The legendary Col du Tourmalet is one of the world's top roads
France, europe
34.1 km
2,115 m
extreme
Year-round
# Col du Tourmalet: France's Most Iconic Mountain Pass
Want to experience one of the world's most legendary climbs? The Col du Tourmalet sits pretty at 2,115m (6,939ft) in the Hautes-Pyrénées, tucked in the heart of the French Pyrenees. This isn't just any mountain pass—it's cycling royalty.
The fully paved D918 road stretches 34.1km (21.18 miles) from west to east, connecting Luz-Saint-Sauveur to the D935 road near Campan. Fair warning: this beast gets steep, with sections pushing 12% gradient that'll test your limits. But the payoff? Absolutely worth it.
Here's the thing that makes Tourmalet special: it's the most-used climb in Tour de France history, with over eighty crossings since 1910. Back then, it was basically a goat track between two valleys, used only by shepherds and their flocks. The first riders to tackle it? They called race organizers "murderers" for the punishment—and honestly, you'll understand their frustration once you start climbing.
At the summit, you'll find two cool monuments: a memorial to Jacques Goddet (the race boss for decades) and a statue of Octave Lapize, the first person to conquer this beast. Want a bonus adventure? A gravel road near the gift shop heads up to the spectacular Pic du Midi de Bigorre via Col de Sencours.
The views from up here are genuinely stunning—sweeping panoramas of the Pyrenees that make every grueling kilometer worth it. Whether you're a cycling fanatic or just chasing incredible mountain scenery, Tourmalet delivers the full experience.
Where is it?
The legendary Col du Tourmalet is one of the world's top roads is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.9389, 0.7118
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 34.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,115 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 45.9389, 0.7118
Related Roads in europe
moderateIf you love to drive, you will love the road to Puerto del Cubillo
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Spain, in the province of Cuenca. You're climbing into the Serranía de Cuenca mountains, headed for Puerto del Cubillo. This mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,617 meters (5,305 feet). The road, CU-V-9161, is a smooth, paved dream thanks to a recent resurfacing. You can usually hit it year-round, but be mindful of winter conditions, as they can sometimes shut things down. Trust me, it's worth the trip; it's a super fun drive and you won't be fighting any crowds. The whole shebang stretches for 10.3 kilometers (6.4 miles), winding from the CM-2106 road, east to a junction with the A-1704 and TE-V-9113. If you're feeling adventurous, there's a gravel road north of the pass that takes you up to the abandoned ski resort, La Mogorrita, peaking at 1,688m. Heads up: this climb is no joke! It's been featured in the Vuelta a España, so you know it's got some bite. Some sections hit a 10% gradient. If you're starting from the CM2106 road, the ascent is almost 9 kilometers, gaining 383 meters in elevation, for an average gradient of nearly 4%. Keep an eye out for the Cerrada de la Magdalena and Mirador de Sierra Alta for some seriously stunning views.
hardTake the Scenic Route and Discover Bigorno Pass in Corsica
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're on Corsica, that wild, beautiful island in France, and you're about to tackle the Col de Bigorno! This mountain pass, up in the Serra di Tenda, takes you up to 888 meters (almost 3,000 feet!). The road, also called Bocca di Bigornu, is paved, but let's just say it's seen better days. Think of it as adding character to your adventure! You'll be snaking along the D5 for about 13.2 kilometers (8.2 miles) from Bigorno to Murato, hitting five hairpin turns that will test your driving skills. And get this: some sections are seriously steep, with gradients hitting 12%! Once you reach the top, be prepared for some strong winds, especially from the north and northwest. If you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a gravel road heading west to a communication station. Buckle up for some incredible views!
extremeThe curvy Trollstigen is Norway's Most Famous Road
🇳🇴 Norway
# Trollstigen: Norway's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive If you're looking for an adrenaline rush wrapped in stunning scenery, Trollstigen Mountain Road is calling your name. Located in Møre og Romsdal county, about 15 kilometers south of Åndalsnes on Norway's western coast, this legendary stretch of National Road 63 is basically the country's ultimate scenic drive—and yeah, it lives up to the hype. The fully paved route spans 49.9 kilometers (31 miles) from Sylte in Fjord Municipality to Åndalsnes in Rauma Municipality. Block out around two hours for the drive, though honestly? You'll want to linger longer. The name says it all—Trollstigen means "Troll's Ladder"—and legend has it that trolls roam these mountains at night before turning to stone at sunrise. When you see the dramatic cliffs and misty peaks, you'll totally get it. What makes this road legendary are those 11 iconic hairpin turns snaking up a steep 9-10% gradient. Each bend has its own personality and name, often honoring the construction workers who built that particular section. You'll twist through tunnels, past frozen lakes, alongside cascading waterfalls, and over deep fjords with lush valleys sprawling below you. The highest point, Stigrøra, sits at 857 meters (2,811 feet) above sea level. At the summit, there's a parking area where a ten-minute walk takes you to a viewing balcony overlooking those famous hairpin bends and the stunning Stigfossen Waterfall. During peak season, about 2,500 vehicles tackle this road daily—making it Norway's most-visited tourist route. Pro tip: bring your camera. The photo ops are absolutely insane. Fair warning though: this road demands respect. Rain and fog can slash visibility, narrow lanes leave little room for error, and unpredictable mountain weather can turn things gnarly fast. Rock falls and tight turns mean it's not suitable for buses longer than 12.4 meters. The road's only open from mid-May through October (depending on snow conditions), and winter closures are real. Built between 1916 and 1936 (and officially opened by King Haakon VII), this engineering marvel replaced an ancient pack horse trail that had connected the valleys for centuries. You can still spot remnants of the original track in places. The road's been featured in James Bond's "No Time to Die" and countless car commercials—proof that Trollstigen isn't just beautiful, it's iconic.
hardA memorable road trip to Sant Bartomeu de Dorve
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Catalan Pyrenees in northern Spain, aiming for a tiny parish church perched way up high. I'm talking Sant Bartomeu de Dorve, a Romanesque gem from 1553, chilling at 1,393 meters above sea level! The road? Totally paved, but hold on tight, it’s a bit of a squeeze in places. You can usually get up here year-round, though winter snow might throw a wrench in your plans. Now, this isn’t a leisurely drive. From La Guingueta d’Àneu, it’s about 5 kilometers of pure uphill, gaining 452 meters in elevation. Translation? Get ready for some serious inclines, with gradients hitting a max of 17% in spots, but averaging a butt-busting 9.22% along the way. The views of the Noguera Pallaresa river valley will be worth it, though!