Col de l’Ours
France, europe
N/A
1,936 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Col de l’Ours in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a climb to 1,936 meters (that's 6,351 feet!), so buckle up.
Picture this: you're snaking through the Pyrénées mountains, but the road? Well, it's gravel, rocky, and ready to give your suspension a workout. It's not always passable either – usually, snow shuts it down from October to June. A 4x4 is highly recommended if you want to reach the top. Keep an eye out for the tourist train chugging along the route!
Oh, and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, there's a seriously steep trail, plus a gravel chairlift access trail near the pass that'll take you even higher to 2,038m! It's all about stunning scenery and a raw, rugged experience.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,936 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
easyDriving the Pustertaler Hohenstrasse road in Tyrol
🇦🇹 Austria
# Pustertal High Alpine Road Ready for an epic Alpine adventure? The Pustertal High Alpine Road is basically the poster child for scenic Austrian driving—think dramatic twists, jaw-dropping mountain vistas, and charming villages straight out of a postcard. Built back in 1923, this 32 km (19.88 miles) beauty connects the villages of Leisach and Abfaltersbach while climbing over 700 vertical meters through some seriously stunning terrain. What makes it so special? Everything, really. The road winds through lush meadows, dense forests, and picture-perfect little towns, all completely toll-free. You'll hit a maximum elevation of 1,441m (4,727 feet) at the highest point, with some sections climbing at a gnarly 17% gradient. That means plenty of hairpin turns and switchbacks to keep things interesting—definitely an unforgettable ride if you're into winding mountain roads. The best part? It's open year-round and fully paved, so you can tackle it whenever the mood strikes. Whether you're a road trip enthusiast or just looking for an incredible drive through the Austrian countryside, the Pustertal High Alpine Road absolutely delivers on every front.
hardWhere is the B3135-Cheddar Gorge?
🇬🇧 England
Cruising the B3135 through Cheddar Gorge? Yes, please! This gem is tucked away on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, and trust me, it's a drive you won't forget. We're talking Cheddar Gorge, the UK's largest gorge, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Think dramatic limestone cliffs, carved by glaciers during the Ice Age. They create England's deepest natural canyon! Seriously, these cliffs rise almost 400 feet, towering 138m above the winding road below. The B3135, also known as Cliff Road, is about 14 miles (23km) long with a wild 22 bends! It connects the village of Cheddar to Ashwick. Give yourself around 30-40 minutes if you're driving straight through, but you'll probably want to stop for photos. This road is a real rollercoaster! The first section is the most intense, twisting and turning right through the gorge with rock faces on either side. Think agility, not speed! After about four miles, the gorge opens up, and you'll enter a middle section with trees and sweeping bends. The final stretch is all about long straights and gentle gradients – perfect for soaking in the views. Keep an eye out for buses, tourists, tractors, and maybe even a sheep or two! The road can get packed, and it’s also pretty steep, with a maximum gradient of 16%. Also, be aware that after heavy rains or flooding, it can be closed. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The B3135 offers some of Britain's most stunning scenery. It was even named the best driving road in the UK in 2018. Plus, you can explore the gorge itself.
hardMesea Kapsi-Tymfristos Road
🇬🇷 Greece
# The Mesea Kapsi-Tymfristos Road: Greece's Thrilling Mountain Challenge Ready for some serious switchback action? Head to Phthiotis in Central Greece, where Road 38 (part of the E952) winds its way up one seriously steep mountain pass. This 8.8km stretch of asphalt climbs a jaw-dropping 501 meters, averaging a 5.69% gradient with some sections hitting a near-vertical 8%. What makes this route truly wild? Twenty hairpin turns packed into less than 9 kilometers—and here's the kicker: 80% of them are crammed into the Tymfristos village area. If you love tight, technical driving, this is your playground. The road connects two charming villages: Mesea Kapsi (sitting at 490m elevation) at the bottom and Tymfristos (perched at 991m) at the top. Every twist and turn rewards you with increasingly spectacular views as you climb higher into the Central Greek landscape. This isn't your leisurely Sunday drive—it's a proper mountain road that demands respect and attention. But nail those hairpins, and you'll experience one of Greece's most exhilarating drives.
hardCan I drive through Col de Rosael?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're hunting for an epic high-altitude adventure in the French Alps, Col de Rosael is calling your name. We're talking seriously high – 2,993 meters (that's 9,819 feet!) – making it one of Europe's loftiest drives. Find it nestled in the Vanoise massif, connecting the ski paradise of Val Thorens with the charming village of Orelle. Forget smooth sailing, though. This is a rugged, unpaved road, a ski-lift service route that'll test your mettle. Clocking in at 28.3 km (17.58 miles), prepare for a wild ride with 55 hairpin turns – each one helpfully signed and numbered, so you know exactly what you're getting into! The climb is relentless, averaging a 10.4% gradient, but punching up to a butt-clenching 17-18% in those corners. The views? Absolutely mind-blowing. Imagine panoramas stretching across the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps, a sea of summits as far as the eye can see. Heads up: this beast is strictly for 4x4 vehicles. The road tends to shadow the chairlift, passing beneath it at times. And plan your trip wisely – Col de Rosael is typically only open in July and August, so time it right for an unforgettable summer adventure!