col d'aubisque tour de france

Le col d'Aubisque dans le Tour de France depuis 1947

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© Courtesy Patricio Saldivia Saldivia Noack www.lesiteducyclisme.net

Jeudi 21 juillet 202 2 Etape 18 Lourdes - Hautacam 143,5 km

© A.S.O.

© A.S.O. 2022 Geoatlas.com

  Vendredi 27 juillet 2018 Etape 19 Laruns - Lourdes 200,5 km

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Mercredi 18 juillet 2012 Etape 16 Pau - Bagnères-de-Luchon 197 km

© 2012 Geoatlas.com

  Vendredi 15 Juillet 2011 Etape 13 Pau - Lourdes 152,5 km

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  Mardi 20 juillet 2010 Etape 16 Bagnères-de-Luchon - Pau 199,5 km

© 2010 A.S.O. / Geoatlas.com

  Mercredi 25 juillet 2007 Etape 16 Orthez - Gourette-Col d'Aubisque 218,5 km

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Mardi 19 Juillet 2005 Etape 16 Mourenx - Pau 180,5 km

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    Jeudi 18 juillet 2002 Etape 11 Pau - La Mongie 158 km

© Jan Dorrestijn

© Société du Tour de France

© L'Equipe  / Société du Tour de France

Mercredi 18 juillet 1990 Etape 17 Lourdes - Pau 150 km

©  L'Equipe / Le Parisien Libéré

Mercredi 15 juillet 1970 Etape 19 Bagnères-de-Bigorre - Mourenx Ville Nouvelle 185,5 km

Mercredi 8 juillet 1964 Etape 16 Luchon - Pau 197 km

© Photo : Roger Krieger / Presse Sports

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                                  © Le Miroir des Sports

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                                       © AFP / Lionel Bonaventure

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Col d'Aubisque visitor guide

Visit Col d'Aubisque, France

The Col d'Aubisque is a mountain pass in the west Pyrenees, between the towns of Laruns and Argelès-Gazost and south of Pau and Tarbes.

Explore the Col d'Aubisque

France This Way review: the Col d'Aubisque is one of our favourite mountain passes in the Pyrenees, and perhaps the most attractive because of the beautiful scenery and the large number of horses, sheep and cows that are free to roam around the mounatins, adding an interesting dimension to the scenery

There is a large car park and a restaurant at the Col d'Aubisque, as well as a short walk that climbs further up the hill for further lovely views. When we visited there were more horses than cars in the car park, that seemed very friendly! There is also a hotel, the Hôtel des Crêtes Blanches, between the col and Gourette.

The route to the col from Laruns passes through the town of Eaux-Bonnes and the small ski resort of Gourette . Eaux-Bonnes is a 19th century spa town that has some impressive buildings so you will want to stop to explore the village. Gourette is less interesting to visitors during the summer, unless you are staying in the resort as a base for hiking in the mountains.

The route leading to the Col d'Aubisque is in part due to the spa town of Eaux-Bonnes: the Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III in the 1860s, liked to visit the spa towns and beach resorts in the region, and to be able to travel between them easily, so a route was needed...

Shortly before you reach Gourette, you can stop in the Ley parking area, from where a short trail leads to a 140 metres high waterfall called the Cascade de Ley.

Of course, it is the mountain scenery in the higher parts of the route that is the highlight of your visit. The col d'Aubisque is at a height of 1709 metres and you see a large expanse of meadows and numerous mountains: the highest peak here is the Pic de Ger, at an altitude of 2613 metres and to the south of the col.

Note: you can only visit the col d'Aubisque from early summer to late Autumn: it is usually closed by snow in other seasons.

Cycling the Col d'Aubisque

The Col d'Aubisque is one of the most popular routes on the Tour de France and has been part of the race more than 70 times. It was first included in 1910, when the road was still a very basic track.

If you are approcaching from Laruns, the first few kilometres is at around 5% slope, but after Eaux-Bonnes there are several sections with slopes up to around 10% and a short section at 13%, before a final few kilometres at around 8%. Overall, you will climb at an average slope of 7.2% for around 17 kilometres.

If you are approaching from the east, you will first need to cross the Col du Soulor, then climb the Col d'Aubisque, but overall this route is easier than the approach from the east: around 30 kilometres at 4%, but remember this includes a downhill section from the Col du Soulor, so you will still find plenty of steeper sections!

At the summit you can see the statues of three bicycles - these are much larger than you might think from the photo, perhaps five metres tall, and every cyclist who gets here likes to have their photo taken with the bikes!

Attractions nearby

The Col d'Aubisque is one of a sequence of cols that cross the Pyrenees, called the Route des Cols . Others in this part of the Pyrenees include the Col d'Aspin , the Col du Tourmalet and the Col de Peyresourde , all equally well known to cycling enthusiasts.

Laruns is a very small town with a picturesque town centre where you can also find restaurants and a supermarket.

See more scenic highlights in France . You can find more travel ideas in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques guide and the Aquitaine guide .

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Gourette s a small ski station on the route to the Col d'Aubisque near Eaux-Bonnes

Eaux-Bonnes

Eaux-Bonnes is a 19th century belle-epoque spa town at the base of the Col d'Aubisque

Laruns is a pretty village, but it is the surrounding mountain scenery that attracts most visitors here

Pyrenees National Parc

The Pyrenees National Parc contains a great deal of the most beatiful mountain scenery in France

Saint-Savin

It is the abbey church in Saint-Savin, and the surrounding countryside, that make a visit recommended

The small village of Sarrance is in the valley of the Gave d'Aspe and has an interesting church to visit

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Pyrenees-Atlantiques

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The legendary Col d'Aubisque is an iconic Tour de France climb

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Col d'Aubisque (Argelès-Gazost)

One of the epic climbs of the pyrenees..

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Cycling Col d’Aubisque from Argeles Gazost

Ride 29 kilometers gaining 1,560 meters at average grade 4.2% (6.7% climb only).

Visit our 2022 Tour de France Page.   Col d’Aubisque TdF history is at the bottom of this page.

Col d’Aubisque is famous because of it’s long inclusion in the Tour de France, dating back to 1910 when tour organizer Henri Desgrange decided to include mountains in the race.  Thus, on Stage 10, July 21, 1910, the Circle of Death  was coined as riders were confronted with 4 mountain climbs (Col du Peyresourde, Col d’Aspin, Col du Tourmalet and, finally, Col d’Aubisque) over the course of 326 kilometers between Luchon and Beyonne  (see more Aubisque Tour history,

Beginning of the climb is in Argeles Gazost.

This is the longest and, in our opinion, because of the epic section of cliff and tunnel between Col du Soulor and Col d’Aubisque, the most epic of 2 amazing ascents to Col d'Aubisque.  Of course, you get the best of both worlds by riding from Argeles Gazost to the Col, then down to Laruns and back up from that side.  This is a wonderful out and back of about just under 100 kilometers and about 3,100 meters gained.

We enter Arrens at approximately 12 kilometers.

It is 7 kilometers from Arrens at 8% to Col du Soulor.

Leaving Arrens

Official Col du Soulor climb begins just after passing Arrens, 7 kilometers from the Col.

Photos in sequence clockwise from top left.

Col du Soulor is at the 19.5 kilometer mark.

Sign just after the 2.8 km descent from Col du Soulor and scenes between the 2 cols.

We descend 170 meters at -6%.

