Where is Col de Portet?
France, europe
8 km
2.215 m
hard
Year-round
Col de Portet is a seriously high mountain pass way up in the French Pyrenees, topping out at 2,215m (7,267ft). You'll find it nestled west of Saint-Lary-Soulan in the Occitanie region, practically kissing the Spanish border.
The road? Oh, it's an experience! Fully paved as of 2018, it's still a twisty, turny adventure. This aerial road is carved right into the mountainside and the views start breathtaking and just keep getting better.
Don't let the relatively short 8km (5 miles) distance fool you. This is one of the toughest climbs in the Pyrenees, with 14 hairpin turns, super narrow sections, and some seriously steep gradients hitting a max of 16.3%! You'll gain 655 meters in elevation, averaging over 8% — it's a grind! You can see almost the whole route from the bottom which is honestly intimidating in the best way.
Heads up, this beauty is usually snowed in from November to May. The sweet spot is June to October. Also, during the summer, they sometimes restrict access to motorized vehicles between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. (except for locals).
But is it worth it? Absolutely! It's been featured in the Tour de France, and the 360-degree views from the summit are incredible, showing off all the surrounding peaks. The tough climb might make you want to stop driving for the day, but the view is worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2.215 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere Is Pico Gallinero?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're kicking around the province of Huesca in northern Spain, you HAVE to check out Pico Gallinero. This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a 3.2km (2 mile) climb up to a whopping 2,613m (8,572ft) above sea level! Yeah, it's one of the highest roads in the whole country. Now, here's the deal: this baby is unpaved and seriously steep, averaging a 14.5% gradient. A 4x4 is a MUST. It's generally closed to private vehicles except during the summer, primarily used for ski lift maintenance. Trust me, the views from the top are worth the effort. You'll be gazing out over the gorgeous Aragonese Pyrenees. Just take it slow, watch your tires, and get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!
hardPuig Neulós
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puig Neulós: Where the Pyrenees Meet the Mediterranean Picture this: a 1,251-meter (4,104ft) peak straddling the France-Spain border, just 10km from the sparkling Mediterranean. That's Puig Neulós, nestled in the Albera Range as the eastern sentinel of the Pyrenees—and it's an absolute gem for a road trip. Starting from the D71 at 565m elevation, you've got 6.5km of pure driving joy ahead. The climb gains 686 meters with an average gradient of 10.55%, which means this isn't a casual cruise—it's genuinely challenging. But here's the thing: the narrow, winding asphalt on the French side is tailor-made for twisty driving that'll make your heart race. The road's constant curves create a real roller coaster experience, with panoramic views that just keep getting better. Thanks to its proximity to the Mediterranean, snow is basically a non-issue here. Instead, you'll wind through a botanical wonderland of Pyrenean trees—it's like driving through nature's arboretum. Once you crest the summit (where some antenna towers stand), the payoff is absolutely worth every switchback. The views are mind-blowing: the Mediterranean stretching below, charming towns and villages dotting the plain, with France on one side and Spain on the other. Bring your camera—seriously, you'll want to capture every angle. This is the kind of road that stays with you long after you've descended.
moderateHow long is the Storehaug Tunnel Old Road?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're in western Norway, itching for an adventure. Forget the main highway and check out the old Storehaug Tunnel Road! It's a short but sweet detour near , connecting the paved and the paved . Reaching an elevation of , you'll be treated to some seriously stunning views. Now, a heads-up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Despite being paved, the road has seen better days. Rain turns it into a slippery challenge, so proceed with caution! The most exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) part? A long tunnel section, a leftover from when they built the new tunnel to make things safer. Definitely one to remember!
hardOrcieres Merlette is an iconic Tour de France climb
🇫🇷 France
# Station de Orcières Merlette Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, Orcières Merlette is a ski resort perched at 1,823 meters (5,980 feet) in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The drive up to the station is a proper alpine adventure. The D76 road climbs steeply from the village of Orcières for just 5.8 km (3.60 miles), gaining 405 meters of elevation along the way. You're looking at an average gradient of about 7%, though it ramps up to 9% in the trickier sections. The whole route is paved, which is a relief, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a casual drive—there are 8 hairpin turns keeping things interesting as you snake your way upward. What makes this climb truly special is its Tour de France pedigree. The pros have tackled this road multiple times as a summit finish, which tells you everything you need to know about its character. Plus, the location is absolutely stunning: you're practically on the doorstep of Ecrins National Park, so the scenery is genuinely world-class as you climb. It's the kind of road that offers both challenge and beauty in equal measure.