A fixture of the Tour de France since 1910, the Col d’Aubisque (1,709 m) offers one of the most complete climbs in the western Pyrenees: a long, forested false flat, an open final stretch across alpine pasture, and one of the most spectacular balcony roads in France to extend the ride.
The profile from Laruns
From Laruns, it’s about 17 km for 1,190 m of climbing, averaging a fairly steady 7%. The first section, up to Eaux-Bonnes, runs through forest with a few gentler stretches; past the spa town, the gradient holds through the Gourette ski resort before the final, open kilometres offer an increasingly wide view over the surrounding cirque.
Don’t miss, near the summit, the “Circuit du Souvenir”: the road and surrounding rocks are covered in paintings honouring riders and past Tour de France editions that passed through this col — a tradition kept alive by race followers and cycling fans.
How to approach the ride
The Aubisque climbs at a relatively manageable rhythm compared to more irregular passes: the gradient almost never exceeds 9-10%, which makes it possible to hold a steady cadence for the whole ascent. The final kilometres, more exposed to wind, are still worth keeping some energy in reserve for.
Many riders use the climb as a springboard to the Col du Soulor via the Cirque du Litor, a narrow balcony road cut into the cliff face that offers one of the most vertiginous panoramas in the French Pyrenees — to be ridden carefully, since the road is shared with the handful of vehicles that also use it.
When to climb it
The road is closed by snow for a good part of the year, typically reopening between late May and June. The ideal window runs from June to September, with car traffic peaking in July-August — an early start is worth it.
Good to know
Laruns, the gateway to the Ossau valley, has a decent choice of accommodation and direct access to other major climbs in the area (Col de Marie-Blanque, Cirque du Litor) for building a multi-day trip around the great Pyrenean passes.