There are some kilometer markers (not every kilometer as of 2018).  The official start of the Col d’Aubisque route is actually before the end of the descent from Col du Soulor, at 21.6 kilometers and 7.5 km from Col d’Aubisque at an average grade of 4.1%.

The cliff begins at about the 22.5 kilometer point and runs just under 2 kilometers.

Top right photo:   bikeraceinfo.com  ; Bottom right:   Edwin Seldenthus as published in velopeloton.com .

Center and left photos:  PJAMMCycling

T unnel at 23 kilometers.

Memorial to former president of Béarnais Cyclo Club.

Bach lost an arm in WWI yet would climb Col d’Aubisque by bike until his death in 1945.

There is a monument and col sign marking the finish of this grand climb.

There are 3 giant bicycles just past the col sign and monument.  

TOUR DE FRANCE HISTORY

TOP 10 MOST FREQUENT CLIMBS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

AND 10 FAMOUS ONES AFTER THAT

Col d’Aubisque is tied with Col d’Aspin for all-time second most TdF appearances.

©  PJAMMCycing.com

The Col d’Aubisque bike climb is one of the most famous climbs in the French Pyrenees and France.  Aubisque first appeared in the Tour de France in 1910, and as of 2022 has been included 73 times.   The climb was included twelve years straight after its post-war inauguration in 1947, and has been a stage finish three times, which is fairly significant for a pass.  For the 24 years between 1947 and 1970, the Aubisque was included in the Tour all but three years.  The pass was also included once (2016) in the Vuelta a Espan֘a.  

Stage 10 TdF 1911.  

Photo:   bikeraceinfo.com  (an exceptional resource for all Grand Tours).

We rode this route in 2011 and 2018 . . . guess what . . . still the same. 👍

Same cliff, same mountain, same tunnel (as pictured above) over 100 years later.

Aubisque is our choice for Top TdF Nostalgic Climb.

The descent from Eaux Bonnes (western approach) towards Col du Soulor was and is a dangerous route - it’s a narrow road with sheer cliffs. On Stage 13, July 17, 1951, this hazardous stretch of road was the scene of one of the most horrific and famous crashes in Tour history.  The unlikely leader on this day was the pleasant and good natured Dutchman Wim van Est .  This Tour included pure and true cycling legends Gino Bartali, Fausto Coppi, and Louison Bobet, and, while an accomplished pursuit racer, van Est was never expected to compete for the overall classification in the greatest of the Grand Tours.  Nonetheless,  on July 26, during Stage 12, van Est, who started the day over nine minutes behind leader Roger Levêque, broke away and won the stage, finding himself in the yellow jersey by :02:29.

A deadly road.

However, winning the flat Stage 12 by using his specialty sprint to gain time on the peloton is one thing, but a sprinter holding a slim lead over the Aubisque would be quite another.  And so it was that Van Est had lost his lead as he summited the mighty Aubisque and set about to regain some of what he had lost.  However, the narrow and windy road descending from Col d’Aubisque towards Col du Soulor is a poor choice for downhill heroics.  And so it was that fell and tumbled 70 meters down and nearly sheer mountainside. It was not just the fall that remains in our memories from this day, but the way Van Est was extricated from his predicament and that he was still alive and  able to climb up the mountain back to the road under his own power.

Photo:   Edwin Seldenthus as published in velopeloton.com .

Here is   amazing YouTube footage  of the rescue of Wim van Est.  He was helped up the mountainside by a chain of tires strung together by spectators and his support team.  Still alive and unbelievably without major injury, Van Est insisted on continuing the race, but was convinced by wiser authority to go to the hospital.

Making lemonade out of lemons (or $ out of near death?) -- when he flew off the Aubisque cliff, Van Est fortuitously (in hindsight anyway) was wearing a team issued Pontiac wrist watch which became the launching point for Van Est focused advertising campaign with this slogan:  “Seventy meters deep I dropped, my heart stood still but my Pontiac never stopped.”

All the greats have raced on the Aubisque

Louison Bobet, Stage 11 1954 TdF (champion 1953-1955)

 Photo:   bikeraceinfo.com

The Aubisque has a rich TdF history that began with its very first appearance in The Tour.  For the 1910 Tour,  legendary TdF organizer, Henri Desgrance, decided to include Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet and Aubisque climbs, as well as three smaller ones on Stage 10 (insane!) - this later became known as The Circle of Death.  The first rider over Col du Tourmalet on July 21, 1910 was eventual 1910 tour winner Frenchman Octave Lapize.  Lapize was overtaken on the next climb (Col d’Aubisque) and as he reached its summit he unleashed on tour organizers  - this is not disputed - what he said, however, is variously reported as either some or all of the following:  “murderers,” “assassins,” and/or “criminals.” The french version is most commonly reported asVous êtes des assassins!" which translates to “You are murderers.”   Sadly, Lapize was to die seven years later from injuries sustained when his fighter plane was shot down during WWI.  

Octave Lapize -- the first rider (hiker?) over Tourmalet, 1910.

Photo:   Cycling Passion, Octave Lapize walks over the Col du Tourmalet .

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• Le col d’Aubisque

• Nos destinations
• Bienvenue en Béarn Pyrénées
• Incontournables du Béarn Pyrénées

Un incontournable pour les amateurs de paysages, les férus de cyclisme.

Le Col d’Aubisque est un col de montagne des Pyrénées situé à 1709 m d’altitude , dans le village ossalois de Béost, une des étapes mythiques du Tour de France cycliste en Béarn.

Le Col d’Aubisque est un passage du Tour de France depuis 1947 avec parfois des arrivées au sommet, c’est une des montées les plus renommées pour sa difficulté et sa beauté. L’ascension démarre à Laruns, village ossalois au bas de la vallée d’Ossau, un itinéraire mythique qui attire les cyclistes du monde entier.

Sur le bas-côté de la route du col d’Aubisque sont installées trois sculptures géantes de vélos peintes aux couleurs du Tour de France (un jaune, un blanc à pois rouges, un vert).

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Col d’Aubisque, trait d’union entre la Bigorre et le Béarn

Reliant la vallée d’Ossau dans les Pyrénées-Atlantiques à la vallée d’Argelès-Gazost dans les Hautes-Pyrénées, la route en corniche qui traverse le cirque du Litor , est ouverte à la circulation de fin mai-début juin à mi-novembre.

La route du Col d’Aubisque est une route thermale construite au XIXème siècle à la demande de l’impératrice Eugénie, épouse de Napoléon III, afin de relier les stations thermales des Eaux-Bonnes en vallée d’Ossau et la station thermale d’Argelès-Gazost dans la vallée du même nom, des villes d’eaux très à la mode à cette époque.

La route thermale des Pyrénées, est dénommée aujourd’hui « la route des Cols », un itinéraire touristique de montagne traversant les Pyrénées de l’Océan Atlantique à la Méditerranée.

Vue panoramique, départ de randonnées.

Le panorama à 360 degrés sur les montagnes pyrénéennes est grandiose. De la table d’orientation, on distingue le cirque de Litor, la vallée de l’Ouzom et le cirque de Gourette dominé par la silhouette massive du Pic de Ger (2613m).

A la belle saison, c’est le départ de balades adaptées à tous les niveaux de difficulté au milieu des troupeaux dans leur estive, le départ de parcours de marche nordique et de trail , de descente VTT à travers des paysages naturels préservés des Pyrénées. C’est un passage obligé pour les cyclotouristes tant amateurs que professionnels, ravis de relever les défis de cette ascension.

