Where is Col de Mehatche?
France, europe
4.1 km
716 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're looking for an adventure? Check out Col de Méhatché, a super cool mountain pass straddling the border between Spain and France! Officially known as Artzamendiko Bidea, this baby winds its way up to 716m (that's 2,349ft for you non-metric folks!) through the stunning Pyrenees.
You'll find it connecting Navarre (Spain) to the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department (France). The climb is about 4.1km (2.5 miles) from the base up to the Sommet de l'Artzamendi, where you'll find a tiny parking lot at the top.
Word of warning: This isn't a drive for the faint of heart. The road gets seriously narrow in places, so be prepared to hug the edge and maybe even throw it in reverse if you meet someone coming the other way! Plus, hold on tight, because it's got some steep sections, with gradients hitting a max of 17.2% in places.
But hey, the scenery is absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive. Think panoramic mountain views and that "I conquered something amazing" feeling when you reach the summit! Just take it slow, stay alert, and enjoy the ride!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 716 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardHow long is Coll de Soller in Mallorca?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, cyclists and road trip lovers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to experience the Coll de Soller if you're ever on the stunning island of Mallorca, Spain. Nestled in the Tramuntana mountains, this paved road (MA-11A) is a climb you won't forget. Clocking in at 10.7 km (6.64 miles), starting and ending on the MA-11 road, don't let the length fool you. This beauty packs a punch! We're talking 52 hairpin turns that will have you grinning (or reaching for the motion sickness pills!). Some sections get seriously steep, hitting a maximum gradient of 12.7%. Keep an eye out for goats who sometimes wander onto the road! The Coll de Soller isn't just a challenging drive; it's a scenic feast! The road winds its way up to 508m (1,666ft), offering incredible views north towards the sea and south over the island towards Palma. Allow about 25-35 minutes to conquer it without stopping, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. The road can get busy in summer, but the good news is it’s open year-round. Up at the summit, you’ll find a couple of restaurants (Restaurant Dalt d'es Coll and Ca'n Topa, Coll de Sóller) with seasonal opening times where you can refuel and soak in the views. Because of the twisty nature, a tunnel was built to bypass this road, which now means the road is rarely traveled by cars, meaning you get to enjoy a more peaceful experience. This is one road trip that will stay with you long after you've left Mallorca!
extremeThe rocky and lunar 4x4 road to the summit of Mavra Kremna in Crete
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mavra Kremna: Crete's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Want to experience one of Greece's most thrilling mountain drives? Head to Mavra Kremna, a stunning 2,016m (6,614ft) peak nestled in the heart of Crete's legendary Lefka Ori—or White Mountains. This is genuinely one of the country's highest roads, and trust me, it's not for the faint of heart. Starting from the village of Mourio, you're looking at a white-knuckle 16.3 km journey that climbs a serious 1,039 meters. The landscape? Absolutely alien. Think high-altitude desert meets Mediterranean drama—think hundreds of caves, dramatic canyons, and jaw-dropping gorges carved into the mountainside. Here's the real deal: this isn't a paved road. Not even close. You're tackling a rocky, bumpy track made of loose white stones that'll test your vehicle and your nerve in equal measure. The surface is relentless, traction is constantly iffy, and certain sections can get genuinely tippy. This is a slow, technical climb requiring serious focus and patience. You'll need a serious vehicle—4x4 with high ground clearance is non-negotiable. Regular cars simply won't cut it. Only experienced off-road drivers should attempt this. The payoff? Unreal. Above 2,000 meters, vegetation vanishes entirely, leaving you in a barren alpine zone with panoramic views that stretch across the entire Chania prefecture. The contrast between those otherworldly white rocks and the brilliant Mediterranean blue? Pure magic. Just go prepared, self-sufficient, and respect the extreme remoteness. Winter and spring snow can linger until June, so timing is everything.
extremeWhere is the RD117 road?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventure-seekers, because RD117 in the Alpes-Maritimes of France is not for the faint of heart! This road is a real test of your driving skills. Picture this: you're winding through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France on a tiny, incredibly narrow strip of asphalt. We're talking 9.4 km (5.84 miles) of pure adrenaline, connecting Toudon on the D27 to Pierrefeu on the D17 in a north-south dance. The challenge? This road is *tight*. Seriously, pray you don't meet another car, because reversing is practically a requirement. And forget bringing your RV; anything over 15 tons or 7 meters long is a no-go. It's paved, sure, but watch out for loose gravel and the ever-present danger of rock slides. Oh, and did I mention the 12 hairpin turns? Get ready to test your reflexes and your nerves! But hey, think of the views!
hardWhere is Rugova Gorge?
🌍 Kosovo
Just past Peja, Kosovo, prepare to be wowed! The M9 road carves its way through the Rugova Gorge, a 22km (13 mile) stretch of pure Balkan beauty nestled in the Rugova Mountains near the Montenegro border. Built in 1925, this route isn't just a road, it's an experience. Expect tight hairpin turns, hand-hewn tunnels, and mind-blowing views of granite cliffs towering 609 meters (2,000 feet) above the Drini River. Be warned: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is narrow in spots, making passing tricky, especially with lumber trucks. Winter brings ice and snow, adding another layer of challenge. Some sections are literally carved into the rock face, with a wall on one side and a sheer drop on the other. Single-lane tunnels add to the fun! Also, stick to the road – there are still minefields off the path, remnants of past conflicts. Allow 45-60 minutes to drive straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop! The area is an outdoor paradise, perfect for hiking, climbing, and exploring caves. The views are epic, especially during rain, when waterfalls cascade down the cliffs. Prepare to be amazed by the soaring granite walls, the river far below, and the short, rugged tunnels. This is a drive you won't soon forget!