Simpler Tunnel

[Mike p]

Hi Folks , has anybody driven over the Col du Somport instead of the tunnel, just wondering if my clutch on the comfortmatic gear box would stand the strain.

 

[WJACC]

I don't remember it being difficult at all. But we're manual..

 

[SandraL]

Yes, french side is a bit narrow in places but good tarmac. Summit pass gives access to spanish ski resort via good unmade track with loads of parking except in ski season. Spanish side good wide road down to main road at tunnel entrance. We did it in january in 7.4 m van, didnt meet anyone on french side, stayed night at ski resort, no facilities.
Cant see a problem unless you are unfortunate to meet large vehicle on french side of pass.

 

[Riverbankannie]

We tend to put the comformatic into manual on steep ups and downs.

 

[gus-lopez]

Cant see a problem unless you are unfortunate to meet large vehicle on french side of pass.

I've done it both ways a few times usually when the weather is great for the views etc. Shouldn't be a problem.Usually takes me about 30 minutes longer than using tunnel.
having said that in 2014 I had to go over the top in early July due to landslide on French side. Weather was grim going from spain in to France & it was actually a peasouper where you couldn't take eyes off the road markings. French border office was still derelict then whereas now it has been refurbished. It was that bad I didn't even realise I had passed through a village . Fortunately on that journey even at 5pm I never saw a vehicle in either direction.

Cant see a problem unless you are unfortunate to meet large vehicle on french side of pass.

Going over the top I believe that it is restricted to 3,5Tonnes? although not dead sure. It was when I had the foggy journey ?

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[Mike p]

Yes, french side is a bit narrow in places but good tarmac. Summit pass gives access to spanish ski resort via good unmade track with loads of parking except in ski season. Spanish side good wide road down to main road at tunnel entrance. We did it in january in 7.4 m van, didnt meet anyone on french side, stayed night at ski resort, no facilities.
Cant see a problem unless you are unfortunate to meet large vehicle on french side of pass.

Thanks for the info, will give it a go.

I've done it both ways a few times usually when the weather is great for the views etc. Shouldn't be a problem.Usually takes me about 30 minutes longer than using tunnel.
having said that in 2014 I had to go over the top in early July due to landslide on French side. Weather was grim going from spain in to France & it was actually a peasouper where you couldn't take eyes off the road markings. French border office was still derelict then whereas now it has been refurbished. It was that bad I didn't even realise I had passed through a village . Fortunately on that journey even at 5pm I never saw a vehicle in either direction.

Going over the top I believe that it is restricted to 3,5Tonnes? although not dead sure. It was when I had the foggy journey ?

thank you , defiantly going over on Saturday, weather permitting.