Col d'Aspin (Pyrenees)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Arreau	1,489m	779m	12.1 km	6.4%	610	****

Climb Description

Col d'Aspin is one of the most famous climbs in the Tour de France having been used well over seventy times in the race. It has regularly been used to join climbs such as the Col du Tourmalet and the Col de Peyresourde.

The climb from Arreau is the more challenging and also the more scenic of the two sides. However, the gradient is never really steep and it is possible to get into a nice rhythm. The lower part of the climb is in forest, before several long switchbacks begin, taking you up the side of the mountain. There are nice views here down into the valley behind you and a fantastic view also awaits at the top of the climb.

Col d'Aspin is usually open throughout the year; although short term closures are possibly in winter if there is heavy snowfall.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in good condition throughout.

The climb is not especially busy, but it is also not empty; expect to be passed by a car every couple of minutes or so.

Alternative Routes

Col d'Aspin can also be climbed from the north-west, beginning in Campan.

Nearby Climbs

Hourquette d'Ancizan

Col d'Azet

Pla d'Adet

Col de Peyresourde

Col de Portet

Route des Lacs

Col du Tourmalet

Cycling Holidays

Col d'Aspin is climbed on our Pyrenees Coast to Coast cycling holiday.

It is also a route extension option on our Best of the Pyrenees tour.

Check out the information below for details of these and some of the other tours that we run in high mountains.