
Where is Col du Portillon-Coll de Portilló?
France, europe
17 km
1,293 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Col du Portillon-Coll de Portilló! This beauty straddles the French/Spanish border high up in the Pyrenees, hitting a cool 4,242 feet above sea level. You'll find it in southwestern France (Occitanie region) and northern Spain (Catalonia).
The road itself? Expect curves! It's paved, but get ready for a winding ride: about 10km (6.2 miles) on the French side and 7km (4.3 miles) on the Spanish. Even the Tour de France has tackled this one!
Total length comes in at around 17km (10.56 miles), heading east-west. It's usually open year-round, though winter can bring some temporary closures, so check ahead. This drive isn't recommended if you easily get motion sickness, as it offers dizzying drop-offs. Prepare for some stunning scenery, too!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,293 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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