Prat d'Albis is a drive worth taking

Prat d'Albis is a drive worth taking

France, europe

Length

16.7 km

Elevation

1,201 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, picture this: you're in the French Pyrenees, Ariège department to be exact, ready to tackle the D421 to Prat d'Albis. This isn't just any drive; it's a twisty, turny climb up to 1,201m (3,940ft) of pure, breathtaking scenery!

The road? Asphalt, but don't expect a highway. It's narrow and winding, perfect for those who love a good challenge. Starting in Foix, you'll conquer 16.7 km, twisting through 8 hairpin turns with an elevation gain of 801 m.

With an average gradient of 6.96% and pitches hitting 11%, you'll definitely feel the burn, which is why the Tour de France loves this climb. But the reward? Unreal views across the valley, especially when the weather is playing nice. Trust me, this climb is worth every single hairpin!

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Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
16.7 km
Max Elevation
1,201 m
Difficulty
hard

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