Col du Portalet

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Laruns, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, FR

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Debra Kennedy

Pyrénées Cycling

54 km

1 496 m

The climb begins from Laruns, which leads you passed some of the most spectacular scenery to the natural border between France and Spain. The summit finish has been used in the Vuelta a Espana many times. The road is well paved, but there is a fair amount of traffic, and if possible, you should avoid weekends. There are two cafe stops along the route and two restaurants at the summit.

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Détails de l'itinéraire

# Col du Pourtalet, (1,794 m), Vallée d'Ossau, Pyrenees-Atlantiques
## CLIMB PROFILE:  Departing from Laruns: 
 Length 28.7 km, 
 Altitude at depart: 500 m, 
 Altitude at the end: 1,794 m, 
 Average gradient 4.5%, maximum 9%

It can be achieved in under an hour - depending on your strength and ability.

After negotiating the narrow street of Laruns, the D934 passes the left turn towards the Col du Aubisque, continuing up the Ossau towards the Col du Pourtalet, no fewer than 29km away. there aren't any particularly savage ramps on this pass, it's simply the extent of it that makes it such a challenge. It commences dramatically, running through a tunnel to enter the narro Goge du Hourat. Above it lies Eaux Chaudes, its warm waters are still used to treat rheumaoid complaints.

Even though the gradient rarely rises much beyond 9% above this point, it is a struggle, but what stands out was the sheer magnificence of the @photo[Pourtalet](12354162). In the heat, I was glad of the tree cover lower down, but soon enormous peaks could be seen through the canopy, including the the towering Pic du Midi d'Ossau, which stands out tall (2,884m) and alone, its disctive double peak visible from Pau, almost 60km away.

The Pourtalet is not one of the best known climbs in the French Pyrenees - largely because the Tour de France has only been here once; however, the Spanish side is considerably more celebrated, having made numerous appearances in the Vuelta a España. The Pourtalet is also climbed each year in the famous [Quebrantahuesos](http://www.quebrantahuesos.com/quebrantahuesos/) Gran Fondo.

The average gradient does not reflect the challenge of this long climb, and there are a few sections over 8 %. The first village is @photo[Eaux-Chaudes](12258385), here you will find Auberge la Caverne, which has a rustic bar and an all-day restaurant with a terrace.

The Alpine forests on the lower slopes primarily surround the road, but the second half of this climb is spectacular, with views of the rocky peaks of the Pyrenees. Cycling in an invigoratingly fresh and pure landscape, peaks are reflected in the lakes, waterfalls, and mountain streams.

Shortly you will arrive in Gabas, a small village, where you might enjoy the restaurant [Le Pic Du Midi](http://www.facebook.com/restaurant.pic.du.midi.gabas/). After a few more switchbacks, you will arrive at the towering walls of the Lake Fabrèges, which contain the waters of the Gave d'Ossau, the route reaches more open terrain, the 2,716m Pic de Sorques on the frontier dominating the view ahead. Here you the choice for turning left and head towards the ski village where there are several restaurants, or continue a little further at stop and at [Chalet l'Hermine](http://restaurantguru.com/Chalet-lhermine-laruns).  And from there, the view keeps getting better and better.

Once past this point, we reach a large open plateau with glacial erratics, which are stones and large rocks that a glacier has transported, and then left behind after the glacier melted. Continuing, we will pass through 4 tunnels (avalanche chutes), there is a short run of switchbacks and, beyond them a beautiful view across the @photo[Cirque d'Anèou](12354170). The panorama at the top is quite something, undoubtley one of the best in the @photo[range](12258389).

The road is in excellent condition. There is some traffic on the climb, but it is primarily cars, and the volume is not enough to significantly affect the enjoyment of the ride. We prefer to ride it during the week as the weekends and public holidays can bring tourists. It is probably one of the most scenic routes and is a natural border between France and Spain. On reaching the final kilometres of the climb towards the summit, the exposed plateau of the summit yields a panoramic view of the French and Spanish Pyrenees.

The fun bit, a very fast descent with many @photo[switchbacks](12258389). When cycling in these giant mountains, always be prepared for the wind and sudden weather changes. Bring a wind jacket or vest.

There is a Hotel du Portalet and two restaurants at the @photo[summit](12353819) with spectacular 360 degree views.

**Bonne chance!**

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Col du Portalet

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