Hautes-Pyrenees

Cycling the Hautes-Pyrenees

The Hautes-Pyrenees is a rugged, mountainous region featuring some of the highest mountain passes in the Pyrenees. It offers challenging climbs for riders of all levels.

The Tour de France does pass through the Hautes-Pyrenees most years with the historic Route des Cols stretching through the Cols of Peyresourde, Aspin and Tourmalet eventually leaving the department at Col du Soulor and onwards to Col d'Aubisque. Some of the best cycling climbs in the Hautes-Pyrenees happen to be dead-end roads. Spots such as Luz Ardiden, Hautacam, Col du Portet, you'll retrace some of the most historic mountain stage finishes in the Tour de France. Loop routes are possible with the help of skilled local experts but many of the quiet and breathtaking dead-end roads are a must-ride.

Yes, you must tick off the famous big-name climbs from your bucketlist but remember that there are even more spectacular climbs in the Hautes-Pyrenees which have never featured in the Tour due to their proximity to protected national parks areas. All in all, the Hautes-Pyrenees is a cycling paradise that will take you multiple weeks of riding to experience the whole area.

Gravel in the Hautes-Pyrenees

The spectacular high-altitude gravel roads in the Hautes-Pyrenees remain relatively undiscovered. Some of the best gravel is located high above the cols. The gravel road to Pic du Midi, for example, only begins at the top of Col du Tourmalet so you will have a HC climb in your legs by the time you hit the gravel.

Some of the gravel surfaces can be very rough. A mountain bike or even an E-bikes might be the best choice for inexperienced riders.

Spots to ride