A must for landscape lovers and cycling enthusiasts.
The Col d’Aubisque is a mountain pass in the Pyrenees at 1709 m altitude, in the Ossalois village of Béost, one of the legendary stages of the Tour de France cycling race in Béarn.
The Col d’Aubisque has been a Tour de France route since 1947, with occasional summit finishes, and is one of the most famous climbs for its difficulty and beauty. The climb starts in Laruns, an Ossalois village at the bottom of the Ossau valley, a mythical route that attracts cyclists from all over the world.
Three giant sculptures of bicycles painted in the colors of the Tour de France (one yellow, one white with red polka dots, one green) have been installed on the side of the Col d’Aubisque road.
Welcome to…
Col d’Aubisque, the link between Bigorre and Béarn
Linking the Ossau valley in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques to the Argelès-Gazost valley in the Hautes-Pyrénées, the corniche road through the Litor cirque is open to traffic from late May/early June to mid-November.
The Col d’Aubisque road is a spa road built in the 19th century at the request of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, to link the spa towns of Eaux-Bonnes in the Ossau valley and Argelès-Gazost in the valley of the same name, both very fashionable spa towns at the time.
The Pyrenees thermal route is now known as the “Route des Cols “, a mountain tourist route crossing the Pyrenees from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean.
Panoramic view, starting point for hikes.
The 360-degree panorama of the Pyrenean mountains is breathtaking. From the orientation table, you can see the cirque de Litor, the Ouzom valley and the cirque de Gourette, dominated by the massive silhouette of the Pic de Ger (2613m).
In fine weather, it is the starting point for walks adapted to all levels of difficulty among the herds in their summer pastures, the starting point for Nordic walking and traildownhill mountain biking through the unspoilt natural landscapes of the Pyrenees. It’s a must for amateur and professional cyclists alike, who are delighted to take on the challenges of this climb.
In winter, it’s the ideal place for snowshoeing. Col d’Aubisque is close to the winter sports resort of Gourette , which offers activities accessible to all, a snowpark and off-piste runs accompanied by experienced guides.
For a vacation in the Pyrenees rich in thrills, or for a relaxing break in the heart of nature, the Col d’Aubisque and its immediate surroundings are sure to please.
Our tips for…
Preparing for a hike
Many hikes are possible from the Col d’Aubisque, but before setting off, it’s imperative to choose an itinerary suited to your level and to prepare well. Once you’re there, you’ll have to respect the rules, and we strongly advise you to follow the recommendations on the website reussirmarando .
Accompanying a mountain professional is a great way to discover the beauty and fragility of the site you’re visiting. It’s an excellent way to learn about wild and free animals, flowers, forests, the history and traditions of the valleys, pastoral life and geology.
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