Piedra de San Martín is a drive worth taking
Spain, europe
52 km
1,760 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin: Spain and France's Hidden Pyrenean Gem
Ready for one of the most thrilling drives in the Pyrenees? The Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin sits at 1,760 meters (5,774 ft) on the French-Spanish border, connecting the Pyrénées-Atlantiques in southwestern France with Navarre in northern Spain. And trust us—this isn't your typical scenic mountain pass.
Spanning 52 kilometers (32 miles) between the French town of Arette and the Spanish village of Isaba, this fully paved route (D132 on the French side, NA-1370 on the Spanish side) is an absolute masterclass in dramatic driving. We're talking narrow sections, endless switchbacks, and a seriously famous pigtail turn called the *Nudo de Corbata*—a mind-bending 270-degree loop that passes under itself. It's the kind of curve that makes you laugh and white-knuckle the steering wheel simultaneously.
The climb is genuinely steep: 11% max gradient on the French side, 7.4% on the Spanish side. You'll earn every meter of elevation gain. Though it might not quite rival legends like Tourmalet or Hautacam in difficulty, the jaw-dropping scenery—dramatic western Pyrenean peaks, contrasting landscapes, and endless panoramic views—absolutely matches them.
The payoff? A huge parking lot at the summit and the bragging rights of conquering one of Europe's most spectacular mountain roads. Fun fact: cyclists have tackled this beast during Tour de France stages, and it's one of only five Spanish roads featuring a pigtail turn.
Where is it?
Piedra de San Martín is a drive worth taking is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.3862, -2.8896
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 52 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,760 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.3862, -2.8896
Related Roads in europe
hardPic de Cubil
🌍 Andorra
Alright, fellow adventurers, let me tell you about Pic de Cubil in Encamp, Andorra! This isn't just a drive, it's an *experience*. We're talking serious altitude here, with the peak clocking in at 2,499 meters (that's 8,198 feet!). It's easily one of the highest routes you'll find in Andorra. Now, fair warning: the road to the top is a rugged gravel track. Expect rocks, bumps, and some seriously tippy sections. You'll need a 4x4, and a good dose of confidence behind the wheel. Newbies to off-road driving should probably steer clear. And if heights aren't your thing? Maybe grab a postcard instead. This trail is STEEP. Oh, and if it's wet, things get real muddy, real fast. The road is usually closed from October to June due to snow. But trust me, the views? Totally worth it. Plus, there's even a restaurant at the summit – accessible by chairlift – where you can refuel after your epic climb. Get ready for incredible scenery and a serious adrenaline rush!
moderateLas Cometas
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Las Cometas! Nestled in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees, in Aragon's Huesca province, this mountain peak clocks in at a cool 2,291 meters (7,516 feet). The road to the top, snaking through the Sierra de Chia range, is a real off-roader's dream (or nightmare, depending on your skills!). Expect a gravelly, rocky, and uneven track that'll keep you on your toes. Word to the wise: this route is generally snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. Definitely bring your 4x4, and maybe your A-game, because this ain't your average Sunday drive! It's pretty steep, and those unpaved roads can turn nasty quick if a thunderstorm rolls in. But hey, if you're not afraid of heights, the panoramic views of the Benasaque valley are totally worth the white-knuckle ride!
hardGebeli Orman Gözetleme Kulesi
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in the Isparta Province of Turkey's Mediterranean region and you're craving a serious off-road adventure, point your rig toward the Gebeli Orman Gözetleme Kulesi. This high mountain tower sits way up at 2,175 meters (7,135 feet), and getting there is an experience. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think endless twists and turns (we're talking 18 hairpin turns!), and a surface that's gravelly, rocky, and bumpy as all get-out. You'll be going up, down, left, and right *constantly.* Seriously, if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe skip this one. This is a 4x4-only situation, and definitely not a drive to attempt in the dark or during bad weather. The road is usually closed from October to June anyway, depending on snow. Speaking of weather, be aware that thunderstorms can turn this already challenging unpaved road into an absolute beast. And did I mention the *sheer* drops? We're talking potentially thousands of feet down with no guardrails. The views are incredible, but keep your eyes on the road! This drive demands skill, patience, and a good dose of tolerance for heights. It's intense, but if you're an experienced off-roader looking for a nail-biting ride with killer scenery, this might just be your next adventure.
hardPic de Montferrat
🇫🇷 France
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever dreamt of conquering a seriously epic mountain pass? Then Pic de Montferrat in the French Pyrenees is calling your name! We're talking about reaching a dizzying 2,497 meters (that's over 8,000 feet!) above sea level. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. The path to the top is gravel and rock, making it a true off-road experience. Winter? Forget about it — this route's a no-go when the snow flies. If you're not comfortable on rugged, unpaved terrain, maybe sit this one out. A 4x4 is definitely your best friend here, and a healthy respect for heights is a must. Expect some seriously steep sections that will test your mettle! Oh, and did I mention it's near Hautacam, a famed climb in the Tour de France? So, you'll be rolling through some seriously legendary cycling territory. Get ready for breathtaking views and a real sense of accomplishment when you reach the top!