Take An Unforgettable Drive to Etang de Soulcem in the Pyrenees
France, europe
17.8 km
1,649 m
hard
Year-round
# Étang de Soulcem
Ready for a seriously scenic mountain drive? Head to the Étang de Soulcem, a stunning high-altitude reservoir sitting pretty at 1,649 meters (5,410 feet) in the Ariège department of southern France, right near the Andorran-Spanish border in the Occitanie region.
Starting from Val-de-Sos, this 17.8 km (11.06 miles) paved route climbs steadily upward with some seriously steep sections—we're talking 15% gradients on the hairpins. Over the entire drive, you'll gain 987 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 5.54%. Yeah, it's a workout, but trust us, the payoff is absolutely worth it.
Built between 1980 and 1983, the road delivers absolutely tremendous views that just keep getting better the higher you climb. The narrow road winds through some genuinely challenging hairpin turns near the end—definitely keep your wits about you here, especially if you're meeting traffic coming the other way. Keep an eye out too, as the area can be prone to rockslides.
Once you reach the end, you'll find the Parking du Chemin des Orris, where a gravel road continues onward toward the fascinating (and unfinished) Port de Rat tunnel. The reservoir itself is accessible from the nearby commune of Auzat and is home to some beautiful native fish species.
Fair warning: this mountain beauty is usually completely impassable during winter months, so plan your visit for the warmer seasons when you can fully appreciate those incredible Pyrenean views.
Where is it?
Take An Unforgettable Drive to Etang de Soulcem in the Pyrenees is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.1330, 2.0849
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,649 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.1330, 2.0849
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Col de Rousset?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the Col de Rousset is like stepping into a postcard from Provence, only you’re in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region within the Vercors Regional Natural Park! This beauty sits in the Drôme department of France, high above sea level. The real story here? The epic tunnel, carved out between 1861 and 1866, connecting Die and Vercors. You'll be rolling along the D518, usually in tip-top shape with clear markings. Expect switchbacks, they're part of the fun, but nothing too crazy with gradients peaking around 7-8%. You'll share the road with cyclists aplenty. This 28.5 km (17.70 miles) ride, runs north-south, starting from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors where the Tour de France frequently ascends. The climb from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors gains 464 meters, with an average of 3.3% to the summit. From La Chapelle-en-Vercors the climb adds 530 meters, averaging 4.7% gradient. Once you hit the curves, get ready for views! Expect an explosion of colours and landscapes as you wind your way up. The summit? Pure magic. Panoramic vistas over the Diois valley and the foothills of Drôme await. And don't miss the chance to cross the ridge into the ski resort where more turns lead you down to the hamlet of Les Roussets. Whether you're on two wheels or four, this is a must-do!
hardIs the 64H-3 Road Paved?
🌍 Russia
Hey adventure junkies! Ever heard of the 64H-3 on Sakhalin Island, Russia? This coastal road stretches a whopping 406 km (252 miles) from Smirnykh to Kholmsk, hugging the stunning Strait of Tartary. Picture this: endless Pacific Ocean views! Heads up: most of it's unpaved, but totally doable in most vehicles when it's dry. Speaking of safety, steer clear of trouble in Sakhalin's capital; otherwise, you're good to go. Oh, and for all you international explorers, you'll need permits from the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Border Guard to roam beyond Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Weather-wise, Sakhalin's got extremes. Think long, brutal winters – we're talking snow from November to late April, blizzards galore, and temps plummeting to -30 degrees Celsius! Even summer can throw you curveballs with surprise temperature drops, especially up in the arctic tundra. So, is it worth the trek? Absolutely! Sakhalin's wilderness is a playground – dense forests, islands swarming with seals, rivers teeming with fish, epic ski slopes, and, yes, even bears! Just be warned, the roads aren't exactly smooth sailing. Public transport is scarce, and many spots demand a 4x4. But don't sweat it; you can hire a driver and vehicle for a safe and unforgettable ride. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
hardHow to get by car to l'Abellera Chapel in Tarragona?
🇪🇸 Spain
# Santuari de la Mare de Déu de l'Abellera Perched at 1,008 meters (3,307 feet) in the Baix Camp region of southern Catalonia, this mountain shrine is absolutely worth the drive. Located in Tarragona province in northeastern Spain, the views from up here? Absolutely stunning. This historic chapel is a beauty with serious history. Built into a cave on a cliff face (possibly dating back to 1570), it's got that legendary vibe—locals say a shepherd found a Virgin statue in an oak tree that mysteriously kept returning to its original spot no matter how many times he moved it. Pretty cool, right? The chapel's also got connections to some serious historical figures, including Queen Margarida of Prades and Friar Bernat Boïl, who actually lived here back in the 15th century. The modest façade we see today was built in stages, with the bell tower added around 1578. Inside, you'll find a single nave and the crowned Virgin statue replica (crowned in 1956). It's become a major pilgrimage site—especially beloved by beekeepers thanks to its historical bee connections. Pilgrims flock here on Easter Monday and September 8, with a traditional procession from Prades around Christmas. The drive itself is pretty straightforward. Starting from the paved T-704 south of Prades, the road (Camí de l'Ermita de la Mare de Déu de l'Abellera) is totally paved but steep and narrow—think winding mountain road vibes. It's only 1.9 kilometers (1.18 miles) long with a modest 64-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 3.3%. The speed limit is 40km/h, so just take your time and soak in those mountain views along the way.
hardIs the road to Passo di San Colombano difficult to drive?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, heart of the Valtellina. You're about to tackle the Passo di San Colombano, a proper alpine balcony that tops out at 2,247 meters (7,372 feet). This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Starting from the Forte di Oga parking lot, you've got 8.8 km (5.47 miles) of unadulterated adventure ahead. Forget smooth tarmac; this is a gravel road all the way. We're talking loose gravel, bumpy sections, and some seriously steep inclines that'll put your driving skills to the test. A 4WD isn't just recommended; it's practically essential, especially if there's been any rain. Those sharp turns demand focus! But trust me, the views are worth it! Prepare for breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. And the cherry on top? The Chiesa di San Colombano. This little chapel, dating back to the 14th century, sits right at the summit. It's simple, it's historic, and its location is just stunning. Inside, you'll find a 16th-century altar and a tangible sense of history. From here, you can see the mountain range's beautiful peaks. Heads up: being high up, this pass sees a lot of snow in winter, and the road can close at any time. Always check the weather forecast before you go because conditions in the Valtellina can turn on a dime. But if you're up for a challenge and love silence, high-altitude scenery, and a touch of medieval charm, the Passo di San Colombano is an unforgettable experience.