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
hardCheval Noir
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're headed to Cheval Noir, a seriously stunning mountain pass way up in the French Alps (Savoie department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, specifically the Massif de la Vanoise range). We're talking a lofty 2,166m (that's 7,106ft) above sea level! Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road to the top, nestled in the Vanoise National Park, is a proper off-road experience. Think gravel, rocks, and a generally bumpy, tippy ride. You'll definitely need a 4x4 and some experience under your belt. Not for the faint of heart – or those scared of heights! Expect some seriously steep sections (we're talking up to 17.67%!), and if it's wet, be prepared for some muddy mayhem. The road is usually closed from October to May due to snow. But trust me, the views are worth it! Plus, you'll be driving through some fascinating geology – this area is named after the Cheval Noir geologic unit, a fascinating wedge formed way back when oceans were colliding. This service road leads to Cime des Orres, a peak in the Hautes-Alpes, so keep an eye out for even more incredible scenery along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable alpine adventure!
hardWhere is Teglia Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Want a taste of the Italian Alps? Then you NEED to check out the Teglia Pass in the Province of Imperia. Nestled in the northwest of Italy, this beauty sits pretty high up at 1,387 meters (that's 4,550 feet!). You'll find it hugging the region, a stone's throw from the . The road itself? It’s the Strada Provinciale 17 (SP17), and let me tell you, it’s an experience. We're talking narrow sections that'll test your nerves, and more turns than you can shake a stick at – around 32 hairpin bends, to be precise! This isn’t a Sunday drive for the faint of heart; best to avoid it if you’re not super confident behind the wheel. But if you ARE, prepare for some seriously epic scenery.
extremeWhere is Wildkogel?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk Wildkogel, a beast of a peak in Austria's Hohe Tauern region, overlooking the charming town of Bramberg am Wildkogel. Nestled in the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps, this is no Sunday drive. Think insane mountain landscapes meet a road designed to test your limits. First things first: pavement? Nope! We're talking a rugged mix of rock and gravel, originally a service road for the ski station. Picture this: you're clawing your way up an unstable surface, loose stones fighting you every inch of the way, especially as you gain altitude. This baby's only open for a tiny window in the summer, so plan accordingly. From Bramberg am Wildkogel, it's roughly 12.8 kilometers to the top, but don't let the distance fool you. You're gaining a whopping 1,244 meters in elevation, which works out to an average gradient of 10.30%. Sounds doable? Think again! We're talking about 20 hairpin turns and sections hitting a brutal 17%, demanding serious torque and grip. The challenge is real. Add high winds, potential mid-summer snow flurries, and freezing temps to the mix, and you've got yourself an epic adventure. Your vehicle will be screaming as you push the cooling system to its max on the climb, and then desperately rely on your brakes to keep you from careening down that 1,244-meter drop. This isn't just a drive; it's a high-altitude expedition that demands some serious off-road skills. Oh, and don't forget to check out the historic Wildkogelhaus up top, built way back in 1898. It's a landmark for those who conquer this climb.
moderateA Dramatic Balcony Road Above the Stunning Lac du Bourget: Col de la Chambotte
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Chambotte: France's Most Thrilling Balcony Road Perched at 650m (2,132ft) above sea level in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de la Chambotte is hands-down one of the most exhilarating drives you can experience in the Alps. The Route de la Chambotte (D991B) stretches just 7.2km (4.47 miles) from Chindrieux to Saint-Germain-la-Chambotte, but trust me—every single curve packs a punch. This is a fully paved road, which is good news, but here's the thing: it's *narrow*. Like, genuinely tight in places. You'll find yourself navigating hairpin turns along cliff edges with nothing but air (and an absolutely stunning view) on one side. A few unlit tunnels puncture through the rock face, adding to that heart-pounding adventure feeling. And fair warning—some stretches have minimal or zero guardrails, so this isn't the drive for white-knuckle nervous drivers. But if you're up for the challenge, the payoff is spectacular. What makes it all worthwhile? Lac du Bourget spreads out below you like something from a postcard—France's largest natural lake with those impossibly clear turquoise waters ringed by impressive mountain peaks. Created during the Ice Age and cradled in the Alpine landscape, it's genuinely breathtaking. Every twist of the road offers another jaw-dropping perspective of this glacial gem. If you're chasing an adrenaline rush with world-class scenery, Col de la Chambotte delivers the goods.