How long is the road to Col des Iris?
France, europe
1.3 km
2,030 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're in the French Pyrenees, exploring those epic cycling and driving routes, right? Wanna take a little detour and get off the beaten path? Check out Col des Iris!
Nestled near the iconic Col du Tourmalet, this isn't some long, drawn-out adventure, but it punches above its weight. Just 1.3 km long, it branches off the D918 (the main road to the Tourmalet) and climbs 55 meters. That's an average gradient of 4.23% so not too intense.
Here's the thing: it's all gravel. Yep, rough and ready! This little gem is totally unpaved, so be prepared for a rocky ride. Especially after rain or when the snow's melting, you'll need to take it slow and steady. Speaking of snow, at 2,030m (6,660ft), Col des Iris can get snowed in *any* time of year, and it's usually totally impassable in winter.
But hey, if you're up for a bit of a challenge, the views are SO worth it. Plus, Col des Iris is your starting point for an even higher adventure: the climb up to Pic du Midi de Bigorre! If you are looking for a quick escape from the Tourmalet crowds and into the silence of the high mountains, this little detour is your ticket.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,030 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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