Piau-Engaly

Piau-Engaly

France, europe

Length

19.65 km

Elevation

1,870 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so you HAVE to check out the D118 in the Hautes-Pyrénées of southwestern France! This winding road takes you up to Piau-Engaly ski resort, perched at a cool 1,870m (6,135ft).

The road is paved, but hold on tight – it's a wild ride! Think 16 hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections that max out at almost 12%!

This climb is so epic, the Tour de France has used it! Starting from Saint Lary Soulan, you're looking at a 19.65 km ascent, gaining a whopping 1,030 meters in elevation. The average grade is around 5.2%, but those last 7 kilometers? Pure magic. It's super quiet, with tons of hairpins, and you finish surrounded by stunning mountain views. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
19.65 km
Max Elevation
1,870 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

How Long Is the Road Connecting Ronda and Gaucín?moderate

How Long Is the Road Connecting Ronda and Gaucín?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're cruising the A-369 in southern Spain, winding your way from Ronda to Gaucín. This isn't just any road; it's a 37 km (23 mile) stretch of paved Andalusian highway that throws physics out the window. Seriously! Locals have been scratching their heads for decades because cars seem to *gain* speed going uphill, and *lose* it going down. We're talking about a full-on gravitational anomaly that's got experts baffled. The craziest part? Stop on an uphill slope, and your car might just start rolling *upwards*! This spot is near kilometer 5 on the Ronda to Algeciras section. So, buckle up for some seriously weird vibes and stunning mountain views on this unforgettable Spanish road trip.

Beachy Head Roadhard

Beachy Head Road

🇬🇧 England

Cruising the Beachy Head Road on England's southeast coast is an absolute must-do! This asphalt ribbon stretches for about 6 km (almost 4 miles) between Birling Gap and the lively resort town of Eastbourne. Picture this: twisty, turny sections hugging the coast, with killer views of the English Channel unfolding around every bend. Seriously, the landscapes are phenomenal, especially on a sunny day – those sea views will take your breath away. Keep an eye out for movie magic too! This spot's a total star, having featured in Harry Potter, James Bond, and even Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Word of warning though, it gets super popular during weekends and holidays, so expect some company. Oh, and hold onto your hats – this road can get seriously windy! Those cliffs are high, so keep your wits about you. Basically, soak in the scenery, but drive smart and you'll have an unforgettable experience.

Why is Mount Parnassus famous?hard

Why is Mount Parnassus famous?

🇬🇷 Greece

Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about Mount Parnassus in Greece! This bad boy sits high up in Phthiotis, in southeastern Thessaly, and getting close to the peak is an experience. We're talking about a 10.2 km (6.33 miles) gravel road that climbs to a whopping 2,270m (7,447ft) above sea level. Seriously, it’s one of the highest roads you'll find in Greece! Fair warning, this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is unpaved, steep, and a 4x4 is pretty much essential. But trust me, it's worth it. As you wind your way up, prepare for killer views of olive groves and the gorgeous Greek countryside stretching out below. The road gains 654 meters in elevation so the average gradient is 6.41%. Keep in mind, this road is usually a no-go in winter due to snow.

Where is Certovica Pass?moderate

Where is Certovica Pass?

🌍 Slovakia

Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through Slovakia, right in the heart of the Low Tatras. You're headed for Čertovica Pass, and let me tell you, it's a stunner! At 1,242m (that's over 4,000 feet!), it’s supposedly the highest paved pass in Slovakia. This beauty straddles the Žilina and Banská Bystrica regions in northern Slovakia. And guess what? At the top, you'll find a ski resort, a hotel, and restaurants, so it's the perfect place to chill. The road? Smooth as can be – it's Route 72, all paved. Just be warned, this isn't a flat cruise. We're talking some serious steepness, with gradients hitting 9% in places! The pass stretches for about 20.7 km (almost 13 miles) between Nižná Boca and Jarabá, and offers some seriously stunning views. Keep an eye on the weather though; while usually open year-round, winter can bring closures.