L’hiver, c’est un espace idéal pour s’adonner aux plaisirs de la raquette . Le col d’Aubisque est situé tout proche de la station de sports d’hiver de Gourette qui propose des activités accessibles à tous, un snowpark et des parcours hors-pistes accompagnés par des guides expérimentés.

Pour vos vacances dans les Pyrénées riches en sensations fortes, pour votre séjour détente au cœur de la nature, le Col d’Aubisque et ses environs immédiats sauront vous combler.

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Bien se préparer avant de partir en randonnée

De nombreuses randonnées sont possibles au départ du Col d’Aubisque mais avant de partir, il est impératif de choisir un itinéraire à son niveau et de bien se préparer. Une fois sur place, le respect des règles s’impose, et il est vivement conseiller de suivre les quelques recommandations annoncées sur le site reussirmarando . Être accompagné d’un professionnel de la montagne , reste une solution afin de découvrir la beauté et la fragilité du site visité. C’est une excellente formule pour connaître les animaux libres et sauvages, les fleurs, les forêts, l’histoire et les traditions des vallées, la vie pastorale et la géologie.

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• Col d’Aubisque

Col d’Aubisque

The Col d’Aubisque (1,709 m) is in the department of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in the Aquitaine region of France. It is approx. 50km south of the city of Pau.

Col d’Aubisque photo Gallery .

The col is on the northern slopes of the Pic de Ger (2,613m.) and connects the towns of Laruns, in the vallée d’Ossau to the west and Argelès-Gazost, in the vallée du Lavedan, via the Col du Soulor. The road between Col d’Aubisque and Col du Soulor crosses the Cirque du Litor, in the upper part of the Ouzom valley. This road is closed from December to May due to snow.

Col d’Aubisque is the second most used climb in Le Tour de France . A true legend, Col d’Aubisque is a must do for anyone who wishes to call themselves a cyclist. No photo can do justice to the beauty of this col, it is truly magnificent.

There is a café at the summit which is open year round. It is a popular lunch destination with cyclists and I personally highly recommend it.

Col d’Aubisque 2013

 Climb Col d’Aubisque

[mapsmarker layer=”18″]

Cat 2. From the east you must first climb Col du Soulor (1474m) a Cat HC climb. From Col du Soulor the Col d’Aubisque is just over 10km. Firstly the road descends to Cirque du Litor and then climbs for 7.5km at 4.6% to the summit gaining 350m. Road D918.

[mapsmarker layer=”7″]

The complete climb from the east side is 32km from Argeles-Gazost. The climb is very hard, 8% for the first 5km to Arras en Lavedan, it then eases off until the village of Arrens, 8km from the summit of Col du Soulor. That 8km is the hardest of the climb, averaging 8.3% with one short section at 18%.

From the north you climb Col du Soulor via Ferriéres and then onto the Cirque du Litor. From the north it is 23km climb to Col du Soulor, average 4.5%. The last 12km to Col du Soulor average 8%. Roads D126 and D918.

At the summit there is a large carpark in front of 2 cafes and souvenir shops. The cafe on the right is the oldest and most famous, it makes for a great lunch stop. I highly recommend the “Garbure” a bean stew traditional to the region.

Col d’Aubisque – View from the summit.

The summit of the col has a commemorative plaque to André Bach, 1888–1945. A member of Legion of Honour and President of the Cyclo Club of Béarn (governors of Raid Pyreneen.). André Bach lost his left arm in WWI. In 1943 he was deported by the Nazi to the Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany. He died on the return journey after being freed in May 1945. Each year the club hold a commemorative ride to the summit, in his honour.

The inscription reads:

“Andre Bach 1888-1945 Officier de la Légion d’honneur Grand Mutile President du C.C.B. Mort en Deportation Pour perpetuer son souvenir en ce lieu qu’il aimait tant Ses amis Les Cyclotouristes du C.C.B. 1948”

There is also a sculpture of 3 bikes in yellow, green and red polka dot. Outside the cafe is a bust of  Lucien Buysse winner of the 1926 Tour. The stage that crossed Col d’Aubisque that year is legendary in the history of Le Tour. Many historians claim that it was the hardest stage ever.

Col d’Aubisque 1926 Lucien Buysse

Tour de France

The Col d’Aubisque appeared in the first big mountain stage of Le Tour de France in 1910, François Lafourcade was first to cross the summit. It has appeared frequently since then, more than once every two years. It was included at the insistence of Alphone Steinès, a colleague of Tour de France director Henri Desgrange. Steinès visited the man responsible for local roads, the ingénieur des ponts-et-chaussées, who said: “Take the riders up the Aubisque? You’re completely crazy in Paris.” Steinès agreed that the Tour would pay 5,000 francs to clear the pass. Desgrange later renegotiated the price down to 2,000.

Col d’Aubisque 1910

In 1951, Wim van Est was in the yellow jersey, the first Dutchman to wear it and chasing the leaders towards the Soulor when he slipped on gravel and fell into a ravine. He said:

“That first bend was wet, slippery from the snow. And there were sharp stones on the road that the cars had kicked up, and my front wheel hit them and I went over. Well, there was a drop of 20m. They’ve built a barrier there now but then there was nothing to stop you going over. I fell 20 metres, rolling and rolling and rolling. My feet had come out of the straps, my bike had disappeared, and there was a little flat area, the only one that’s there, no bigger than the seat of a chair, and I landed on my backside. A metre left or right and I’d have dropped onto solid stone, six or seven hundred metres down. My ankles were all hurt, my elbows were kaput. I was all bruised and shaken up and I didn’t know where I was, but nothing was broken.

The team’s manager, Kees Pellenaars, took a tow rope from the Dutch team’s car. It was too short to reach van Est and so to it he tied 40 racing tyres. It was like that that he was pulled out. Van Est said: “It was all the tyres that Pellenaars had for the team. By the time they’d tugged me up, they were all stretched and they wouldn’t stay on the wheels any more! Forty tyres! I wanted to get back on my bike and start racing again. But I couldn’t. Pellenaars stopped the whole team.”

Van Est told journalists: “I had the feeling that I was taking that bend badly but I so much wanted to keep the yellow jersey, so I went flat out and off I flew. A plaque on the rocks spot. “Here on 17 July 1951 the cyclist Wim van Est fell 70 metres. He survived but lost the yellow jersey.” He later made some money advertising watches. The adverts in the  Netherlands featured van Est displaying the watch that he’d worn, with the legend: “My heart stopped, but not my Pontiac.”

Col d’Aubisque Wim van Est

The Col d’Aubisque has been ridden by Le Tour de France 73 times since 1910.

