
Where is Col du Soulor?
France, europe
45 km
1,474 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Pyrenees, wind in your hair, on the incredible Col du Soulor! This baby sits pretty at 1,474m (4,835ft) in the Hautes-Pyrénées department, part of the Occitania region. We're talking serious views here!
The road itself? Mostly smooth sailing on the paved Route des Cols des Pyrénées, though it gets a little tight in spots and you'll zip through a tunnel or two. Think of it as one of those insane balcony roads hugging the mountainside.
You're in for about 45km (28 miles) of pure driving bliss as you wind your way from Argelès Gazost to Eaux-Bonnes. Cyclists, take note: the Tour de France tackles this beast regularly! From Argelès Gazost, it's a 19.48 km climb gaining 1,019 meters at an average of 5.2%. Coming from Eaux-Bonnes, brace yourself for a 22 km ascent, climbing 1,074 meters with an average gradient of 4.9%. So, pack your camera, and get ready for some breathtaking scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 45 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,474 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhat is the BAM in Siberia?
🌍 Russia
Looking for the ultimate off-road adventure? Then BAM Road in Siberia needs to be on your radar! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a roughly 4,324 km (2,687 mi) beast of a trail that follows the Baikal–Amur Mainline railway through the wildest parts of Russia. Imagine this: you, your trusted off-road vehicle or adventure motorcycle, and mile after mile of rugged Siberian landscape. This former railway service track has seen better days, to say the least. Think broken wooden bridges, waist-deep river crossings, and sections so remote you'll feel like you're the only person on Earth. Speaking of challenges, the BAM road throws them at you left and right: rickety bridges, boggy terrain that sucks you in, and the ever-present risk of encountering a train while riding across a railway bridge. And let's not forget the infamous Vitim River Bridge, a nerve-wracking 570-meter (1870 feet) long crossing that will test your courage. The best time to tackle this epic route is during the summer months (June to August), but even then, be prepared for unpredictable weather. Rain can quickly turn the track into a muddy mess. The BAM road is not for the faint of heart, but for those seeking a true test of skill and endurance, it's an experience you'll never forget.
moderateRoad DP-2205
🇪🇸 Spain
# The Cliff Road: Galicia's Most Breathtaking Drive Tucked away in the far northwest corner of Spain, in A Coruña province, DP-2205 has earned itself the nickname "The Cliff Road" — and honestly, once you drive it, you'll understand why. This is one of those routes that makes it onto every "most beautiful drives in Spain" list, and for good reason. Fair warning: if your passengers get queasy around heights, maybe suggest they take a nap before you start. This 13.9 km stretch connecting the small towns of Cariño and San Andrés de Teixido isn't for the faint of heart, but it's absolutely worth the white knuckles. The road itself is narrow and winding, with some seriously steep sections that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The pavement is decent, but you're essentially hugging the edge of some of Europe's most dramatic coastline. The real showstopper? Vixía Herbeira's cliffs, which tower at 621 metres — the highest on mainland Europe. The views are absolutely spectacular, with dramatic inlets and powerful Atlantic waves crashing below you. What makes this drive special is the atmosphere. This is an isolated, quiet road where you can actually feel the Atlantic wind whipping around you, smell the salt air, and soak in some genuinely awe-inspiring coastal scenery. There are plenty of viewpoints — both official and hidden gems — perfect for stopping and taking in the raw beauty. Local legend says you'll visit San Andrés de Teixido in the afterlife if you don't make it there in life, so maybe use that as extra motivation. Just avoid this drive during bad weather — the narrow, steep sections demand clear conditions and full concentration.
hardWild Atlantic Way is Ireland's Epic Coastal Road
🌍 Ireland
Get ready for the road trip of a lifetime! The Wild Atlantic Way hugs 2,500 km (1,553 miles) of Ireland's wild Atlantic coast, stretching from Donegal all the way down to Cork. Seriously, this is one of the most stunning coastal drives on the planet. Known locally as Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin, this route clings to the edge of the island, meaning endless twists, turns, and some seriously narrow stretches. Even experienced drivers will be kept on their toes! If you're in a larger vehicle, like a campervan, be warned—some sections can be tricky. The whole thing is paved, but with all the curves and squeezes, you'll be taking it slow. I'd recommend sticking to 250-300 km per day max. To do the whole shebang, give yourself around two weeks. Trust me, you'll want the time. Keep an eye on the skies! The Atlantic weather is famous for being, well, temperamental. High winds are common, and the conditions can change in a heartbeat. Late March to mid-June, or September to mid-November are usually your best bet. You *can* drive it December to February, but be prepared for potential closures due to gnarly Atlantic storms. And if you're new to the route, definitely avoid driving at night or in low visibility. This epic route (featured in Lonely Planet's Top 50 Drives!) winds through nine counties and three provinces, serving up a glorious mix of nature, history, and culture. Think rugged coastline, remote mountains, and over 150 "discovery points" showcasing the region's best bits. Get your camera ready - you'll be stopping every five minutes for another postcard-perfect shot. This trip is pure magic!
hardMali Karaman
🌍 Serbia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Mali Karaman in southwestern Serbia's Raška District is calling your name. We're talking a killer gravel road that claws its way up to a staggering 1,915 meters (that's 6,282 feet!). Nestled in the Kopaonik mountains, this baby is bumpy – seriously bumpy. Heads up: winter here is NO joke. Expect heavy snow, and closures are common when things get icy. So, prep your ride (4x4 is a MUST!) and your nerves for a steep, steep climb. But trust me, the views are SO worth the white-knuckle drive!