Piedra de San Martín is a drive worth taking
Spain, europe
52 km
1,760 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin: Spain and France's Hidden Pyrenean Gem
Ready for one of the most thrilling drives in the Pyrenees? The Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin sits at 1,760 meters (5,774 ft) on the French-Spanish border, connecting the Pyrénées-Atlantiques in southwestern France with Navarre in northern Spain. And trust us—this isn't your typical scenic mountain pass.
Spanning 52 kilometers (32 miles) between the French town of Arette and the Spanish village of Isaba, this fully paved route (D132 on the French side, NA-1370 on the Spanish side) is an absolute masterclass in dramatic driving. We're talking narrow sections, endless switchbacks, and a seriously famous pigtail turn called the *Nudo de Corbata*—a mind-bending 270-degree loop that passes under itself. It's the kind of curve that makes you laugh and white-knuckle the steering wheel simultaneously.
The climb is genuinely steep: 11% max gradient on the French side, 7.4% on the Spanish side. You'll earn every meter of elevation gain. Though it might not quite rival legends like Tourmalet or Hautacam in difficulty, the jaw-dropping scenery—dramatic western Pyrenean peaks, contrasting landscapes, and endless panoramic views—absolutely matches them.
The payoff? A huge parking lot at the summit and the bragging rights of conquering one of Europe's most spectacular mountain roads. Fun fact: cyclists have tackled this beast during Tour de France stages, and it's one of only five Spanish roads featuring a pigtail turn.
Where is it?
Piedra de San Martín is a drive worth taking is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.3862, -2.8896
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 52 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,760 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.3862, -2.8896
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