Where is Col d'Azet?

Where is Col d'Azet?

France, europe

Length

18.2 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Col d'Azet! This stunner sits high in the French Pyrenees, specifically in the Hautes-Pyrénées department. At the top, you'll find a small parking area – perfect for soaking in the views, but pack your own snacks!

The pavement on this route isn’t exactly pristine, so keep your eyes peeled. This 18.2 km (11.30 miles) beauty winds its way from west to east from Payolle. It’s a real nail-biter, missing guardrails in spots.

Be prepared for some serious legwork, because this climb is STEEP! The lower sections on both sides are real grinders, but they mellow out a bit as you get closer to the top. Expect an average gradient of up to 8.9% as you pedal through the village of Azet. But trust me, the panoramic views from the summit are totally worth the effort. This iconic climb is a Tour de France favorite.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
18.2 km
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

Where is Belvédère du Cirque du Mont-Viso?moderate

Where is Belvédère du Cirque du Mont-Viso?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're in the French Hautes-Alpes, practically straddling the Italian border in the gorgeous Queyras Regional Natural Park. You're headed for the Belvédère du Cirque du Mont-Viso, a natural viewpoint that's a staggering 2,147m (7,043ft) above sea level. This Route du Viso was born to give access to the Haut Guil valley and let tourists soak up the views of Mont Viso’s north face. The locals kicked things off way back in 1864, and then everyone chipped in: the government, the army, even Michelin got involved! It officially opened in 1931. Now, heads up: this road's up in the Cottian Alps, inside the Ristolas Mont-Viso National Nature Reserve, so winter usually shuts it down with heavy snow. The road to the top? Mostly paved, but expect some rough patches and gravel sections. It's a leg-burning 19.3km (12 miles) climb from Aiguilles, gaining 676 meters. The average gradient is a gentle 3.5%, but don't be fooled, there are ramps of up to 11.5%! Expect some killer switchbacks, false flats, and occasional flat stretches to catch your breath. The views? Absolutely worth it. There's even a small parking lot at the top to reward your efforts. Mountain bikers, this climb is calling your name!

How long is Road F980 (Kollmúluvegur)?extreme

How long is Road F980 (Kollmúluvegur)?

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're itching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Iceland, F980 (Kollmúluvegur) might just be your jam. This 25km (16 mile) beast of a road stretches from Highway 1 to Illikambur in southeast Iceland, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart! Forget pavement, you're in for a seriously rough and rugged ride, surrounded by lunar landscapes that'll make you feel like you're on another planet. We're talking massive rocks, potholes galore, and enough ruts and boulders to keep you on your toes. This track is exclusively for high-clearance 4x4s and experienced drivers only. Seriously, leave the compact car at home – you'll regret it! Open only during the summer (late June to early September, usually), Kollmúluvegur promises solitude, but be warned: you're on your own out here. No crowds, limited cell service, and zero inhabitants nearby mean you shouldn't tackle this one solo. The real kicker? You'll need to ford the Skyndidalsá River. This isn't a gentle stream, folks, it's a deep, fast-flowing body of water that demands respect. River crossings are hazardous and experience is key. The water level can change rapidly depending on rain or warm weather. Make sure to check the depth before attempting a crossing, and remember, rental car insurance won't cover water damage! It can change quickly from relatively shallow (1 meter) to deep (2+ meters) in a short period. If you're prepared, this road will reward you with some seriously epic scenery and a true sense of adventure. Just be smart, be safe, and get ready for an unforgettable ride on one of Iceland's most extreme mountain roads!

Alpe di Cadinelloextreme

Alpe di Cadinello

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Alpe di Cadinello Want to experience a genuinely thrilling alpine adventure? Alpe di Cadinello sits at a breathtaking 1,828m (5,997ft) in Ticino, Switzerland, and trust me—it's not for the faint of heart. Starting from Roveredo, you'll tackle a completely paved road that's deceptively narrow (seriously, two cars cannot pass each other), dramatically steep in places with grades hitting 20%, and lined with absolutely jaw-dropping drops that plunge hundreds of meters straight down. And here's the kicker—there are virtually no guardrails. It's definitely got some genuinely nerve-wracking stretches, especially when you're navigating that hair-raising narrowness with nothing but air beside you. The real showstopper? The Galleria di Cadolcia—a creepy 250m tunnel carved right through the mountain during World War II (completed in 1941). It's unlit, unpaved, and totally atmospheric. But push through that tunnel and you'll be rewarded with absolutely stunning panoramic views stretching across Bellinzona and all the way to Lake Maggiore. Honestly, it's magical. Fair warning though: once you cross the pass, the road transitions to gravel in pretty rough condition, so adjust your expectations accordingly.

Driving the unpaved military road to Colle d’Ancoccia in Piedmonthard

Driving the unpaved military road to Colle d’Ancoccia in Piedmont

🇮🇹 Italy

# Colle d'Ancoccia Want to tackle one of Italy's most remote and adventurous mountain passes? Colle d'Ancoccia sits at a seriously impressive 2,533 meters (8,310 feet) in the Cottian Alps, deep in Piedmont's far southwestern corner near the French border. This isn't your typical Sunday drive. Built way back for military purposes, the 37.1-kilometer route starts from the SP113 road south of Marmora and winds through a landscape literally littered with abandoned Alpine Wall bunkers and barracks—it's like driving through a piece of history. The scenery up here is absolutely stunning, with views of Rocca la Meja and Lago della Meja surrounding you as you climb. Here's the catch: the entire road is unpaved and covered in loose gravel and stones. You're looking at some seriously steep sections with grades hitting 25%, plus plenty of precipitous drop-offs that'll definitely get your adrenaline pumping. You'll absolutely need a sturdy 4x4 with solid ground clearance to even attempt this one—no exceptions. Oh, and timing matters big time. Winter pretty much shuts this road down completely, so save this adventure for the warmer months when conditions are actually manageable. If you've got the right vehicle and nerves of steel, though, this is one unforgettable alpine experience.