Driving the dizzying paved road to Coll de Portilló on the Spanish-French border
Spain, europe
17 km
1,293 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col du Portillon-Coll de Portilló
Ready for some serious Pyrenees vibes? The Col du Portillon-Coll de Portilló sits pretty at 1,293 meters (4,242 feet) straddling the France-Spain border between Haute-Garonne in southwestern France and Lleida in Catalonia. The summit marks the exact border crossing, so you're literally hopping between countries as you drive.
This 17-kilometer (10.56-mile) east-west route connects the charming village of Bossòst in Aran with the spa town of Bagnères-de-Luchon, and the entire road is beautifully paved. You'll tackle it as the D618A from the French side or the N-141 from Spain.
Now, here's the thing—this pass is famous for a reason. Twenty hairpin turns snake their way up the mountain, offering incredible views but definitely testing your nerve. If tight curves and altitude make you queasy, this might not be your vibe. But if you love a thrilling drive, you're in for a treat. The road has even earned its stripes as a Tour de France cycling route, so you know it's legit.
The Pyrenees setting is spectacular year-round, and the pass typically stays open throughout the year. Just be aware that winter can bring temporary closures, so always check conditions before heading up. If you're chasing alpine scenery and don't mind a challenging drive, this col is absolutely worth the detour.
Where is it?
Driving the dizzying paved road to Coll de Portilló on the Spanish-French border is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.2113, -4.0838
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,293 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.2113, -4.0838
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