Pla d'Adet

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Vignec	1,680m	861m	10.7 km	8.1%	1,240	****

Climb Description

Pla d'Adet is the kind of climb that comes to mind when you think of the Pyrenees. It is relatively short, steep and often very hot. It has been used numerous times in the Tour de France, with breakaway riders often taking the stage win rather than true general classification contenders. The climb is characterized by relentlessly steep gradients for the majority of its 10km, before easing off slightly as you get nearer the summer.

At the top of the climb is quite a large and unsightly ski resort; but there are also some fantastic views looking down towards Saint-Lary-Soulan and across to the Col d'Azet. There are nice views throughout the climb as well, with the steepest part of the ascent basically forming one giant switchback.

Pla d'Adet is a great climb for riders who enjoy a tough challenge and want to try something new in the Pyrenees, but if you are short of time, we believe that there are better and more enjoyable climbs in the area, such as Route des Lacs and Col d'Azet.

Pla d'Adet is open throughout the year. In winter, any snow is cleared to enable access to the ski resort.

Roads & Traffic

The road is in excellent condition throughout and there is little traffic on this climb.

Alternative Routes

This is the only way to climb Pla d'Adet.

Nearby Climbs

Col de Portet

Col d'Azet

Route des Lacs

Piau Engaly

Col d'Aspin

Hourquette d'Ancizan

Col de Peyresourde

Cycling Holidays

Pla d'Adet can be climbed as an optional extension on our Best of the Pyrenees cycling holiday, combining it with the ascent to Col de Portet.

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