The Col du
Tourmalet is generally recognised as the star of the Pyrenees and is undoubtedly one of the highlights of
our cycling holiday to the region. It's the highest pass, arguably the toughest climb and has been
featured in more Tour de France stages
than any other mountain.
However, situated across the Gave de Pau valley is another of the most beautiful and
inhospitable climbs in the Pyrenees - the Col d'Aubisque.
The Aubisque has been featured over sixty times, mostly as a transition from the western to the central
Pyrenees. For a touring cyclist, it offers some of the finest
views in the Pyrenees and is, without doubt, one of the most satisfying mountains to climb.
Beauty and Aubisque
In our opinion, the Pyrenees offer the best scenery in France for cyclists. The peaks are more rugged and dramatic and there
is less traffic and a greater sense of isolation than in the Alps.
And of all the climbs in the Pyrenees, the Aubisque is the most awe-inspiring. It is difficult to describe
the sheer beauty of Aubisque, from all three of its ascents; however, various elements combine
to make it the ideal setting. The rolling green hills to the north, the rocky mountains to the west, the
picturesque valley to the east and the narrow, winding road - passing through small villages and alongside
fields with sheep and cows roaming freely.
The most beautiful ascent is from Argeles Gazost, via the Col du Solour. The first few kilometres are fairly
busy, but the traffic soon thins out as the road starts to kick up hill. After reaching the Soulor, the road
passes into the Cirque de Litour - a majestic horseshoe that loops around the side of the mountain - with
precipitous drops displaying the valley below. The final ascent up to the top of Aubisque is to the backdrop
of mountains whose rocky top makes them
appear as though capped by snow, even in summer.
The more traditional and harder route to climb Aubisque begins from the town of Laruns on the west side of the
mountain. The scenery here is pleasant for the first few kilometres, but really becomes spectacular after
passing the ski resort
of Gourette. It becomes increasingly isolated and bleak - with little development at the top except for one
restaurant and some statues of bicycles.
The beauty is enhanced further by the fact that it is relatively rare. There exists something of a micro-
climate over Aubisque which sees it get more rain and cloud than the other climbs in the area. It can often
be completely clear over Tourmalet and in the valley, but the moody
Aubisque will be covered in a thick layer of cloud. The moment the cloud breaks though, is one of the most
spectacular sights you will come across while cycling.
The Difficulty of the Climb
Aubisque is a Hors Categorie (Above Classification) climb from the west and a '1ere categorie' (1st Category)
climb via the two routes to Soulor. So, it is a challenge whichever way you choose to tackle it.
The tougher west side has an average gradient of 7.2% over 16.6km, with the last 8km averaging a shade over
8% (click here for full profile and maps). From Argeles-Gazost, the other popular route, it is 30km at an average of around 4.3%. However, this
includes a significant downhill section and several kilometres that
are either flat or a very slight incline, so there are also sections of steep, sustained climbing.
(profile here)
Other Climbs in the Area
One of the great things about Aubisque is how close it is to several other great climbs. As well as the Col
du Soulor, which consists of a considerable part of the climb from Argeles-Gazost - there are several more
mountains starting in the valleys to the east and the west.
In the east, starting from Argeles-Gazost, it is just a handful of kilometres to Hautacam, and around 20km to
the start of Luz Ardiden and Col du Tourmalet. A little further along the same road you can
also climb up to the fantastic Cirque du Gavarnie.
To the west of Aubisque, starting from Laruns is the Col du Pourtalet, a long and steady climb up to the
border with Spain. A little further along the valley is the Col de Marie-
Blanque, a two faced climb which is easy and gentle from one side, yet
torturous from the other.
The Pyrenees
Aubsique really sums up all that is great about cycling in the Pyrenees. The scenery is incredible, the roads
are relatively quiet and there is a huge amount of fantastic climbs in very close proximity. It is one of our favourite areas for running
cycling holidays, just for the sheer joy of riding in the region!
Check out details below of the holidays that we run in the area, or return to our Guides & Articles or mountain profiles to find out about more of the great cycling climbs in this part of the world!
France
