Col d'Aubisque is one of the legendary climbs of the Tour de France, having been climbed on over forty occasions. Only the Col du Tourmalet has been used more times in the race. The three stage finishes here have been won by Michael Rasmussen, Stephen Roche and Bernard Labourdette, but other great riders have led the race over the col - including Miguel Induraín, Federico Bahamontes and Fausto Coppi.
As well as being an important climb in the history of professional cycling, Col d'Aubisque is stunningly beautiful. The climb from Ferrières, which first crests the Col du Soulor, is the least famous of the three main ascents to Aubisque, but it is just as beautiful as the other two sides. The climb from Ferrières offers a different perspective as you climb on the north face of the Col du Soulor before turning right at the top and continuing along thespectacular Cirque du Litor - a false flat which offers truly breathtaking views into the valley from where you have climbed.
The top of Aubisque is a welcome sight
Aubisque is simply one of the great cycling climbs; find out much more about the climb
here in our detailed article; in summary though, it should be very near the top of any list of cycling climbs.
Aubisque is usually open from June to the end of October. It can be open by May depending on the weather, but the road often needs repairing after the winter so it is one of the last climbs to open in the Pyrenees.
The road to the Col du Soulor is mostly open with great views
Roads & Traffic
The road surface is in good condition throughout.
There is very little traffic on this climb.
The stunning Cirque du Litour
Alternative Routes
Col d'Aubisque can be climbed from Argeles Gazost in an ascent which also first goes over the Col du Soulor. It can also be climbed from Laruns in the west, which is the most challenging and most iconic ascent.
There are two additional longer routes which work their way to the Col d'Aubisque. One which also begins from Argeles Gazost, takes an early diversion to go over the Col de Spandelles, before rejoining the main climb in Ferrières. The second option is to climb over the Col de Borderes. This is the same as the ascent from Argeles Gazost in the most part, just with a 'long-cut' on the early part of the climb.
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