Where is Lac de Cap-de-Long?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising in the French Pyrenees, heading south of Aragnouet towards the Néouvielle massif. You're about to tackle the road to Lac de Cap-de-Long, one of the highest paved roads in the whole range – even taller than that famous Col du Galibier!
This isn't just any drive, though. The pavement's a bit rough in places, adding a touch of character to the ride. It's a proper climb, about 14 km long, and you'll be gaining 1167 meters in altitude as you wind your way up. Expect an average gradient of 8.3%, but be warned – some stretches crank up to a leg-burning 12%!
The grand finale? A series of hairpin turns that lead you right up to the dam. Once you arrive at this scenic spot, there's a big parking area (though it can get packed in summer), a restaurant to refuel, and a whole heap of hiking trails ready for you to explore. The views of the surrounding mountains are absolutely mind-blowing, making it all worthwhile!
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