Pont d'Espagne

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Soulom	1,470m	980m	18.0 km	5.4%	488	***

Climb Description

Pont d'Espagne is a climb into the Pyrenees National Park. It shares much of its route with the more famous ascent to Cauterets-Cambasque, and is also an inferior climb in terms of scenery.

The road is fairly charmless and without great views until the town of Cauterets. From there to Pont d'Espagne it improves slightly, but is still mostly in forest. The top of the climb is also a disappointment, as you are greeted by a huge, grey parking area. This makes a great base for hikes in to the surrounding mountains, but, as a cycling climb, there are much better options in the area.

Pont d'Espagne is open as far as Cauterets throughout the year. From there it can be open depending on weather conditions, with closures common during periods of significant snowfall. It is usually full open between May and early November.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in very good condition throughout.

The road up to Cauterets has a bit of traffic, but nothing too disturbing. After Cauterets it is quieter, although there can still be a few cars during the summer.

Alternative Routes

This is the only way to climb to Pont d'Espagne.

Nearby Climbs

Cauterets-Cambasque

Col d'Aubisque

Hautacam

Col de Spandelles

Col de Couraduque

Luz Ardiden

Col du Tourmalet

Cirque de Gavarnie

Cirque Troumouse

Cycling Holidays

Pont d'Espagne can be climbed as an optional extension on our Best of the Pyrenees cycling holiday, although we believe that there are more spectacular alternatives nearby.

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