Where is Col de Jau?
France, europe
27.1 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Col de Jau! This high-altitude pass, sitting way up in the eastern Pyrenees, straddles the border of two French departments in the south of the country. Keep an eye out for the ruins of the old Sainte-Marie de Jau abbey nearby – a cool piece of history.
The road itself? Paved, thankfully! It's known as D14 on the northern side and D117 on the southern side. The full stretch is about 27 km (17 miles) from Mosset to Sainte Colombe sur Guette.
Now, about that climb. From Mosset, you're looking at a roughly 18km ascent with about 1000m of elevation gain – that's an average gradient of around 5.5%. Coming from Sainte Colombe sur Guette, it's a bit shorter at around 9 km, but you're still climbing about 600m, making for a steeper average of about 6.5%.
Be warned, it's not always a picnic – you'll find some pretty steep ramps along the way. But the views? Absolutely worth it! Get ready for some wild scenery in the heart of the Pyrenees.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 27.1 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Tunnel du Galibier?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, because the Tunnel du Galibier is a wild ride! This historic tunnel punches through the mountains at a serious altitude. We're talking way up there, on the border of the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France. Before 1976, this tunnel was *the* only way through. Seriously! Then it closed for a while for some much-needed TLC and didn't reopen until 2002. In the meantime, they built a new road over the top. The tunnel itself is about 365 meters long – a meter for every day of the year! It's a single lane, so traffic lights control the flow. Just a heads up: being so high up, even in the summer you might run into some snow at the summit. It's usually closed from late October until late May or early June, and it's off-limits to the really big trucks. But get this: right before the tunnel's entrance, there's this cool little bar-restaurant. And near the south entrance, there's a memorial to Henri Desgrange, the guy who started the Tour de France! He loved the Galibier, saying it was so huge you had to "take your hats off and bow." So, yeah, it's a pretty epic spot with some serious history.
hardCol du Chaussy: Conquer 17 Breathtaking Alpine Hairpins on This Scenic French Pass
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Chaussy: A Hairpin Love Letter in the French Alps If you're hunting for one of the most jaw-dropping drives in Europe, Col du Chaussy in the Savoie department should absolutely be on your radar. Sitting at 1,533m (5,029ft), this mountain pass isn't just another Alpine route—it's a masterclass in audacious road engineering. The real magic happens right at the start with the legendary "Lacets de Montvernier." Picture this: 17 hairpins stacked so tightly together that you'll encounter a bend roughly every 150 meters over just 3km. The road literally clings to a 400-meter cliff face, making you feel like you're driving on the side of a vertical wall. Built between 1928 and 1934, this section is genuinely one of the most spectacular stretches of asphalt in the Alps. But there's more after those initial hairpins! The climb continues winding through alpine meadows and charming villages like Le Noirey, Montbrunal, and Montpascal, eventually revealing panoramic views of the Belledonne Mountains. The upper sections get a bit rough around the edges—literally, with some patchy pavement—but the scenery makes up for it. You'll even spot ruins of an old castle if you glance away from the road. Getting there? From La Chambre, expect a 14.4km ascent gaining 1,062 meters at a steady 7.4% average grade. From Pontamafrey, it's roughly the same challenge at 14km. Fair warning: this isn't a drive for acrophobics. The southern route is narrow and carved right into the mountainside. Proper technique matters—think 3rd or 4th gear going up, engine braking on the way down. And before you go, absolutely check your brakes. This is the last place you want mechanical drama. Ready to test your nerves on one of Europe's most thrilling roads?
hardIm Hinteren Eis
🇮🇹 Italy
# Im Hinteren Eis: A High-Alpine Adventure Sitting pretty at 3,030m (9,940ft) above sea level in South Tyrol's Ötztal Alps, Im Hinteren Eis ranks among Europe's highest accessible roads. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a gravel and rocky path that'll test your skills and nerves in equal measure. Fair warning: this track is seriously steep, with bumpy, tippy sections that demand respect. You'll need a proper 4x4 and genuine off-road experience to tackle it. If unpaved mountain roads make you uneasy or you're not comfortable with heights, skip this one. The road typically closes from October through June depending on conditions, so plan your visit for the brief window when it's passable. Once you summit, you're rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Hintereisferner glacier—but don't get too comfortable. Expect relentless winds year-round and be prepared for surprise snowstorms even in summer. Winter temperatures here are genuinely brutal, and afternoon thunderstorms can transform the trail into a gnarly four-wheel-drive situation in minutes. Low visibility and heavy mist are common hazards, especially when the weather turns. This chairlift access road isn't for casual explorers, but if you're an experienced wheeler who craves high-altitude thrills and stunning scenery, Im Hinteren Eis delivers an unforgettable alpine experience.
moderateHelgeland Coast National Tourist Route
🇳🇴 Norway
# Helgelandskysten: Norway's Coastal Masterpiece Ready for one of Norway's most jaw-dropping scenic drives? The Helgelandskysten (FV17/County Road 17) in Northern Nordland is an absolute must-do for any road trip enthusiast. This 433-kilometer coastal adventure winds from Holm to Godøystraumen, hugging the shoreline with stunning views at practically every turn. The route is mostly asphalted, though you'll encounter some narrow sections that'll keep you on your toes. Fair warning: this journey includes several ferry crossings, so factor those into your travel time. And if you've got the time, definitely take the scenic detour to Torghatten—it's worth every kilometer. Expect some genuine thrills along the way, especially at Fantesteinen Pass, where you'll navigate winding roads with a few seriously fun hairpin turns that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The highest point tops out at 346 meters, so while it's not extreme elevation-wise, the scenery more than makes up for it. The good news? This route is open year-round, so you can experience it whenever inspiration strikes. Just keep in mind that winter weather can occasionally close sections temporarily when conditions get rough—typical Norwegian drama, really. Overall, combining routes 17, 76, and 54, this is an unforgettable coastal escape that showcases everything that makes Northern Norway special.