Where is Col de Jou?
France, europe
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N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Col de Jou, a hidden gem nestled in the French Pyrénées! You'll find it chilling at a cool
above sea level, tucked away in the
department. It's seriously gorgeous up there, especially with that
hanging out near the top.
Now, the road itself? Mostly smooth sailing with a paved surface. BUT, hold on tight! There's a section that gets a little wild, almost unpaved, and seriously narrow – they call it
. If you're not a fan of cliff-hugging mountain roads, maybe take a deep breath!
The whole climb is only about
long, but you'll gain
along the way. The views? Absolutely stunning! Get ready for some serious postcard-worthy scenery.
Related Roads in europe
moderatePalandöken Geçidi is an absolute must for road lovers
🇹🇷 Turkey
Hey, fellow adventurers! Ever heard of Palandöken Geçidi? This stunner of a mountain pass sits way up high in Turkey's Erzurum province, clocking in at a breathtaking 2,897 meters (that's 9,504 feet!). Winding through the Palandöken Mountains, this fully paved road – they call it provincial road 25-26 – stretches for about 59 kilometers (36 miles). You'll cruise from Erzurum, the province's capital, down to Taşkesen, heading north to south. Fair warning: this eastern Turkey gem can get seriously snowy, so closures are pretty common. But if you catch it right, you're in for some seriously amazing scenery on one of the country's highest paved roads! Just be prepared for some potential delays and pack your sense of adventure!
extremeWhere is the Tunnel de Parpaillon?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: the Parpaillon Tunnel. We're talking seriously high altitude – 2,650 meters (that's almost 8,700 feet!). You'll find it nestled way up in the French Alps, specifically in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, marking the border between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes departments. This old military road, D29 and D39T, connects the Ubaye Valley to Embrun. Originally built way back in the late 1800s/early 1900s, this route stretches for almost 40 kilometers (24+ miles). It’s rugged, to say the least. We're talking unpaved, narrow sections and some serious drop-offs, plus some crazy steep inclines (up to 13%!). Word is a 4x4 is essential. Oh, and heads up: the upper reaches of the road are rough, rocky, and bumpy. The tunnel itself is about 520 meters (1,710 feet) long. Keep in mind that due to a landslide and structural damage, the tunnel is closed indefinitely. Historically, this was a super important route, but it's been long abandoned, which adds to the whole "end of the world" vibe. That said, the scenery is absolutely incredible. Just be prepared for a wild ride – and maybe a little solitude!
hardWhere is Estany de les Abelletes?
🌍 Andorra
Alright, picture this: you're straddling the French-Andorran border, high up in the Pyrenees at the breathtaking Estany de les Abelletes (or Lac des Abelletes, if you're feeling French). This lake is nestled way up high. This isn't just a scenic drive; it's a proper adventure! The lake straddles the border between France (Occitania region) and Andorra (Encamp parish). The Pas de la Casa River flows from here, eventually feeding into the Garonne. This river also marks the border so you're literally seeing two countries at once. The road to get there is definitely an experience. A high-clearance vehicle is practically mandatory. Starting from a parking area where the public road ends, it's a steep, rocky climb. Keep in mind that the final section, especially the ascent to Coll Blanc, is seriously hardcore. Once you get there, you'll be rewarded with stunning scenery and maybe even a glimpse of some local wildlife. Keep an eye out for that mountain wind, though – it can get fierce!
hardIs the Road to Kunkels Pass Paved?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Kunkelspass! This high-altitude beauty sits at 1,363m (4,471ft) in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. Think twisty, narrow roads and a whole lotta Swiss charm. You'll find it in eastern Switzerland, mostly paved with a few gravel sections to keep things interesting. It's called Riedstrasse, and you'll need to snag a permit from the City of Tamins if you're planning on driving. This epic cliff road connects Vättis (in St. Gallen) with Tamins (in Graubünden). Picture this: a narrow road carved right into the rock face, snaking its way through tunnels with incredible window views. Seriously, it's one hairpin turn after another, but with 300m drop-offs it's not for the faint of heart. Nestled in the Glarus Alps, the tunnels have windows with killer views. And guess what? At the top, there's a bar and restaurant waiting for you. Built during WWI, this narrow road (tunnel width of just 2.3m) isn't ideal for big RVs. Plus, get ready for some seriously steep sections, hitting up to 18.5% in gradient. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! Just take it slow and enjoy the ride.