Cycling Spots around Col du Portet / Saint-Lary
Hautes-Pyrenees
The eastern part of the Hautes-Pyrenees is where you will find the Vallée d’Aure. The Tour de France often passed via Col d’Aspin and/or Col de Peyresourde. If you base yourself anywhere from Arreau to Saint-Lary you will have a range of different road climbs at your doorstep. If you base yourself in Bagneres-de-Bigorre, the La Mongie side of Tourmalet is not too far either.
Even though the Hautes-Pyrenees shares a border with Spain, the only road that crosses to the other side is the tunnel past Saint-Lary. This is something worth considering for bikepacking adventurers.
Arreau is a very cute village at the base of Aspin and not far from the southern climb of Hourquette d’Ancizan. Further into the valley, Saint-Lary offers the most options for accommodation.
If Tourmalet is the king of the Pyrenees, then Col du Portet is the newly-born prince. Perched above Saint-Lary, it is higher and steeper than Tourmalet and with a rougher surface, it is one of the most challenging climbs in the whole of the Pyrenees.
Loudenville is situated on a lake at the bottom of Col du Peyresourde and Col d’Azet. The thermal baths at Balnea can be a nice reward at the end of a big day on the bike.
This is a pretty part of Pyrenees with lots of choice for road cycling, but not quite as much choice as the western part of the Hautes-Pyrénées.
More spots in the Hautes-Pyrenees
Planning your cycling trip
3. Know who to speak with:
Always speak with a local expert BEFORE booking your trip. Valuable local knowledge will ensure you get the most out of your cycling holiday.
More spots for cyclists
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