There has been 2 stage finishes at the summit in 2007 and 1985. In 1971, stage 16a finished at Gourette 3.5km from the summit.. This is the list of the first rider up the climb on each stage. 2012 Thomas Voeckler – France 2011 Jérémy Roy – France 2010 Christophe Moreau – France 2007 – Michael Rasmussen – Denmark – Stage finish. Rasmussen sacked by team after stage. 2005 – Cadel Evans – Australia 2002 – Laurent Jalabert – France 2000 – Javier Ochoa -Spain 1999 – Alberto Elli – Italy 1998 – Cedric Vasseur – France 1996 – Neil Stephens – Australia 1995 – Stage nutralised after death of Fabio Casartelli on previous day. 1993 – Claudio Chiappucci – Italy 1991 – Guido Winterberg – Switzerland 1990 – Oscar Vargas- Colombia 1989 – Miguel Indurain- Spain1987 – Thierry Claveyrolat- France 1980 – Maurice Le Guilloux – France 1977 – Hennie Kuiper – Netherlands 1976 – Wladimiro Panizza – Italy 1972 – Wilfried David – Belgium 1971 – Bernard Labourdette – France 1970 – Raymond Delisle – France 1969 – Eddy Merckx – Belgium 1968 – Julio Jimenez – Spain 1967 – Jean-Claude Theillière – France 1966 – Tommaso de Pra – Italy 1965 – Julio Jimenez – Spain 1964 – Federico Bahamontes – Spain 1963 – Federico Bahamontes – Spain 1961 – Eddy Pauwels – Belgium 1960 – Graziano Battistini – Italy 1958 – Federico Bahamontes – Spain 1957 – Jean Dotto – France 1956 – Valentin Huot – France 1955 – Charly Gaul – Luxembourg 1954 – Federico Bahamontes – Spain 1953 – Jesus Loroño – Spain 1952 – Fausto Coppi – Belgium 1951 – Raphael Géminiani – France 1950 – Jean Robic – France 1949 – Fausto Coppi – Italy 1948 – Bernard Gauthier – France 1947 – Jean Robic – France 1939 – Edward Vissers – Belgium 1938 – Gino Bartali- Italy 1937 – Mario Vicini – Italy 1936 – Maes Sylvère – Belgium 1935 – Ambrogio Morelli -Italy 1934 – Rene Vietto – France 1933 – Vicente Trueba -Spain 1932 – Vicente Trueba -Spain 1931 – Alfons Schepers – Belgium 1930 – Benoit Faure – France 1929 – Lucien Buysse – Belgium 1928 – Camille Van de Casteele – Belgium 1927 – Michele Gordini – Italy 1926 – Lucien Buysse – Belgium 1925 – Ottavio Bottecchia – Italy 1924 – Ottavio Bottecchia – Italy 1923 – Jean Alavoine – France 1921 – Leon Scieur – Belgium 1920 – Firmin Lambot – Belgium 1919 – Luigi Lucotti – Italy 1914 – Oscar Egg – Switzerland & Henri Pelissier – France 1913 – Eugène Christophe – France 1912 – Louis Mottiat – Belgium 1912 – Eugène Christophe – France 1911 – Maurice Brocco – France 1910 – François Lafourcade – France

Col d’Aubisque Photo Gallery

Author:  shawman

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Col des Bordères, Soulor and Aubisque Pyrénées

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Home to many of the most mythical climbs in Tour de France history, the French Pyrénées are a wonderland of beauty and exploration. Although Stage 19 of the 2018 Tour is a 5 climb monster, featuring the Aspin, Tourmalet, Bordères, Soulor and Aubisque, today we’re taking a closer look at the final three climbs of the stage, starting from Argelès-Gazost.

Although lesser known than its compatriots, the Bordères shouldn’t be overlooked. Its average of 6% is deceptive with many undulations and a stinging pitch up to 16.5%. What it lacks in height (1,156m) it makes up for in length (18.4km) and is the perfect way to start the day as you climb above the Val d’Azun and towards serenity.

In comparison the Soulor and Aubisque need little introduction, both featuring in the 1910 Tour de France (along with the Peyresourde, Aspin and Tourmalet) making them amongst the very oldest in the race and steeped in heritage, history and drama. Although the Soulor’s profile is much more linear than that of the Bordères there are still a couple of steep pitches to watch out for as you make your way up to 1,474 metres elevation and onwards towards the legendary Aubisque.

I remember the first time I saw the Cirque du Litor, a tiny ribbon of road connecting the summit of the Soulor to the summit of the Aubisque. On that day I was actually heading in the other direction but my mind was racing at what lay the other way. Since then I’ve ridden it many times and every time feels just as special. The feeling of being pinned to the edge of the mountain with vertical drops just metres away never fails to get the heart pumping. The Pyrénées are blessed with many beautiful roads but for me this is one of the all time greats and coupled up with the Bordères and Soulor you can’t fail to have a challenging but wonderful day on the bike.

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Le Col d'Aubisque

Le Col d'Aubisque Nature Reserves in Béost

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The Aubisque pass was made famous by the Tour de France . From Laruns, you can climb the pass by bike. It rises to 1709 meters above sea level. To extend the walk, continue in the direction of the Aubisque orientation table , where you will enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Pyrenean mountains. You are very close to the ski resort of Gourette . To relax after a long day of sport, go to the thermal spa of Eaux-Bonnes .

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Traveller Reviews Google Le Col d'Aubisque

4.8 sur 5 750 reviews

4 sur 5 Reviews posted by Doron Shwartz on 22/07/2023

A circular hike with 200 meter height differences, make sure to check the weather - a hike on a cloudy day with limited visibility - you won't see the view at all...casts in a cloud that surrounds the mountain. The information point does not warn and inform about this - verify this independently!. And it is highly recommended to postpone the trip to a day with good visibility.

5 sur 5 Reviews posted by 공과장 (Manager Kong) on 18/08/2023

I saw so many bicycle riders on this pass. This pass seems to be the holy place for the bicycle lovers!

5 sur 5 Reviews posted by Worldschooling Family ChoKoLA on 25/07/2021

Breathtaking view, lots of sheep and horses that walk around freely. Famous Tour de France climb. There is a small hotel restaurant and a shop where you can have a drink and a bite. We enjoyed this scenic trip a lot.

Ride around

Les crêtes d'andreyt - col d'aubisque.

GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau - Etape Col d'Aubisque - Gourette - Eaux-Bonnes

15 m - Eaux-Bonnes

GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau - Variante Col d'Aubisque - Eaux-Bonnes par Aas

22 m - Eaux-Bonnes

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Le Col d'Aubisque, 64440 Béost

GPS coordinates

42° 58'35.65"N, 0° 20'22.82"W

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OUR OTHER REGIONAL GUIDES IN FRANCE

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Col d'Aubisque

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

COL D'AUBISQUE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (1.40 mi) La Boule de Neige
• (1.23 mi) Belambra Clubs - Lou Sarri
• (0.74 mi) ISKÖ Basecamp & Hôtel
• (7.84 mi) Camping Azun Nature
• (6.99 mi) La Condorinette
• (0.00 mi) Restaurant Bar du Col D'Aubisque
• (1.39 mi) La Boule de Neige
• (1.30 mi) Le Schuss
• (1.23 mi) Restaurant Amoulat
• (1.35 mi) Etoile des neiges
• (0.50 mi) Col du Soulor
• (4.29 mi) Jean Mi Gouadain VTT Aventures
• (6.42 mi) Hadrien Brasseur
• (7.89 mi) Train d'Artouste
• (7.48 mi) Ossau de l'eau canyoning

• Cycling Holidays
• French Pyrenees
• Col d'Aubisque (Laruns)

Climb Description

Roads & Traffic

Alternative Routes

Nearby climbs.

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• 6 Day Raid Pyrenees
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Argelès-Gazost / Luz St Sauveur (Fixed Base)

May - October

£855.00 - €925.00

7 Days (Sat - Sat)

Check out the Western portion of the Classic Cols of the Pyrenees on this week-long fixed-base tour. Pyrenees Cycling Tours is the perfect way to discover the Classic Cols and mountain passes of the Tour de France. Takes in the Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aubisque, Soulor and Aspin along with other climbs of Luz Ardiden and Hautacam.

