Where is Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin, perched way up high on the French-Spanish border at a lung-busting altitude. You’ll straddle two worlds as you cruise between southwestern France and northern Spain. And get this – it's one of only five roads in Spain with a totally wild "pigtail" section, where the road loops around and passes UNDER itself!
The whole road is paved, so no worries there. On the French side, they call it D132, but once you cross that invisible line into Spain, it magically transforms into NA-137. Be warned: this route isn't for the faint of heart. Think narrow stretches, hairpin after hairpin, and more twists than a pretzel factory. That pigtail turn is the star of the show, a total mind-bender that’s up there with the most famous curves on the planet!
Clocking in at around 26 miles from Arette (France) to Isaba (Spain), this isn’t a quick jaunt. But trust me, the dramatic change in scenery alone is worth the trip, making every climb a unique adventure.
Expect some serious legwork for your engine, as this pass isn’t playing around. Some sections hit gradients that’ll have you shifting down, making it a real test of skill. It may not be as notorious as some other climbs, but it’ll definitely keep you on your toes and reward you with some truly killer views.
Related Roads in europe
extremePasso Pertica: Driving the 16 hairpins from Giazza to the High Lessinia
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Pertica: A Wild Alpine Challenge Near Verona Tucked into the rugged heart of northern Italy's Verona Province, Passo Pertica is a seriously dramatic mountain pass that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Sitting at 1,522 meters (4,993 feet) above sea level, this high-altitude gateway opens into the wild, beautiful Lessinia Regional Nature Park—and the views alone are worth the white-knuckle drive. Starting from the village of Giazza, you've got a 9.7 km (6-mile) journey ahead of you, but don't let that short distance fool you. You're climbing a brutal 818 meters over that span, which translates to a relentless 8.43% average gradient. The road throws 16 sharp hairpin turns at you as it snakes up the mountainside, with very few moments where your engine can catch a break. It's intense. Here's where it gets interesting: the route starts as a proper paved road, but the asphalt politely disappears once you pass Rifugio Revolto. The final 2.9 km? Pure gravel—narrow, steep, and scattered with loose stones that'll test your traction on those tight upper hairpins. Rustic wooden fences line the edges in spots, with serious mountain slopes dropping away beside you. You'll want a vehicle with solid ground clearance for this finish. The landscape itself is spectacular—dramatic limestone cliffs, dense forests, and a secluded mountain atmosphere that feels worlds away from nearby Verona. The Rifugio Passo Pertica at the summit serves as a natural endpoint and a welcome respite. Fair warning though: this pass doesn't play nice with bad weather. Rain can make it impassable, and winter snow regularly closes the upper gravel section to all but specialized vehicles or hikers. Snow tends to linger well into spring, turning that 8% grade into a sketchy mess. Always check the weather forecast before heading up, and make sure your vehicle is genuinely prepared for Alpine conditions.
easyHow many days do you need on the Romantic Road in Germany?
🇩🇪 Germany
Okay, picture this: the Romantic Road, a total Bavarian dream! It's this amazing drive winding 460 km (290 miles) from Würzburg, up in the Franconia wine region, down to Füssen, practically Austria! You're cruising through Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, and honestly, you'll want 3-5 days to soak it all in. Think rolling hills, those classic cobblestone villages, and fairytale castles sticking out above the landscape! This isn't just any road, though. It follows an old medieval trade route, so you're basically driving through history! You'll hit up incredible walled towns like Bad Mergentheim, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbuehl, and Noerdlingen. Get ready for Gothic cathedrals, baroque buildings, and medieval architecture – it's a feast for the eyes. The best time to visit? Maybe skip the summer crowds, and try spring or fall for nice weather. Winter's awesome, too, with all the Christmas lights. Plus, this road is festival central from May through autumn. Wine, beer, historical festivals… you name it, they've got it! Two million visitors can't be wrong, right? It's the perfect driving experience in Germany.
hardA hairpinned paved road to the summit of Col de la Chaudiere
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Chaudière Tucked away in the Drôme department of southeastern France, Col de la Chaudière sits at a respectable 1,047 meters (3,435 feet) above sea level. This 22.5-kilometer mountain pass runs north-south between the charming villages of Saillans and Bourdeaux, offering exactly the kind of twisty, scenic drive that makes your heart race. Here's what you're getting into: The D156 is fully paved, though it's seen better days. The road is narrow, steep, and blessedly quiet—you won't be battling tour buses here. Instead, prepare yourself for relentless hairpins and seriously stunning panoramic views that'll make you want to pull over constantly (and you probably will). From Bourdeaux, the 11.6-kilometer climb gains 637 meters at an average grade of 5.5%, with some corners hitting a punishing 10%. Coming from Saillans? That's an 11.5-kilometer push that climbs 773 meters at 6.7% average—a bit steeper, so choose your side accordingly. The scenery alone makes this climb worthwhile. Just keep your wits about you on the narrow sections, take those switchbacks respectfully, and enjoy one of France's lesser-known alpine gems. This is proper mountain driving without the crowds.
moderateTake the Scenic A939 Road and Discover Lecht Pass in Scotland
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Scottish Highlands, right on the border of Aberdeenshire and Moray. You're on the Lecht Pass, one of the highest roads in the country, topping out at 646 meters (2,119 feet). This isn't just any road trip; you're rolling on a ribbon of asphalt, a completely paved road called the A939 (or Lecht Road, or Old Military Road if you're feeling historical). Speaking of history, this road has a story. It was built after the Jacobite uprising in 1745, a military road masterminded by William Caulfield. Today, it's a 16.25-kilometer (10.1-mile) stretch from Corgarff to Tomintoul, packed with steep climbs, hairpin turns, and a max gradient of 13% that'll get your engine revving. Now, a word of warning: this area is known for being seriously snowy. Set in the Grampian Mountains, this road is often the first in Great Britain to close due to snowfall. So, while it's usually open year-round, winter can throw a curveball. But hey, that's part of the adventure! And the views? Absolutely stunning!