Where is Port de Bales?
France, europe
25.3 km
1,760 m
moderate
Year-round
Port de Balès sits high in the French Pyrenees, right on the border between the Hautes-Pyrénées and Haute-Garonne departments. This paved beauty stretches for 25.3 km (15.72 miles), connecting Bourg-d'Oueil to Mauléon-Barousse.
Fair warning: this isn't a drive for the faint of heart. The D925 and D51D are narrow, with some seriously steep sections hitting a maximum gradient of 13.3%! Expect some thrilling drop-offs and a distinct lack of guardrails. You'll likely encounter little traffic, and there aren't any facilities at the summit, so pack accordingly. Be aware that winter snow often closes the pass for extended periods.
But oh, the views! At the summit (1,760m or 5,774ft), you're rewarded with a breathtaking, broad panorama of the surrounding mountains, including the snow-capped Spanish peaks in the distance. It's a magnificent 360-degree vista well worth the challenging drive. This route is so epic it's even been featured in the Tour de France and Vuelta a España!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 25.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,760 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardPort de Lers
🇫🇷 France
# Port de Lers: A Pyrenean Gem Worth the Climb Nestled in the French Pyrenees at 1,517 meters (4,977 feet), the Port de Lers is a stunning high mountain pass that'll make any road tripper's heart sing. Located in Ariège, this beauty is also known as Port de l'Hers or Port de Massat, and it's been tough enough to feature in the Tour de France multiple times. The D18 is a fully paved route that connects three charming communities—Aulus-les-Bains to the west, Massat to the north, and Vicdessos to the east—with plenty of hairpin turns to keep things interesting. Fair warning though: you'll encounter some seriously steep sections (think double-digit gradients), so bring your A-game. You've got two solid options for tackling this climb. Coming from Vicdessos is the shorter but spicier route at 11.5 km with 807 meters of elevation gain and some gnarly 10.9% stretches. If you prefer a steadier pace, head up from Massat's 16.6 km approach with 868 meters of elevation gain and more manageable 5.2% average grades (though the steepest bits still hit 8.9%). Here's the best part: this is a year-round pass, so you can chase it in any season. Just keep in mind that winter can throw some curveballs with temporary closures, so check conditions before you go. About 3.8 km from the summit, you'll spot a junction with the Col d'Agnes climb if you're feeling extra adventurous.
hardDriving the infamous D220-Les Travers, a French balcony road
🇫🇷 France
# Route Departementale 220: France's Jaw-Dropping Mountain Corniche If you're hunting for one of France's most dramatic scenic drives, head to the Isère department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Route Departementale 220—locals call it Les Travers—is a short but utterly spectacular mountain road that'll have your heart racing for all the right reasons. This 5.7 km (3.54 miles) ribbon of asphalt winds west to east from D1091 to D213, hugging the mountainside as it makes its way toward Les Deux Alpes. And here's the thing: you'll be driving along a genuine cliff face with nothing but a foot-high wall between you and a absolutely insane drop down to the valley. The views toward Col de Sarenne are seriously stunning. Now, let's be real—this road is no joke. The most dramatic section is genuinely narrow (we're talking traffic lights at the tightest spots), with single-track portions and overhanging rock that demand serious respect. Heavy vehicles aren't even allowed, which tells you something. It's one of France's most famous balcony roads near Bourg d'Oisans, and for good reason. Fair warning though: it's busier than you'd expect for such a wild route, so if you were hoping for a peaceful cycling adventure, you might want to look elsewhere. The road typically stays open year-round, but winter snow and falling rocks can force closures, so check conditions before you go. Ready for the experience? This is balcony driving at its finest.
hardColverde Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in the Italian Dolomites, in the gorgeous Primiero valley, ready for an adventure. Forget the well-paved tourist traps, we're heading up to Rifugio Colverde, a mountain hut perched at almost 6,500 feet! Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a rough and ready, unpaved service road – think chairlift access, not luxury sedan. It's only a little over a mile long from the parking lot off Via Passo Rolle in San Martino di Castrozza, but in that short distance, you climb over 1500 feet! That's an insane average gradient of over 23%, with sections hitting a crazy 30%. Expect a steep dirt track winding through the woods, maybe a bit washed out. And hold onto your hat, because up here, the wind *always* seems to be howling. But trust me, the views from the top are worth every bump and gust. Get ready for some serious scenery!
extremeWhere is Collado de la Fuente del Chivo?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Cantabria, that stunning northern coast of Spain, and you decide to chase some serious altitude. That's when you head to Collado de la Fuente del Chivo, a mountain peak sitting pretty at almost 2,000 meters! You'll find it not far from the border with Castile and León, named after a local fountain. The road, CA-916, is all paved, making it the highest paved road in Cantabria. Now, it gets a little spicy — think narrow sections, hairpin turns that'll make you grin, and some seriously steep parts that climb up to a 17% gradient. The climb from Brañavieja is only about 5 kilometers, but you'll gain over 360 meters in elevation. It's so challenging that even the pros of the Vuelta a España bicycle race finished a stage right here! Fair warning: during winter, this road is usually closed because it becomes a snowy playground for skiers using the Alto Campoo resort. But here’s the real kicker: at the top, you're rewarded with views for days! The Mirador Fuente del Chivo is a natural viewpoint that'll blow your mind. You'll be gazing out over the Polaciones Valley, Peña Sagra, Peña Labra, Liébana, and the iconic Picos de Europa. Be prepared for wind and maybe some fog, but on a clear day? Unforgettable!