Our Pyrenees cycling tours high in the French mountains are the perfect way to experience the classic Cols of the Pyrenees for yourself. We are located near all the Tour de France Cols with easy access from the UK. From our 2 fixed bases – Argelès-Gazost / Luz St Sauveur -we’re the perfect base from which to ride the Classic Cols of the Pyrenees.

Classic Cols Tour Itinerary

An easy day to start! It's a gentle roll down to the valley bottom, and our ride will take us round to Argelès-Gazost along Voie Vert – The Green Way – an old railway line with tarmac surface and an excellent place away from any traffic , to start the climb to the ski station of Hautacam a out and back climb but a tough and unrelenting.

Warm up for this one - it's one long climb! We'll start from the town of Luz St Sauveur, heading up the valley past the Pic du Bergons as we ride close to the edge of the Gave du Gavarnie. Heading towards the village of Gèdre this is the easy part: once into Gavarnie village we swing a right and head up the Port du Boucharo and the Spanish border - a total of 32 km.

This is the Tourmalet from Bagnères de Bigorre side. After descending the valley again, the route takes us past the bottom of Hautacam onto a small unknown climb of the Croix Blanche. This takes us through the picturesque valley of Castelloubon to Juncalas where we start the climb of the Croix Blanche, which is sometimes used in the Tour de France and is well used by cyclists, not by cars. We descend to Trébons where we start climbing all the way to the top of the Tourmalet - see you at the top!

We approach the Tourmalet from the reverse side we came down yesterday an run on to the last climb of the day the col d'Aspin. With a return ride through the rolling foothils of the pyrenees.

Another big day sees us tackling the Col d’Aubisque and the Col du Soulour from the hard north south ascent. After this, the hard side of the Col makes today’s ride a tough one and the support vehicle will there to support us in our ride returning over the Col du Soulor.

Today we climb to the ski station of Luz Ardiden. Its the last riding day and for all those that want a extra climb we can add in another climb to Cirque de Troumouse to make your week complete.

Classic Cols West dates

You will be staying for 7 nights and riding for 6 days.

11th - 18th

18th - 25th

25th - 1st June

15th - 22th

22th - 29th

29th June - 6th

13th - 20th

20th - 27th

27th July - 3rd

10th - 17th

17th - 24th

24th - 31st

31st August - 7th

14th - 21st

21st - 28th

28th September - 5th

12th - 19th

Pricing and Fees

£855.00 – €925.00

Single supplement:

£115.00 / €145.00

Included on this tour

• Half board including breakfast, and fantastic 3-course meals every night.
• Return transfers from/to Pau airport (1hr 15min Transfer) or Lourdes airport (40 min Transfer) or train station (30 min Transfer).
• Cereal bars and energy drinks to keep you fuelled-up.
• Experienced ride leaders.
• Secure storage for your bikes - we know how much you love them!
• Vehicle and driver back-up for major break downs.

What's not included

• Food on the road.
• Transfers to from Toulouse or Biarritz unless previously agreed extra charges apply.
• Wine, beer or any hotel extras e.g. washing of kit (this can be added to the price of your room and paid for on check-out).
• 6 day Raid Pyrenees
• Training Camps Girona
• Paris - Roubaix Challenge 2024

Cycling Col du Tourmalet region, French Pyrenees

Cycling in the Pyrenees is truly sensational and offers some of the best cycling in France.

In particular, the area around the Col du Tourmalet, in the western end of the French Pyrenees, is home to many of the biggest names in cycling folklore. Within a relatively small radius of the Col du Tourmalet, you’ll find famous roads like the Hautacam , Luz Ardiden , Col d’Aspin and Col d’Aubisque .

Riding this region of the Pyrenees is massively rewarding; unlike other busier, better-publicised parts of this world, cycling around Argelès Gazost and the western Pyrenees feels like an adventure. You’ll also undoubtedly find yourself following many of the same roads the Tour de France takes in the Pyrenees; pretty awesome in itself!

But it comes at a price: it’s tough. This area doesn’t really do flat, so you need to be fit. The gradients are more unpredictable than the Alps, the roads are generally narrower, steeper and less engineered. You’re also more likely to encounter some spiky weather.

It’s worth it; the Pyrenees stole our hearts.

If you love riding in the mountains but haven’t yet tackled the Col du Tourmalet region by bike, now is the time to rectify that.

Looking for a Col du Tourmalet cycling challenge?

Up for some consistently spectacular scenery, serious Tour de France pedigree, reliable bike hire in Argelès Gazost and quiet roads?

Whether you want a Pyrenees cycling tour or a DIY Pyrenees cycling holiday, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable Pyrenees cycling holiday. Here you’ll find detailed information on the best road rides plus where to stay, when to visit and Pyrenees bike hire.

Read on and plan your Pyrenees road bike holiday.

This article includes details of products and/or services that we have used ourselves or which we would consider using. Some are paid features or include affiliate links where if you click on a link and make a booking or buy something, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure policy for further information.

Pyrenees cycle routes: Argelès-Gazost and Tourmalet region of the Pyrenees

When planning our trip to this area of the western Pyrenees, it took us ages to decide on the best base: should we stay in Argelès-Gazost, Bagnères de Luchon or Foix to access the best Pyrenees roads?

After much thought, we decided on Argelès-Gazost for our first trip to the Pyrenees. This allows you to be close to the most famous Pyrenees cols, mountain passes and Tour de France climbs (particularly if you want to attempt the Col du Tourmalet bike climb and the other climbs in this guide). We think it was the right choice (but have since been back to cover the cycling routes of Bagnerès de Luchon including Col du Peyresourde and friends )!

Read this for more information on  how we decided which town to stay in for cycling the Pyrenees  and this for an overview of the different cycling regions within the Pyrenees .

All of the Pyrenees cycling routes in this guide use Argelès Gazost as a base town. If you use them, you’ll find yourself on loops that take in some of the greatest road climbs of the Pyrenees. We’ve put these routes together ourselves and we hope you love them as much as we did. Do let us know once you’ve experienced cycling in the Col du Tourmalet region, especially if you tried our routes!

A big thank you to local resident, Simon Smart, for his insights that helped us plan many of these routes. 

For a local’s thoughts on Argelès -Gazost cycling, check out our Q&A with Paddy Sweeney of V é lo Peloton .

Also make sure you read our tips for cycling in the Pyrenees , before you go.

Easy cycling in the Pyrenees

You don’t come cycling in the Col de Tourmalet and Pyrenees area for flat roads and easy riding. In general, roads like that are in the valleys and you’ll be sharing the road with a lot of cars, especially in summer.  But – happily – there are a few exceptions:

Lourdes – Argelès-Gazost – Pierrefitte-Netsalas Voie Verte/greenway

An 18 km Voie Vertes (or greenway) stretches between Lourdes and Pierrefitte-Netsalas. It’s got a good, asphalt road surface that’s suitable for road bikes. It’s practically flat and is totally separate to the main road. So it’s a great option if you’re with kids or are just trying to get north or south from Argelès-Gazost and want to avoid the main roads.

After Pierrefitte-Netsalas, the Voie Verte becomes steep and gravelled for the last 10 km to Cauterets. This is a good choice if you’re tackling the Pyrenees by mountain bike rather than road bike.

North and east of Lourdes

If you’re seeking flattish terrain, Lourdes cycling could be your best bet: go in the opposite direction to the high mountains. Head towards Lourdes, then Tarbes and villages such as Vic-en-Boigorre, Mauborguet and Tostat in the plains of Gascony.

Alternatively, a middle ground exists in the foothills of the Pyrenees: the Col de Lingous, Col de la Croix Blanche and Bois de Mouret, all of which lie east of Lourdes.

