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Vélo Pyrénées - Las Graves - 65370 Créchets Hautes Pyrénées - France


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© 2005 - 08 Vélo Pyrénées
 
Pyrénées Mountain Cols

The popular and best known cycling cols (mountain passes) within cycling distance of us include the Col d'Aspin, Col des Ares, Port de Bales, Col de Mente, Col de Peyresourde, Hourquette d'Ancizan, Col du Tourmalet, Superbagneres and Col de Portillon.

Other famous cols within the Midi-Pyrenees can be cycled with a short drive from us, including the Col d'Aubisque, Col de Marie Blanque, Col de Port, Col de Marmare and Col de Soulor, ect.

See the interactive map below for those climbs that are within rideable distance from us. Clicking on the col names links to further information including descriptions, statistics, profiles and photographs.

 

Click for detailsClick for detailsClick for detailsClick for detailsHourquette d'AncizanLac d'AumerCol d'AzetClick for detailsStation de Nistos - Cap NestèsClick for detailsClick for detailsClick for detailsClick for detailsClick for detailsClick for detailsClick for detailsClick for details

Hourquette d’Ancizan

An attractive alternative, or excellent to combine with the col d'Aspin.

The North side from Campan is a better ascent on gentle gradients with beautiful views passing through meadows and an old alpine forest. The southern descent is steep but offers views of mountain peaks in the second half. There are cafes at Ancizan and Payolle.

  click to enlarge  
  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
North side from Campan 22.6km 660m - 1,564m 904m click to view profile
East side from Ancizan 10.3km 759m - 1,564m 805m click to view profile

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Lac d'Aumer

Cul-de-sac climb entering the Pyrenees National Park finishing at a scenic lake.

Starts gentle until 1,875m altitude at junction for Lac de Cap-de-Long, after which the road dips before steeper finish. The last section passes through impressive forests of stunted pine trees, some of which are 1000 years old and forms Europe's highest mountain pine forest.

  click to enlarge  
  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
From St Lary Soulan 24.3km 820m - 2,195m 1,375m click to view profile

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Col des Ares

A good introductory climb, with gentle and very even gradients of 4% average. East side offers good scenery whilst the west side has several hairpin bends. A favourite col in the winter when others are un-rideable due to snow.

There is a bar/ cafe situated on the summit, otherwise the lively village of Aspet on East side is a good place to stop. This climb can be incorporated into a route including several other cols.

  Click to Enlarge  
  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
East side from la Moulette 6.7km 487m - 797m 310m click to view profile
West side from Fronsac 8.4km 467m - 797m 330m click to view profile

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Col d'Aspin

Popular with club cyclists, and much used by the Tour de France.

Steady gradient with good views throughout the open east side and the summit, especially of Pic du Midi de Bigorre at 2,872m. Kilometre signs show average gradient, height and distance. Cattle and horses frequent summit. A quieter alternative back is the Hourquette d’Ancizan (1,564m) to the South.

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No facilities at summit but cafes at Arreau and Payolle. Restaurant at foot of West side at Ste-Marie-de Campan called 'Les Deux Cols', where early Tour de France rider Eugene Christophe famously mended broken forks on his bike before heartless officials penalised him for getting assistance with the blacksmith’s bellows. Offers simple regional specialities.
  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
East side from Arreau 12.5km 700m - 1,489m 789m click to view profile
West side from Campan 18.4km 660m - 1,489m 829m click to view profile

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Col d'Azet

Scenic climb and excellent views from the summit, incorporating a section of the GR10. Hang-gliders frequent the skies. Both sides are rather steep in the lower kilometres and ease a bit near the summit. Very steep section through village of Azet. No facilities at the summit but good lakeside cafe in Genos on East side.

  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
East side from Genos 7.5km 960m - 1,580m 620m click to view profile
West side from Bourisp 10.7km 800m - 1,580m 780m click to view profile

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Port de Balès

Broad open summit with excellent views of the snow capped Spanish frontier mountains.

The North side is very variable between 6% and 12% gradients, following a peaceful wooded stream valley beyond Ferrére. The last 10km is more difficult than the first. In the last 4km, the scenery rapidly changes as you emerge from the trees to enter a wide bowl of green pasture with grazing cattle.

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The South side from Luchon is occasionally steep with long shallow stretches through small villages. No facilities at the summit. Luchon has many cafes and resturants, or there is an interesting bar/ cafe at Ferrére and others at Mauleon Barousse.
  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
North side from Mauleon Barousse 18.9km 570m - 1,755m 1,185m click to view profile
South side from Bagnères de Luchon 19.7km 630m - 1,755m 1,125m click to view profile

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Lac de Cap-de-Long

A cul-de-sac climb to a very high beautiful lake. Shallow start at first, but steepens after junction/ fork in the road at 1,875m for the alternative climb to Lac d'Aumer.

The summit can be busy in high season with a cafe and numerous great walks.

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  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
Fom St Lary Soulan 22.7km 820m - 2,162m 1,342m click to view profile

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Hautacam

The climb starts a few kilometres from the centre of Argeles Gazost with the lower half offering some shade as you pass through several villages and wooded area. The average percentage for the climb is 6.8%, but it does get tougher in the second half. The last few kilometres gets more difficult with gradients of 9 and over 10%, but the final few hairpins offer great views over the valley below and the surrounding mountains.

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  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
From Argeles Gazost 15.5km 465m - 1,635m 1,170m click to view profile

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Hospice de France

The Hospice de France, dating from the 14th century, was once a staging post for mule-trains trading across the border. The building is currently being re-developed.

