Col du Portillon (Luchon)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Bagnères de Luchon	1,293m	663m	10.1 km	6.6%	721	***

Climb Description

Col du Portillon is a climb in the Pyrenees which finishes at a border crossing between France and Spain (Catalonia). The ascent from Luchon is inconsistent with some sustained steep sections, which makes it a more challenging climb than the average gradient suggests.

The scenery here is quite typical of the nearby Ariege Pyrenees region. It is largely forested and, although the scenery is pleasant, there are few spectacular views - even at the top of the climb.

The climb has been used in both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, although never as a stage finish. Riders leading the race over the col have included Joaquim Rodríguez and Richard Virenque.

Col du Portillon is open throughout the year subject to weather. Short term closures are possible in winter, but the relatively low altitiude of the climb means that it often stays open even during the coldest months.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in very good condition and there is little traffic on the climb.

Alternative Routes

Col du Portillon can also be climbed from the Spanish side, where it is known as the Port d'eth Portilhon.

Nearby Climbs

Superbagnères

Col de Peyresourde

Port de Balès

Hospice de France

Artigue

Col de Menté

Col des Ares

Cycling Holidays

The climb to Col du Portillon is on optional route extension on our Pyrenees Coast to Coast and Best of the Pyrenees cycling holidays.

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