Italy's Veneto region, Treviso province to be exact, ready to tackle the Strada degli Alpini. This isn't just any road; it's a wild, zigzagging climb that's as thrilling as it is scenic! The road's paved, which is great, but be warned – it gets super narrow in spots. Think "squeeze by" narrow. And if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe give them a heads-up (or Dramamine!). Seriously, the hairpin turns come fast and furious. Let's talk elevation. You'll start at about 267 meters above sea level and then, over just 6.7 km, you’ll climb a whopping 809 meters! That's an average gradient of 12%, but be prepared for stretches that hit a crazy 20%. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drops along almost the entire route? But hey, think of the views from Chalet de l'Épée Refuge!
hardWhere is Col de la Taillade?
🇫🇷 France
Col de la Taillade is a mountain pass at an elevation of above sea level, located in the department of France. Where is Col de la Taillade? The pass is situated in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region , in the southwestern part of France near the Spanish border. It lies within the French Pyrenees. Near the summit, the road provides access to the Espace Nordique d'Issarbe , a well-known cross-country ski resort. Road facts: Col de la Taillade Is Col de la Taillade paved? The road through the pass, the , is fully paved, although the surface quality is variable. The climb is classified as for cyclists, featuring an average gradient of and reaching maximum pitches of . The route is characterized by numerous hairpin bends and narrow sections that require cautious driving. How long is Col de la Taillade? The total distance of the route is . It runs in a north-south direction, starting from and connecting with the , which leads toward the higher Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin Col du Gollet: A Technical 4x4 Track in the Massif de la Vanoise An unpaved road to the summit of Pic de Figuema in the Pyrenees 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.
extremeWhen was Via dei Saraceni built?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're in northern Italy, ready for an adventure. Forget the autostrada, you’re heading up Via dei Saraceni, one of the most epic dirt roads you'll ever experience! This isn't your average Sunday drive — it's a 20km (12-mile) rollercoaster reaching over 2,000 meters, making it one of Europe's highest roads. Built way back in 1886, this old military road (also known as Strada militare Fenil-Pramand-Föens-Jafferau or Strada Militare 79) is totally unpaved and packed with hairpin turns and incredible views. Now, be warned, this isn't for the faint of heart. Some sections are only wide enough for one vehicle, and there are no guardrails to save you. The road winds past old forts, with slopes generally under 12% and a width of only about 3 meters. There are some rocky bits that'll challenge most cars, especially when the weather turns nasty. One highlight is the Galleria del Seguret (aka Galleria dei Saraceni): an 825-meter U-shaped tunnel that's dark, muddy, and full of deep puddles. Seriously, bring a good flashlight if you're on a bike or horseback – you'll need it! Via dei Saraceni crosses several mountain passes, including Colle Fenil (2,087m), Colle del Pramand (2,805m), and Colle Basset (2,204m). Open from May to October, weather is key. Things get tricky when it's wet or dark. There's also a short, rocky climb up to Forte Foens that'll test your skills. Don't miss the Galleria Chanteloube, a short tunnel made entirely of concrete and beautiful cut stone. During snowmelt, the roof turns into a waterfall from the Rio Chanteloube! Since you're heading into a remote, high-altitude area, come prepared! Off-road vehicles are fine here. Pack plenty of water, especially in summer. Rain can make the road a real challenge, and thunderstorms can quickly make unpaved sections impassable. Also, keep an eye out for rockfalls. So, if you're looking for a breathtaking, challenging, and unforgettable adventure in the Italian Alps, Via dei Saraceni is calling your name!