Where Is Col de Pause?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, so Col de Pause! This hidden gem is nestled in the French Pyrenees, right near the Spanish border. Think dramatic mountain scenery! Just be warned, you're going to be tackling the Route Forestière du Port d’Aula.
This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is narrow – seriously, two cars passing is a real challenge – and you'll be navigating hairpin after hairpin. It's said to be one of the trickiest drives in the Pyrenees.
The whole climb is about , with a pretty significant elevation gain . The inclines can be pretty steep in sections. The views are definitely worth the effort!
Related Roads in europe
moderateOddsskardsgong
🇮🇸 Iceland
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Oddsskardsgong! This isn't your average tunnel – it's a 630-meter shot of pure Icelandic adrenaline, carving through the mountains of the East Fjords. We're talking about Route 92, connecting the charming towns of Neskaupstaður and Eskifjörður. This single-lane tunnel, sitting pretty at 631 meters above sea level, keeps things cozy with just two passing places inside. The asphalt surface is smooth and you'll find some seriously epic views. Now, a word to the wise: if you're not familiar with the road, best to avoid it when darkness falls or visibility dips. The tunnel bypasses a mountain gravel road that used to be a total snow-in, so this is a big improvement! Keep an eye on your height (max 4.0m) and stick to the 50km/h speed limit. Get ready for a wild ride!
hardThe road among the clouds from Çamlıyayla to Delimahmutlu
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're cruising through southern Turkey, specifically where Konya and Mersin provinces meet, and you're craving a truly epic off-road experience, then buckle up for the Çamlıyayla to Delimahmutlu route! Perched way up in the Taurus Mountains, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget pavement – we're talking pure, unadulterated dirt track. This beast stretches for 58 kilometers (that's about 36 miles) and climbs to a dizzying 3,005 meters (or a whopping 9,858 feet!). Now, I'm not gonna lie, this road throws some serious punches. We're talking unbelievably steep sections, with gradients hitting a crazy 31% in places! A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. Oh, and pro tip: Don't even think about attempting this bad boy from late October to late June/early July. Snow makes it a no-go. But if you're prepared for a challenge and blessed with the right vehicle, prepare for incredible views!
hardHow to get by car to l'Abellera Chapel in Tarragona?
🇪🇸 Spain
# Santuari de la Mare de Déu de l'Abellera Perched at 1,008 meters (3,307 feet) in the Baix Camp region of southern Catalonia, this mountain shrine is absolutely worth the drive. Located in Tarragona province in northeastern Spain, the views from up here? Absolutely stunning. This historic chapel is a beauty with serious history. Built into a cave on a cliff face (possibly dating back to 1570), it's got that legendary vibe—locals say a shepherd found a Virgin statue in an oak tree that mysteriously kept returning to its original spot no matter how many times he moved it. Pretty cool, right? The chapel's also got connections to some serious historical figures, including Queen Margarida of Prades and Friar Bernat Boïl, who actually lived here back in the 15th century. The modest façade we see today was built in stages, with the bell tower added around 1578. Inside, you'll find a single nave and the crowned Virgin statue replica (crowned in 1956). It's become a major pilgrimage site—especially beloved by beekeepers thanks to its historical bee connections. Pilgrims flock here on Easter Monday and September 8, with a traditional procession from Prades around Christmas. The drive itself is pretty straightforward. Starting from the paved T-704 south of Prades, the road (Camí de l'Ermita de la Mare de Déu de l'Abellera) is totally paved but steep and narrow—think winding mountain road vibes. It's only 1.9 kilometers (1.18 miles) long with a modest 64-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 3.3%. The speed limit is 40km/h, so just take your time and soak in those mountain views along the way.
extremeDriving the wild M59, a balcony road to Mont Coucouluche in the Provence
🇫🇷 France
# Mont Coucouluche: France's Heart-Pounding Alpine Challenge Perched at 932 meters (3,057 feet) in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France, Mont Coucouluche is one of those legendary French balcony roads that'll make your palms sweat and your heart race—in the best way possible. The M59 winds through this dramatic alpine terrain for 11 kilometers (6.83 miles), connecting the M2205 near Marie down to Ilonse. And trust me, every single one of those kilometers demands your full attention. While the road is fully paved, it's definitely not your typical Sunday drive. You're looking at relentless hairpin turns, narrow bridges that'll have you questioning your vehicle's width, and tunnels carved straight through the rock face. Some sections hit a brutal 17% gradient that'll test both your nerve and your brakes. This isn't a road for beginners—the combination of extreme steepness, tight switchbacks, and squeeze-through sections means you need solid skills and nerves of steel. Heavier vehicles are banned from this route (for good reason), so you'll mostly see determined motorcyclists and confident drivers pushing their limits. If you're chasing that adrenaline rush and want to experience one of the Alps' most challenging routes, Mont Coucouluche delivers. Just show it the respect it deserves.