Cycle events in the Pyrenees

Unsurprisingly, there are lots of cycling events and challenges focused on the Pyrenees. For example:

Raid Pyrenees

The Raid Pyrenean route is a 720km traverse from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean across the Pyrenees in 100 hours. Includes 11,000m of climbing. More information in this article on the Raid Pyrenees.

Look Marmotte Granfondo Pyrenees

The Marmotte Pyrenees course takes you 160km, from Argelès-Gazost over the Col du Tourmalet (twice), Hourquette d’Ancizan and Col d’Aspin, finishing at the summit of Luz Ardiden.

Haute Route Pyrenees

A 7 day challenge that starts and finishes in Pau, stopping off en route in Argelès-Gazost. Takes in many of the regions highlights including the Aubisque, Soulor, Spendelles, Hautacam, Tourmalet, Couraduque and Hourquette-Ancizan.

Pyrenees cycling accommodation

This part of the Pyrenees is characterised by small towns and villages with cycling accommodation that is family-run and relatively basic. So staying at the likes of a bed and breakfast with your bike in the Pyrenees is realistic.

We based ourselves in Argelès-Gazost as we wanted easy access to the most famous Tour de France climbs (within 15 km there are over thirty categorised climbs including Col du Tourmalet , Col d’Aubisque and Hautacam ).

For our view on other great places to stay in the Pyrenees, take a look at our guide to the best towns for cyclists . It describes each of the main towns you could stay in, talks about the cycling options from each and gives our opinion on them.

Remember to double-check accommodation bike storage arrangements (and any other services you need) before booking as policies often change.

Our choice: Le Miramont, Argelès-Gazost

The Miramont hotel is a family-run, Art Deco hotel is located in the heart of Argelès-Gazost, between the park and spa and the centre of the village. We received a warm welcome and service was extremely hospitable throughout. Well-presented, delicious food was another big highlight.

What we loved

Delicious food. We ate breakfast and dinner here; both were excellent. The continental breakfast comprised a well-presented selection of artisanal yoghurts, fresh fruit salad, cold meat and cheese, different breads and pastries. Boiled eggs were also available. Coffee was from a self-service machine, but it was surprisingly good.  Dinner was tasty and also superb value for money.

Great service. Dominique spoke excellent English and gave us an exceptionally friendly welcome to the hotel and our room.

Good bike storage facilities. A separate building with permanently shuttered windows is tucked away behind the hotel and is home to a spacious bike storage facility. It comprises three small rooms including a workbench with a few tools and track pumps, sink and bike racks. There are also lockable bike storage cupboards you can lock your bike into. The walls are adorned with cycling memorabilia from guests that have stayed in the past, including Chris Boardman, Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong. Whether you bring your own or opt for bike rental in the Pyrenees, there’s somewhere safe and convenient to store your cycle.

Pretty garden. There are various seating areas that looked like the ideal place for a relaxing post-ride beer.

Things to know

The hotel is on the main road through Argelès-Gazost. There was no air-con in our room, so we needed the window open. As a result, traffic noise was mildly disturbing, but if that’s an issue it could probably be resolved with earplugs.

A lot of effort has clearly gone into turning this Art Deco hotel into a contemporary, chic space. This has been done very successfully in the dining room; the moody greys and reds plus over-size downlighters wouldn’t be amiss in a four-star hotel. While not unexpected in a three-star hotel, we felt the bathroom, with its pink-lino floor, was due an upgrade. The same goes for the small bedroom: while the bed was very comfortable, some of the other fixtures looked a little tired.

There is no clothes washing service, but the hotel has a drying room and the owners are happy to dry your clothes there.

Mountain villages are not known for their over-supply of luxury accommodation and Argelès-Gazost is no exception. For a three star hotel, we think Hotel Le Miramont does very well indeed.

Other accommodation options for cyclists

If Hotel Miramont is full, we’d consider the Argelès Gazost accommodation options listed in our article on where to stay in the Pyrenees (for cyclists).

Bike hire Pyrenees (Argelès-Gazost region)

If you’re looking for bike hire in Argelès Gazost, you’re in luck. The town is a cycling mecca, and as such there are a number of good options.

As a side note, it’s worth knowing that in small towns, a shop that seems to be mainly selling lawn mowers and scooters could be able to help you if you have a mechanical issue. They often have on-site mechanics that are very handy with a range of machines, including bikes! So you can look beyond Argelès Gazost bike hire shops should you need technical support.

Prices, services and bike brands often change. Please let us know if anything is incorrect.

Bike rental Argelès-Gazost, Pyrenees

Bike rental luz saint saveur, pyrenees, other pyrenees bike rental options.

• Book your bike in advance, particularly in peak season.
• Remember to bring your own pedals, shoes and helmet. This  packing list  may help!
• Check which way around your brakes are set before you ride away (i.e. whether the front brakes are on the right hand (as is usual in the UK) or on the left (as is usual elsewhere in Europe)). Also take a look at our list of  things to check before hiring a bike.

Undecided on whether to hire a bike or bring your own?  Read this now.

Best time to go to the Pyrenees

One of our first comments on heading into the Pyrenees was, wow, isn’t it green. Yes. There’s a reason for that – the Col du Tourmalet weather.

The lush green meadows of the French side of the Pyrenees are testament to the fact that this area gets a lot of rain. The weather can be unpredictable, even in summer; afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon.

The area is busiest when the Tour de France comes through in July, but in weather terms, Paddy Sweeney at Velo Peloton advised us that the months either side of the Tour are better times to visit as the weather is more settled and it’s less busy.

So when does Col du Tourmalet open to riders? The cycling season is short-lived in this mountainous area. The Col du Tourmalet weather often means that it and Col du Aubisque often don’t open until early June. Paddy also advised that sometimes cols open in late May and then immediately shut for a few weeks while repairs are carried out to weather-worn asphalt.

So, the message is, if you want to ride the biggest cols, don’t come too early – and don’t leave it too late!

If you like hard copy route cards, there’s a booklet called Topoguide – Velo de route, with 20 individual sheets, one for each road bike route. It show the routes in detail and the topography of the ride. We understand these can be bought from the Offices de Tourisme within the department.  Chris Sidwell’s Tour Climbs, the complete guide to every mountain stage on the Tour de France features the Pyrenees climbing greats: Tourmalet, Aspin, Aubisque, Tourmalet, Luz Ardiden and other Tour de France mountains in the Hautes-Pyrénées.

Ride a Stage of the Tour De France: The Legendary Climbs and How to Ride Them by Kristian Bauer has a slightly more detailed look at the Col d’Aubisque, Luz-Ardiden, Hautacam, Tourmalet and Aspin.

Mapping Le Tour by Ellis Baco n has a page for each edition of the Tour de France and a section at the back that focuses on many of the climbs of the Hautes-Pyrenees.

Friebe and Goding’s Mountain High takes a less practical, more historical and personal look at the Tourmalet, Cirque du Gavernie, Aubisque and Hautacam.

This free Pyrenees cycling map is quite useful for basic orientation.

Other options for a French Pyrenees map for cyclists also exist. IGN has a Hautes-Pyrenees map at 1:200,000. Michelin offers a Midi-Pyrénées map .

Good to know

While the closest airport to the region is Tarbes, it’s most likely you’ll fly into Toulouse. There are daily flights from the UK all year around and lots of car hire options too.

