Port d’Aula is one of the most beautiful roads of the Pyrenees
France, europe
17.8 km
2,265 m
extreme
Year-round
# Port d'Aulà: A High-Alpine Adventure in the Pyrenees
Perched at 2,265 meters (7,431 feet) in the heart of the Pyrenees, Port d'Aulà marks the border between France and Spain—connecting Ariège in southwestern France with Lleida in Catalonia. But this mountain pass is more than just a scenic viewpoint; it's a place steeped in history.
During Spain's Civil War (1936-1939), desperate refugees fleeing Franco's regime scrambled across these peaks toward France, only to face grim conditions in overcrowded camps. Decades later, French Jews would reverse the journey, using this same route to escape the Nazis during World War II. The mountains have witnessed both hope and heartbreak.
Today, the French side offers something truly special: the Route Forestiere du Port d'Aulà. Built in the 1970s and remaining unpaved, this road is a serious contender for one of the Pyrenees' most stunning drives. But don't mistake "beautiful" for "easy."
Starting from Couflens, you're looking at a relentless 17.8-kilometer (11-mile) climb with nearly 1,600 meters of elevation gain. The road pitches up to a brutal 12.9% gradient with 43 hairpin turns that demand respect—it's so narrow that two cars simply can't pass. The final stretch? That's reserved for foot traffic and mountain bikers only.
As you wind your way up, the Etang de Prat Matau and Etang d'Areau—pristine alpine lakes—will reward your effort with views that make every hairpin turn worthwhile. The Spanish side, by contrast, has no road to the summit at all, making the French approach the only way to reach this isolated high-altitude crossing.
Where is it?
Port d’Aula is one of the most beautiful roads of the Pyrenees is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 44.9651, 1.5784
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,265 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 44.9651, 1.5784
Related Roads in europe
hardHow long is the road to Col des Iris?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you're in the French Pyrenees, exploring those epic cycling and driving routes, right? Wanna take a little detour and get off the beaten path? Check out Col des Iris! Nestled near the iconic Col du Tourmalet, this isn't some long, drawn-out adventure, but it punches above its weight. Just 1.3 km long, it branches off the D918 (the main road to the Tourmalet) and climbs 55 meters. That's an average gradient of 4.23% so not too intense. Here's the thing: it's all gravel. Yep, rough and ready! This little gem is totally unpaved, so be prepared for a rocky ride. Especially after rain or when the snow's melting, you'll need to take it slow and steady. Speaking of snow, at 2,030m (6,660ft), Col des Iris can get snowed in *any* time of year, and it's usually totally impassable in winter. But hey, if you're up for a bit of a challenge, the views are SO worth it. Plus, Col des Iris is your starting point for an even higher adventure: the climb up to Pic du Midi de Bigorre! If you are looking for a quick escape from the Tourmalet crowds and into the silence of the high mountains, this little detour is your ticket.
hardPic d'Espadà
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventurers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to check out Pic d'Espadà in eastern Spain. Nestled inside the Serra d'Espadà Natural Park in Valencia, this mountain pass climbs to a cool 915 meters (that's over 3,000 feet!). The route, known as Camino de Ibola, is a wild 7.4-kilometer ride that throws a bit of everything at you. Think mostly gravel, with some paved sections popping up on the really steep bits and around some seriously tight turns. Speaking of challenging, this road is no joke. It’s steep, narrow, and can be a real test of your driving skills. A 4x4 is HIGHLY recommended, and forget about it after heavy rains – you'll be stuck. But hey, the views? Totally worth it.
extremeHow long is the Belchen Tunnel?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Located on the boundary between the Solothurn and Basel-Landschaft cantons of Switzerland, the Belchen Tunnel is said to be one of the most haunted tunnels on Earth The ghost of an old lady is known to haunt this Swiss road. How long is the Belchen Tunnel? Opened in 1996 and part of the A2 motorway running from Basel to Chiasso, the tunnel is 3,180 meters (10,430 feet) long. It’s totally paved, cutting through the Jura Mountains. It was fully renovated in 2003. Is the Belchen Tunnel haunted? one of the Top Haunted Roads in the world . The tunnel has become well-known because of a ghost known as the White Lady. She is described as an old woman dressed all in white. It has gained a terrifying reputation for itself. It’s said that two law students were crossing the tunnel when they picked up a pale woman who said she needed help and that something dreadful was about to happen. She got into the backseat. While they were driving through, the strange woman vanished. Shaped like an old white-clothed hitchhiking woman, a ghost (though not initially recognized as such) appears out of nowhere in front of the drivers and sometimes even speaks to them. This phantom hitchhiker would be picked up from the hard shoulder of the motorway only to vanish from the vehicle in question while in the tunnel. Another legend involves a tragic accident that supposedly took place there. According to the story, a group of workers constructing the tunnel were killed in a collapse during its construction. It is said that their restless spirits now haunt the tunnel, causing eerie experiences for those who pass through. The challenging old road to Grimsel Pass A steep road to Lago del Naret in Ticino Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeSelle Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
Passo le Selle is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.536m (8,320ft) above the sea level, located in Trentino in the northern Italian region Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol. High winds blow here all year long. It’s one of the highest roads of the country. The road to the summit is gravel, rocky and treacherous. The drive offers stunning views of the enchanting Dolomites. 4wd vehicle required. Near the pass ruins of barracks from WWI can still be observed. At the summit is a mountain refuge known as Rifugio Passo le Selle. The road is usually passable in the summer season, from the beginning of June to - weather permitting - the first days of October. Altitude and extreme weather are always a factor at any time of year. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.