Where is Col du Poutran?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Col du Poutran is calling! This high-altitude gem sits way up in the French Alps, in the commune of Saint-Colomban-des-Villards. You'll find it snuggled in the southeastern part of France, and at the summit, you'll be rewarded with absolutely breathtaking views.
The road itself? Well, let's just say it's an adventure. The entire route to the top is paved, but it's seen better days with some rough patches. It's a narrow climb stretching roughly 11.2 kilometers, heading south to north from the D927. Here's a fun fact: You can find the road at the top of the ski resort of Les Sybelles cable car to the Grande Rousses.
Keep an eye out for cyclists, too! This area has a major pull for cycling enthusiasts, thanks to the legendary Alpe d'Huez nearby.
Related Roads in europe
hardCerro de la Escusa
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Cerro de la Escusa in Ávila, Spain is calling your name. This peak hits an altitude of 1,952m (6,404ft) and the road to get there? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta "hold on tight" moments, especially on some of those trickier sections. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically essential. And pro-tip: only tackle this beast when it's dry. Trust me on this one. The weather up here in the Sierra de Gredos can flip on a dime, so be prepared for anything. But, if you play it smart, the views are absolutely worth it. Imagine panoramas of the Valle Iruelas Natural Reserve and the Tietar Valley stretching out before you – pure magic! The road is generally open year-round, though winter storms can shut things down temporarily. So, keep an eye on the forecast and get ready for an unforgettable ride.
moderateHow is the drive to the summit of Col de la Core?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Pyrenees, specifically the Ariège department, and you're headed for the Col de la Core. This isn't just any mountain pass; it's a Tour de France legend, connecting the serene Bethmale and Salat Valleys. You're smack-dab in the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Natural Park, a place bursting with greenery and far from the crowds of the higher peaks. The scenery? Totally pastoral. Think happy cows munching grass right next to the road and shady beech forests giving you a break from the sun. Get to the top, and bam! A wide-open plateau shows off the stunning massif — the region's superstar peak. Okay, road facts: this is Ariège, Pyrenees (France). The D618 is about 31 km long, stretching north-south from Saint-Lary. It's all paved, but keep your wits about you. This is a classic Ariège road: winding, sometimes narrow, and often without guardrails. In dry conditions, it's not particularly dicey, but it demands your attention. Expect tight corners and the occasional encounter with livestock or cyclists around blind bends. You've got two main routes to the summit, both legendary cycling climbs: **From Castillon-en-Couserans (East):** The steeper side! It's a 13.8 km climb with an average gradient of 6.3%. You'll hit some seriously steep sections at 8-9%, snaking through woods that open up near the top. **From Audressein (West):** A more relaxed 17.5 km climb. The average gradient here is a gentle 4.4%, making it a smoother ride through the gorgeous Bethmale Valley. The pavement's generally good, but autumn brings wet leaves that can make those tight turns surprisingly slippery. When to go? Unlike the super-high Pyrenean passes, the Col de la Core isn't crazy high, so it's usually open most of the year. That said, winter storms can shut it down, and snow tires/chains are a must. Late spring to early autumn is prime time for a road trip. In summer, the pass is much cooler than the plains, but watch out for mountain fog that can roll into the Bethmale Valley, dropping visibility to near zero in the forested areas.
hardNewlands Pass is a narrow and perilously steep road in Lake District
🇬🇧 England
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Newlands Pass in the northern Lake District of Cumbria, England, is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a totally paved (but seriously narrow) strip of tarmac that climbs to 333m (1,093ft), a proper ego check for any driver. Known locally as Newlands Hause, this 10.94km (6.8 mile) route from Buttermere to Braithwaite is a white-knuckle ride with views that'll knock your socks off. Just picture it: a tiny parking spot at the top, sheer drops with no guardrails, and ridiculously steep sections hitting a maximum 18.4% gradient. You'll be wrestling hairpin bends with smooth tarmac while dodging oncoming traffic on a single-track road lined with unforgiving stone walls. Keep an eye on the weather, though! This pass is usually open year-round, but winter storms can shut it down in a heartbeat. So, if you're looking for a thrill and views that'll make you forget about the danger (almost!), Newlands Pass is where it's at. Just maybe leave the minibus at home.
moderateDriving the Sensational Road to Col de Guery
🇫🇷 France
Col de Guéry is a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,268 m (4,160 ft) in France's Puy-de-Dôme department, smack in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The 21.6 km (13.42 miles) stretch of Route Départementale 983 (D983) connects Randanne on the N-89 to the charming village of Mont-Dore, and it's completely paved—so no surprises there. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. This road climbs with some serious attitude, hitting gradients of up to 8.8% in places, so your calves (and your car) will definitely feel it. What makes this pass truly special? The views are absolutely incredible. You're winding through some genuinely spectacular scenery, and if you time it right, you can park at the summit's generous parking lot and explore Lac de Guéry—the highest lake in the entire Auvergne region, sitting right at the pass's elevation. It's the kind of place that screams Instagram moment. Oh, and here's a fun fact: this road is famous enough to have been featured in the Tour de France. Professional cyclists have tackled these curves, and now so can you (though hopefully at a more leisurely pace). It's the perfect blend of challenging driving and breathtaking Alpine scenery.