Bear in mind that nearly all bike shops in the region close on Sundays and Mondays (though if you speak to them in advance, they’ll probably be able to arrange for bike collection/delivery on these days). The exception to this is in July and August when many shops have extended opening; but check before you assume they’ll be open!

Enjoyed our guide?

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5 Iconic Climbs in the Tour de France

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Every year, the Tour de France riders navigate 2,000 miles or more as they race across 21 stages of some of the most challenging terrain in the world.

The tour includes various landscapes that assault riders in different ways. Sprints create exciting finishes where athletes often win by microscopic margins. Time trials force riders to give all-out performances that leave fans marveling at their sheer power. Hilly stages are sometimes wild cards where racers can take risks and push themselves in different ways.

But nothing blows the pack of the Tour de France apart like mountainous stages. The Tour de France sends riders on some of the most challenging climbs in cycling .

By the race’s end, riders usually climbed somewhere in the neighborhood of more than 150,000 feet. The most demanding climbing stages significantly affect who walks away in the yellow jersey.

The Tour de France route changes every year. The total number of climbs can vary, and tour organizers can specify different and unfamiliar climbs. Some, however, have become so iconic that they are synonymous with the tour.

Here are five of the most infamous climbs the Tour de France has ever seen.

Alpe d’Huez: A Queen Stage of the Tour de France

The Alpe d’Huez is among the most famous climbs in the Tour de France. The climb is composed of 21 tight switchback turns and runs for just more than 8 miles with an average grade of about 8%.

Riders see a total elevation gain of more than 3,500 feet during the climb. Each of the 21 corners takes its name from a previous stage winner, so it is steeped in the tour’s history.

This route also is a favorite vantage point for fans to come out and watch the race. As they fight to the top, huge crowds line the roadway to cheer on their favorite cyclists.

Alpe d’Huez landed on Stage 12 in 2022. It once again became a venue for race leaders to jockey for position for the yellow jersey. British rider Tom Pidcock became the youngest rider to ever win the stage after putting on a descending clinic earlier on the route. Jonas Vingagaard and Tadej Pogačar hung together in a tough battle to finish neck and neck, though Vingagaard held his lead and the yellow jersey.

Col du Galibier

The Col du Galibier also appeared in Stage 12 of the 2022 Tour de France as the first climb of the day ahead of the Col de la Croix de Fer and the aforementioned Alpe D’Huez. The climb marked the highest point in the Tour de France this year.

The Col du Galibier runs for about 20 miles at an average grade of about 5%. It includes around 4,000 feet of elevation gain. The first 7 or so miles of the 2022 stage featured a steady, shallow climb to an early intermediate sprint. After that, the route pitched dramatically upward to the Col du Lautaret, and then onward to the summit of Galibier.

Anthony Perez of team Cofidis powered up the climb this year to reach the summit first.

Mont Ventoux: One of the Most Popular Climbs of the Tour de France

Mont Ventoux is iconic for its beauty, difficulty, and tragic history. The climb ascends about 13.3 miles with an average grade of 7.6% for a total elevation gain of more than 5,000 feet.

The top of the climb features an exposed, rocky landscape allowing sweeping views of the countryside beneath. But it also allows riders to see the long, upward pathway fade into the distance, which presents a daunting mental battle as they struggle up the mountain.

The exposed nature of the route often leads to high winds that make the ascent even more difficult and uncertain.

British cyclist Tom Simpson collapsed near the summit of Mont Ventoux during the 1967 Tour de France. Emergency crews flew him to a local hospital for care but were unable to save his life. A memorial to Simpson still sits near the summit of the stage.

Mont Ventoux is not included in the 2022 Tour de France.

Col du Tourmalet: The Tall Boy

The Col du Tourmalet is the highest mountain pass in the French Pyrenees, so you know it gets spicy.

It covers around 10 miles with a total elevation gain of about 4,300 feet at a grade of 7.1%. However, portions of the climb reach up to 9.7%. The climb is consistent and lung-busting, offering no reprieve for riders to catch their breath before the summit.

The Col du Tourmalet has been included in the Tour de France more than any other climb. Its last appearance came in the 2021 race. It is not included in this year’s Tour de France.

Col d’Aubisque

The Col d’Aubisque has earned its place in history as one of the significant climbs of the race.

First used in 1910, the climb runs for around 10 miles at an average grade of 7.2%.

The Col d’Aubisque presents one of the final mountain challenges for the 2022 race. It is the first “super category” climb of Stage 18, which runs for 88 miles from Lourdes to Hautcam.

With only two flat stages and an individual time trial remaining, the Aubisque pass could become a make-or-break section and the last chance for a rider to attack and pull back time in the mountains.

Even completing one of these climbs is a feat for most cyclists. They could take an average rider a couple of hours to grind out, and they’ll hurt.

It’s pretty astounding that Tour de France riders often hit them back to back over more than 100 miles of racing. But aside from punishing riders, these climbs showcase the stunning landscapes of the French Alps and Pyrenees and make the Tour de France such a celebrated event.

Wout van Aert Borrows a Pump From a Fan and Gives Him the Tour de France Green Jersey

When a fan helped him out with a predicament after Stage 11 of the Tour de France, Wout van Aert returned the favor with the literal shirt off his back. Read more…

Don't Let the Yellow Jersey Fool You — The Tour de France Is Won by a Team

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Mark Wilson is a freelance journalist for GearJunkie and BikeRumor. Mark has been writing about cycling, climbing, outdoor events and gear for more than a year. Before that, he spent more than a decade as a journalist at major daily newspapers in Texas covering crime, public safety and local government. Mark spent every free moment during that time carving up singletrack and gravel, or climbing with friends and family in Texas, Colorado and Mexico. Based in Texas, Mark is always looking for new trails, crags and gear to help navigate the outdoors. As a new dad, he is particularly interested in learning how to share his love of the outdoors with his son.

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Tour de France 2023 : notre sélection des plus belles étapes de montagne

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Vélotourisme Nature et Activités Outdoor Activités sportives Montagne

Temps de lecture: 0 min Publié le 4 décembre 2023, mise à jour le 15 avril 2024

Plus célèbre course cycliste au monde, le Tour de France prendra cette année encore de la hauteur puisqu’au fil des 3 404 km et 21 étapes, les 5 massifs français sont au programme ! Pyrénées, volcans d'Auvergne, montagnes du Jura, Alpes et massif des Vosges… Le peloton n’a pas fini de pédaler en danseuse ni d’avaler les dénivelés. Dans des paysages grandioses, les arrivées en altitude et les descentes vertigineuses promettent des sommets d’émotions. Pour vivre les hauts (et les bas) de la grande boucle, en selle avec notre sélection des plus belles étapes de montagne.

De Tarbes à Cauterets-Cambasque, les Pyrénées à l'honneur

Après 3 étapes côté espagnol, bienvenue dans les Pyrénées françaises ! Voilà d’abord Bayonne et le Pays basque, Dax et ses thermes, Pau et son beau château où naquit le roi Henri IV. Et puis Tarbes, son panorama époustouflant sur les montagnes alentour, ses rues bordées de palmiers (oui, oui !) et ses marchés gourmands. Il faudra bien du courage aux coureurs du Tour de France 2023 pour s’arracher à cette douceur de vivre et attaquer les montées des cols d’Aspin et du terrible Tourmalet . Une belle grimpette récompensée par une arrivée sur le plateau du Cambasque, en surplomb de la charmante station de Cauterets, au cœur du Parc national des Pyrénées où trône le Pic du Midi . Envie de vous mettre au frais ? Essayez la randonnée jusqu’au paisible lac d’Ilhéou . Dans un écrin de verdure, points de vue magnifiques et cascades, pique-nique et baignades...

