EXPLORE THE COLS OF THE PYRENEES
Discover Unforgettable routes, Tour De France Climbs and Breath Taking Scenery
Road cycling In The French Pyrenees
Welcome to Climb The Road, your go-to guide for exploring one of the most legendary cycling destinations in the world!
I have been cycling in the Pyrenees for the last 7 years and whether you're dreaming of conquering the Col du Tourmalet, descending through quiet mountain valleys, or tackling the toughest climbs of the Tour de France I hope my local knowledge of the area will help you plan your trip.
I have included route guides, itinerary tips, and insider knowledge to help you plan unforgettable rides. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a first-timer in the mountains, you will love the scenery, epic ascents, and the pure joy of cycling in the heart of the Pyrenees!
My Top 5 Days on the bike In the High Pyrenees
Descending the Col DU Aspen to Aureo, freshly paved road, no wind and beutifull sunshine
Col de Bourdes, COl Du Soulour, Col du Aubisk and then descent to Angles Gozet at dusk.
Gravel ride To the Pic du Midi Observatory, sunny, muddy, snow, hiking and a beer after finding the secret door.
Col DU Tente from Gerd in the sun, descending with very little breaks and lunch with Cirque De Gavarnie as the backdrop.
Col du Aspen, Col Du Luz, Horquette du Anzian to Payolle, rolling, challenging fun day.
BASE TOWNS
CHECK OUT WHICH TOWNS TO BE THE BASE FOR YOUR TRIP
BAGNERES DE BIGGORE
ST LARRY SOULAN
LUZ SAINT SAUVEUR
THE BEST CLIMBS
OUR FAVOURITE COLS TO EXPLORE
Col Du Tourmalet
2100m
Col d'Aubisc
1780m
Hautacam
1540m
Col Du Portet
2250m
Col De Tente
2235m
Peyresoude
1500m
Favourites Climbs
Coming Soon!
ascent of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre
About Us
I'm a very average cyclist. I have a pretty heavy 10.5 kg gravel bike, and I train sporadically in my garage on the turbo. I'm usually around the top 80% on Strava for the high cols, but I absolutely love cycling in the Pyrenees.
My first trip was in 2018, and it included the Tourmalet, Col d'Aspin, and Col du Portet—the latter purely because it was in that year’s Tour (it hurt a lot). But I loved it and have been back most years since. Last year included perhaps my favorite day ever on a bike when a friend and I cycled up to the Pic du Midi at 2,860 m. We had zero gravel experience, but it was brilliant.
Equally, I want to enjoy the local food and drink with friends, stop to take photos of the views, and try to break the odd PB on the big climbs.
My aim here is simple: to create an information resource for those planning to cycle in the Pyrenees. From the best towns to use as bases and which cols are easily accessible to the most rewarding climbs, I want to help fill in the gaps, such as where to get water, lunch, or even bike repairs.
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KEY DATES
April
The low level cols such as Aspen & Solour may be Open weather permitting
Lower Cols
May
The big clean up from the ski season, Most of the higher Cols are starting to open. lovley fresh cooler air.
Opening of the cols
June
The Col du Tourmalet generaly opens and the statue is driven from Bagneres De biggor to the col by procession in mid june.
The statue
July
The Tour De France travels through the Pyrenees, Tourmalet, Aubisc are regulars tpo name a few.
Le Tour
August
Peak season cycling, has the benefit of more cafes being open, maybe slightly busier roads but the weather is most likey to be in your favour,
TOUR DE FRANCE
September
late season, often warm days, even quiter roads, some time the Vueklta comes by.
ETAP
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions Answered
Whats the weather like?
Its best to be prepared, from 30 degrees at the base of the Col du ported to freezing hands decending the Col DU Luz. noprene gloves to not work when wet at 0c. I light weight rainprrof jacket, gilet, leg and arm warmers are all good. Sunscream is essential
Do I need a car?
Its not essential but having a car means you choose where to start your route each day and also shorten a route. We allways have a car and have several times reduced teh distance of a days ride due to fatigue or cold weather
Are the roads in good condition?
Genrealy, very good on the main Cols and especially those on the tour de France route. The smaller cols can be roougher and the spring snow melt can add some challenges. The French are very respctfull of road cyclsits and the roads super quite compared to the uk, Its a privilege to cycle on them generally.
What about Insurance?
I allways have full travel insurance, my E111 firm and also take a british cycling mebmership 3rd party insuarnce to be safe.
How hard is the cylcing?
Really its as hard as you want to make it, lots of road cyclist, touring cyclings and incresilgy those on an electric bikes just enjoying the veiws.
whats the best way to organise a trip?
We always self cater and drive over from the Uk plan and ride our own itinerary, alternatively there are several tour operators offering raid style tour or local catered cycling lodges. All are great options for getting out