As you leave Luchon, the road gently climbs at first but steepens around half way. The last 3km is difficult as it is over 10% with some sections at 12 and 13%. No facilities at the summit. Luchon has many cafes and restaurants.

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  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
From Luchon 11.6km 630m - 1,380m 750m click to view profile

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Col de Larrieu

A great climb to include in a loop over the rolling foothills or combine with the col des Ares. The East side is steeper than the west with an average gradient of 6.8%. A peaceful col that links to Aspet - a great place to stop for lunch.

  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
East side from Barat 4.6km 390m - 704m 314m click to view profile
West side from Aspet 6.1km 475m - 704m 229m click to view profile

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Col de Mente

A famous TDF climb with Pantani holding the record on the steeper West side from St Beat. Descending both sides is fast with lots of switchbacks.

There is a bar/ cafe at the summit or you can climb a little higher to the ski station le Mourits for more choice.

  click to enlarge  
  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
East side from Pont de l'Oule 11km 633m - 1,349m 716m click to view profile
West side from St. Béat 9.4km 504m - 1,349m 845m click to view profile

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Col de Mortis

A small climb starting 1km from us. Good views from South side and the summit over the Barousse valley.

The North side over looks the medieval town of St Bertrand-de-Comminges. The descent on the North side takes you close to St-Bertrand-de-Comminges - a good place to have a coffee or pancakes.

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  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
North side from Sarp 6.5km 465m - 841m 376m click to view profile
South side from Gembrie 4.5km 498m - 841m 343m click to view profile

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Pic du Midi de Bigorre

Pic du Midi is the location of the famous observatory and is a big tourist attraction - especially during late July and August. The climb is accessed from the summit of the Col du Tourmalet. This is reported to be higher than any surfaced route in the Alps. Amazing scenery with cliff edges and two short tunnels.

There is an interesting cafe at the summit of the Tourmalet. Walls and ceilings are covered with historic bikes, photos, TDF memorabilia and all things to do with cycling the col. Well worth a visit just to have a look.

  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
Starting from the summit of the Col du Tourmalet 5km 2,115m - 2,872m 757m click to view profile

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Nistos - Cap Nestès

Gentle and scenic road follows the river up the valley to the foot of the col. Col is a cul-de-sac road leading to cross-country ski station of Nistos. Scenic and quite steep in places.

Restaurant named L'Arixo at summit, although not open all year round.

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  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
Starting from Bas Nistos 17.1km 551m - 1,590m 1,039m click to view profile

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Portet d'Aspet

From Aspet the road is fast and rolling until you pass the river. Once across the bridge the road steepens for the last 4km with 12% and 13% gradients.

The legendary Fabio Casartelli died whilst descending this steep section when leading the Peloton in 1995. There is a monument here in his memory.

The East side is more gradual in gradient throughout its 18km length. There is a cafe at the summit and good views towards the East especially.

  click to enlarge  
  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
East side from Audressein 18.1km 512m - 1,069m 557m click to view profile
West side from Aspet 14.3km 475m - 1,069m 594m click to view profile

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Col du Portillon

The French/ Spanish border is situated on the sumit of this col. From Luchon (pictured right) the climb is more difficult and longer. This side is exposed to the sun and the natural rock face the road was cut from, can radiate a lot heat as well.

The descent on the East side has many bends and leads to the small Spanish town of Bossost. From here, you can either continue into Spain further or return to France via a long gradual descent to Fos.

  click to enlarge  
  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
East side from Bossost 8.6km 710m - 1,293m 583m click to view profile
West side from Luchon 10.2km 630m - 1,293m 663m click to view profile

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Col de Peyresourde

A popular col with open scenery most of the way. East side has a steady gradient around 7-8% and a few short steep sections around 11% and 14%. There is a small variant mid-way to pass through villages adding extra kilometres, but easing the gradient. The west side from Avajan starts with low gradients to a dip and then a steep mid section up to 11.4%, but eases off for the last half.

There is a small road side cafe with a friendly and enthusiastic owner at summit which sells excellent crepes. Luchon on East side has many bars, cafes, restaurants and two bike shops.

  click to enlarge  
  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
East side from Luchon 14km 630m - 1,569m 939m click to view profile
West side from Avajan 10km 914m - 1,569m 655m click to view profile

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Superbagnères

A scenic and open climb finishing at the ski station of Superbagnères. Great views at the summit with an almost vertical drop of 1,170m over Luchon.

The snow capped mountains towards the Spanish border are especially impressive. There is a good cafe for food and drink at the summit but there is greater choice in Luchon.

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  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
Starting from Luchon 18.5km 630m - 1,800m 1,170m click to view profile

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Col du Tourmalet

One of the most popular mountain climbs in Europe and most famous in the Tour de France having featured more than 70 times. The summit is marked by a cyclist monument and cafe opposite. The cafe is a mini museum of old TDF bikes, photo's, news articles and other memorabilia which is worth the visit alone.

The climb is a challenge, especially towards the summit where it steepens. The landscape changes near the top with impressive, although baron, large exposed jagged rock. From the summit a road leads to the higher summit at Pic du Midi de Bigorre at 2,872m.

  click to enlarge  
  Length Altitude Climb total Profile
East side from Campan 22.6km 660m - 2,115m 1,455m click to view profile
West side from Luz St. Sauveur 18.2km 710m - 2,115m 1,405m click to view profile

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