Le Puy de Dôme, plein la vue en Auvergne

L’ascension du Puy de Dôme, star incontestée de l’Auvergne, sera l’un de moments forts du Tour de France 2023 ! Depuis 35 ans, le plus jeune et plus haut volcan de la chaîne des Puys n’avait pas figuré à l’itinéraire. Se lancer à l’assaut de ce redoutable et majestueux sommet pour une arrivée avec vue à 360 ° sur les doux vallonnements du Parc naturel régional des Volcans d’Auvergne va en motiver plus d’un ! Mais savez-vous que l’on peut aussi gravir ce géant paisible par un chemin muletier ou à bord du Panoramique des Dômes, un pittoresque petit train à crémaillère ? En 15 minutes, vous voilà transporté à 1 465 m d’altitude avec 80 volcans de la chaine des Puy et la faille de Limagne (inscrits au patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco ) à vos pieds. Pour compléter une étape qui pète le feu, le Parc Vulcania n’est pas loin ! Qui dit mieux ?

Echappées belles dans le Jura

Attendez-vous à tomber sous le charme de Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne ! A 1h de Lyon et des Monts du Beaujolais, la petite ville de l’Ain d’où s’élance le 14 juillet le peloton du Tour de France 2023 est une ravissante cité médiévale. Maisons de pierres roses, petits ponts fleuris et vieille halle abritant l’un des marchés traditionnels les plus prisés de France… Elle est aussi la porte d’entrée de la Dombes, paradis de la pisciculture et de l’ornithologie avec ses paysages d’eau et d’étangs. A pied, en barque et idéalement à vélo (c’est plat !), profitez-en avant de prendre de la hauteur dans les Montagnes du Jura , à deux pas. La Pyramide du Bugey au sommet de laquelle se laissent voir le Mont-Blanc ou le lac Léman est un immanquable. Les coureurs du Tour de France l’attaquent par le col du Grand Colombier. A vive allure. Prenez votre temps, le panorama le vaut bien !

Dans les Alpes, entre lacs et cols mythiques

On doute que les coureurs profitent de la vue sur le Lac Léman en donnant le premier coup de pédale dans les Alpes, à Annemasse, lors de la 14e étape du Tour de France 2023. On vous la recommande pourtant, de même que celle sur le Lac d’Annecy et ses eaux turquoise. Il sera temps ensuite d’enchainer virages et montées vers des cols mythiques des Alpes dont le fameux Col du Feu, une ascension inédite pour le peloton. A 1 000 mètres d’altitude, au cœur du domaine skiable des Portes du Soleil, l’arrivée d’étape à Morzine ne calmera pas les envies de nature. L’été, la petite station village des Alpes est un terrain de jeux idéal pour les amateurs d’ activités de plein air : balade le long de la rivière des Dérêches, baignade au lac de Montriond, canyoning ou via ferrata... le plus difficile sera de choisir.

Des Gets à Saint-Gervais, le Mont Blanc en ligne de mire

Pour la première fois, la jolie station des Gets, bien connue des amateurs de VTT (les Championnats du monde s’y sont tenus en 2022), accueillera les coureurs du Tour de France à l'occasion de la 15e étape. Et il faudra avoir du souffle. Le Col de la Forclaz-Montmin est au programme. Alors autorisez-vous une pause à son belvédère pour une vue plongeante sur le lac d’Annecy avant de reprendre la route vers Saint-Gervais, au pied du Mont-Blanc. Pour accéder au plus haut sommet des Alpes, la station village au patrimoine et traditions préservés est l’étape idéale. D’autant que ses thermes, réputés pour leurs eaux aux multiples bienfaits, mettent le bien-être au sommet dans un magnifique écrin de verdure.

Courchevel, star des Alpes

Les habitués la surnomment Courch’ et ils y viennent et reviennent été comme hiver en connaisseurs, tout comme la caravane du Tour de France qui visite la station savoyarde pour la 4e fois. Bienvenue au summum du haut de gamme dans les Alpes, au cœur du domaine des Trois Vallées. Courchevel culmine aussi bien pour l’étendue de son domaine skiable (Méribel et Val Thorens sont ses célèbres voisines) que pour son offre hôtelière (pas moins de 5 palaces de montagne , de l’Apogée au Cheval Blanc en passant par le K2 Palace, Airelles ou l’Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges) et gastronomique. Autant dire qu’avec ses 6 hameaux et ses atours alentour, la station a des arguments pour séduire. Selfie au sommet de la Saulire, balade jusqu’au lac de la Rosière, descente à vélo dans le Bike Park, nuit au refuge des lacs Merlet ou rando au cœur de la vallée des Avals… Vous allez adorer !

A fond les ballons dans les Vosges

Entre plateau lorrain et plaine d’Alsace, le massif des Vosges est à la hauteur de sa réputation : un condensé parfait de nature, de grands espaces, de traditions et de terroir, d’artisanat et de bons fromages. Entre Grand Ballon d’Alsace et Petit Ballon, via le célèbre col de la Schlucht, le Tour de France 2023 s’offre une échappée dans ces terres de moyenne montagne, avec une arrivée inédite sur les pentes du Markstein, dans l’accueillante station familiale de Marlstein Fellering. Au cœur du Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges, randonnée bucolique, luge en alpage, parapente avec vue, pédalées en VTT (ou VAE) dans des paysages d’une sérénité absolue sont au programme. Et avis aux gourmands : en juillet, la saison des myrtilles (et des bonnes tartes dans les fermes auberges) y bat son plein.

Et (enfin) Paris…. et les JO !

Les coureurs seront-ils en forme olympique pour l’arrivée triomphale sur les Champs-Elysées le 23 juillet 2023 ? A un an tout juste des JO 2024 de Paris , le parcours proposera en tout cas un magnifique prologue à l’évènement sportif. Au départ de Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, tous les futurs sites olympiques du département des Yvelines jalonneront l’itinéraire final du peloton. Une gigantesque boucle qui rejoindra la Colline d’Elancourt (où se dérouleront les épreuves de VTT), le Golf National à Guyancourt et le château de Versailles qui accueillera les épreuves d’équitation et une partie des compétitions de pentathlon moderne. Un plateau d’arrivée prestigieux pour un Tour de France 2023 décidément au sommet !

En savoir plus :

Plus d'information sur le parcours du Tour de France 2023 et les sites touristiques à proximité

A lire aussi :

5 minutes pour tout savoir sur le Tour de France 9 savoir-faire à découvrir en montagne

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Col d'Aubisque - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (1.40 mi) La Boule de Neige
• (1.23 mi) Belambra Clubs - Lou Sarri
• (0.74 mi) ISKÖ Basecamp & Hôtel
• (7.84 mi) Camping Azun Nature
• (6.99 mi) La Condorinette
• (0.00 mi) Restaurant Bar du Col D'Aubisque
• (1.39 mi) La Boule de Neige
• (1.30 mi) Le Schuss
• (1.23 mi) Restaurant Amoulat
• (1.35 mi) Etoile des neiges
• (0.50 mi) Col du Soulor
• (4.29 mi) Jean Mi Gouadain VTT Aventures
• (6.42 mi) Hadrien Brasseur
• (7.89 mi) Train d'Artouste
• (7.48 mi) Ossau de l'eau canyoning