Where is Col de Portel?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Ariège department of France, high up in the Pyrenees. You're tackling the Massif de l'Arize Ridge on a ribbon of road called the D72, specifically a section known as the Col de Portel.
This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking serious elevation here. This is the high point of the D72, a mountain road connecting Saint-Girons and Foix, and it's a wild ride along the mountain crests. Think of it as a triple threat: you’ll hit the Col de Portel (the star of the show), Col de la Crouzette (brutal 15% climbs!), and Col de Pradel, all in one go!
The road's fully paved, sure, but “paved” doesn’t mean “easy.” It's crazy narrow, with zero protection on either side. You're tracing the natural curves of the ridge, so hold on tight! The Tour de France has even tackled this section, so you know it's legit.
The asphalt's a little rough around the edges, and passing another car requires some serious finesse (and maybe a little luck).
This amazing section is only a few kilometers long, running east-west. And get this: you're basically above the treeline the whole time, soaking up those 360-degree views of the Pyrenees. It’s a feast for the eyes, but keep 'em on the road! This mountain pass is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Related Roads in europe
easyHow long is Route Napoleon?
🇫🇷 France
Get ready for an epic road trip along Route Napoleon, a seriously stunning drive that snakes through the French mountains, linking the glitzy French Riviera to the rugged southern Pre-Alps. It's basically following in the footsteps of Napoleon himself when he made his daring escape from Elba back in 1815! We're talking about 325 km (200 mi) of pure driving bliss on perfectly paved roads (routes N85, D1085, D4085, and D6085 to be exact). The adventure kicks off in Golfe-Juan, a charming coastal town on the Côte d'Azur where Napoleon first stepped ashore on March 1st, 1815. From there, you'll wind your way through Provence, hitting spots like Cannes and Grasse before heading inland. Expect to pass through picturesque towns like Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, Castellane (home of the Napoleon Bridge!), and Barrême. You'll conquer the Col des Leques (1,146 m), cruise along the Bléone river, and even spot a castle where Napoleon supposedly spent the night. Sisteron and Gap are on the itinerary before tackling the Col Bayard (1,248 m) and pushing on to Grenoble. Trust me, this drive is worth it. Imagine charming towns and villages begging to be explored and Imperial Eagle statues marking your way. The road itself is a masterpiece, designed for speed and showcasing your car's performance. Inaugurated in 1932, this historical route is dotted with monuments and commemorative plaques. Give yourself around 8 to 9 hours to complete the whole route. Napoleon took a week with a thousand men in tow, but you might want to spread it out over a few days to soak up the incredible views. Just keep your eyes peeled for the brown eagle signs, and get ready for the ride of your life!
moderateA memorable road trip to Lazena Pass
🇬🇷 Greece
# Lazena Pass: A Hidden Gem for Road Lovers Tucked away in the Tzoumerka mountains of Epirus, Greece, Lazena Pass sits at a cool 1,144m (3,753ft) and is honestly one of the best-kept secrets in the motorcycling world. This 27km (16.77 miles) route stretches west to east from Lazena to Ktistades, and while it's completely paved, don't mistake that for easy. You'll navigate a seriously fun 45 hairpin turns that'll keep your adrenaline pumping. The road gets steep too—we're talking 17.5% grades in some sections—so this beauty demands your full attention and daylight driving. What makes Lazena Pass special? The scenery is absolutely stunning. You'll start at 800 meters, climb to 1,000 meters through tight hairpins, then dip back down to 300 meters as you pass through shaded tree-covered sections and cross the Arachthos river via the Politsa bridge. The road winds through a dramatic gorge before climbing back to 800 meters. It's the kind of diverse terrain that keeps every twist interesting. Sitting inside the National Park of Tzoumerka, this pass rewards you with incredible natural views and driving that feels genuinely engaging. Just plan your trip for daylight hours—night driving here is a no-go. If you're after a lesser-known mountain pass where the pavement flows beautifully through untamed Greek nature, Lazena Pass deserves a spot on your bucket list.
moderateA curvy paved road to the summit of Krraba Pass
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Krraba Pass in Albania! This gem sits way up high in Elbasan County, clocking in at a cool 807 meters (that's 2,647 feet for you imperial system folks). You'll find it smack-dab in central Albania, winding along the SH3 National Road. The road is paved the whole way, but don't get complacent! Prepare for some seriously twisty turns and steep climbs. This 25.7-kilometer stretch runs north to south, connecting Mushqeta (near Tirana) to Bradashesh. Heads up: it's pretty isolated out there! This road was originally built way back in 1933. Now, a new four-lane highway (the A3, Tirana–Elbasan Highway) bypasses it, so it's even quieter these days, but if you are in the area it's a nice drive!
moderateDriving the dizzying paved road to Col du Portillon on the Spanish-French border
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Portillon-Coll de Portilló Ready for a wild ride through the Pyrenees? Col du Portillon-Coll de Portilló sits at 1,293 meters (4,242 feet) and straddles the Spain-France border, connecting the Spanish town of Bossòst in Lleida province with the French alpine village of Bagnères-de-Luchon. It's a seriously scenic 17-kilometer (10.56-mile) east-west route that'll test both your driving skills and your nerve. The fully paved road comes in two flavors: France calls it D618A, while Spain knows it as N-141. Here's the thing though—this pass is *not* for the faint of heart. We're talking 20 hairpin turns that wind their way up the mountain like a corkscrew. If you're prone to motion sickness, maybe grab some ginger candy before you go. The good news? This road is open year-round, making it a solid option for most of the year. Winter can throw some curveballs your way with occasional closures, so check conditions first if you're planning a cold-season adventure. Oh, and if you're into cycling, you've probably heard of this place—the Tour de France has tackled these switchbacks more than once, which tells you everything you need to know about the challenge ahead.