Is the road to Cirque de Troumouse paved?
France, europe
8 km
2,093 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in the French Pyrenees, ready to tackle the D922, the road to the Cirque de Troumouse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First off, yes, it's paved all the way to the parking lot at 2,093 meters (6,866 feet). Be warned, though, that parking lot can get *packed* in the summer.
The drive? Oh, it's a stunner, full of twists, turns, and hairpin switchbacks that'll make your head spin (in a good way!). The road's narrow, and the surface can be a bit rough, adding to the adventure. There's a small toll for the last 8 km, but trust me, those final switchbacks are worth it, with an average gradient of 9.5%.
Starting from the cute town of Gèdre, the climb is about 15.2 km (9.44 miles), gaining over 1,000 meters in elevation. Overall, it's around a 6.63% average grade, but with sections hitting a wild 13%! Heads up: This beauty is typically closed from November to June due to snow, so plan accordingly.
Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The scenery is incredible, especially on those hairpin turns near the top. Once you reach the cirque, you're greeted with insane views. It's like stepping into a giant amphitheater of cliffs and peaks, with lakes and a rocky hill at its heart. Prepare to be amazed!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,093 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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