The Pyrenees is associated with many great cycling legends and historical events, yet the mountains still contain plenty of mystic and undiscovered reaches.

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, etc.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Col de Coupe

Both the east and west sides climb gently on very quiet roads to the summit. There are some excellent views as you climb from Laborde, overlooking the pasture lands of the Baronnies region. It is a good climb to partner with one of the many rolling routes in the area.

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.

Hospice de France

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

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%. There is a cafe at the top open during the summer months, otherwise Luchon has many cafes and restaurants.

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.