How to drive the challenging D918, a balcony road in France?
D918 is an extreme high mountain road located in the southwestern part of France. It comprises narrow parts cut into the mountain. It’s one of the French balcony roads.
Where is the D918 Road?
The road, built in the early 1900s, straddles the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department and the Hautes-Pyrénées department.
Is the D918 Road paved?
The road, part of the Route des Cols des Pyrénées, is fully paved though not easy. It features many turns, unlit tunnels, steep sections and very narrow parts, totally impassable for 2 medium cars at the same time.
How long is the D918 Road?
The road is 45km (27.96 miles) long, running west-east from Laruns (in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department) to Argelès-Gazost (in the Hautes-Pyrénées department). It crosses the extremely narrow Cirque du Litor, in the upper part of the Ouzom valley.
Is the D918 Road open year-round?
Set high in the Pyrenees, a range of mountains in southwest Europe that forms a natural border between France and Spain, the road climbs up to Col du Soulor, a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,474m (4,835ft) above sea level and the iconic Col d'Aubisque, a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.713m (5,620ft) above sea level. It is generally closed from December to June.