Take An Unforgettable Drive to Etang de Soulcem in the Pyrenees
France, europe
17.8 km
1,649 m
hard
Year-round
# Étang de Soulcem
Ready for a seriously scenic mountain drive? Head to the Étang de Soulcem, a stunning high-altitude reservoir sitting pretty at 1,649 meters (5,410 feet) in the Ariège department of southern France, right near the Andorran-Spanish border in the Occitanie region.
Starting from Val-de-Sos, this 17.8 km (11.06 miles) paved route climbs steadily upward with some seriously steep sections—we're talking 15% gradients on the hairpins. Over the entire drive, you'll gain 987 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 5.54%. Yeah, it's a workout, but trust us, the payoff is absolutely worth it.
Built between 1980 and 1983, the road delivers absolutely tremendous views that just keep getting better the higher you climb. The narrow road winds through some genuinely challenging hairpin turns near the end—definitely keep your wits about you here, especially if you're meeting traffic coming the other way. Keep an eye out too, as the area can be prone to rockslides.
Once you reach the end, you'll find the Parking du Chemin des Orris, where a gravel road continues onward toward the fascinating (and unfinished) Port de Rat tunnel. The reservoir itself is accessible from the nearby commune of Auzat and is home to some beautiful native fish species.
Fair warning: this mountain beauty is usually completely impassable during winter months, so plan your visit for the warmer seasons when you can fully appreciate those incredible Pyrenean views.
Where is it?
Take An Unforgettable Drive to Etang de Soulcem in the Pyrenees is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.1330, 2.0849
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,649 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.1330, 2.0849
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Cima Bianca?
🇮🇹 Italy
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cima Bianca! This epic peak, soaring to a cool 9,767 feet, is tucked away in northern Italy's Lombardy region, practically spitting distance from the Swiss border. At the top, you'll find a mountain hut, perfect for soaking in the views. Originally built for construction, this road now serves as a service trail to get you to the chairlift. The journey starts smooth, but the pavement fades to gravel before you hit Chalet dei Rododendri – Chalet La Rocca Ristorante Pizzeria at 7,710 feet. The whole shebang is about 8.9 miles long, climbing a whopping 5,775 feet with an average gradient of 12%. Fair warning, in winter, this road's completely snowed under, making it one of the country's highest.
moderateGoogle Maps Street View car crashes in Serbia
🌍 Serbia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're headed to Serbia, and you're feeling brave, you absolutely HAVE to check out the Ibar Highway. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a roughly 240km stretch of road that winds its way through the heart of the country. You'll start relatively low, but get ready to climb – this road definitely throws some elevation changes your way. Now, let's be real: this route is famous for a reason. It's got a reputation, and not entirely a good one. Watch out for tight curves and potentially heavy traffic. But here's the payoff: the scenery is incredible! Think rolling hills, charming villages, and views that will make you want to pull over every five minutes (safely, of course!) for a photo op. Just keep your eyes on the road, stay alert, and get ready for an unforgettable Serbian adventure.
hardHow to drive the scenic Road 870 in Northeastern Iceland?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Road 870, aka Norðausturvegur, a wild ride along Iceland's Arctic Coast Way in the Northeastern Region! This isn't your everyday smooth highway; think rugged gravel that keeps things interesting. It's totally doable in a regular car if you're a cautious driver who likes taking it slow. Clocking in at roughly 60 km (37 miles), this beauty connects Kópasker, a charming village on Öxarfjörður's eastern edge, to Raufarhöfn, perched on the Melrakkaslétta peninsula's northeastern tip. A heads-up: Mother Nature often closes this road from early September to late June. And watch out for the fog – it can get seriously thick! This is Iceland at its most remote, offering landscapes that will steal your breath. You're venturing into a truly desolate, untouched corner of the country, perfect for solitude seekers. Don't expect crowds; in fact, it's wise not to tackle this one solo!
moderateA serpentine road to the summit of Rolle Pass in the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Rolle: A Dolomite Classic Worth the Drive Nestled at 1,989 meters (6,526 feet) in the heart of Italy's northeastern Trentino region, Passo Rolle is one of those mountain passes that instantly gets cyclists and road trippers excited. This legendary route winds through the stunning Parco Naturale Paneveggio - Pale di San Martino, connecting the charming Fiemme and Primiero valleys. Built between 1863 and 1874, this pass has serious historical credentials—it even served as a major battle line during the Dolomite war. But these days, it's famous for entirely different reasons. The 43-kilometer (26-mile) Strada Statale 50 journey from Fiera di Primiero to Predazzo is a pure adrenaline rush. The road is fully paved and absolutely loaded with curves—and we mean *countless* ones. You'll wind through sparse pine forests on a seemingly endless series of hairpins that make every turn an adventure. If you're into cycling, this is basically the stuff of legends. The Giro d'Italia made this climb iconic when it first tackled the Dolomites back in 1937. Riders coming from Fiera di Primiero face a 23.1-km grind with 1,253 meters of elevation gain (averaging 5.4%, with gnarly 9.8% pitches). Coming from Predazzo? You're looking at 20.5 km and 957 meters of climbing (4.7% average, with sections hitting 11%). Either way, Passo Rolle delivers an unforgettable experience—one that'll stay with you long after you've conquered those final switchbacks.