Assouste

The Col de Marie-Blanque is in the region of Béarn, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in a peaceful and verdant valley, the Vallée d'Ossau. The start of the climb is in Bielle. It is famous because it is part of the regular stages of the Tour de France, and it connects the Aspe Valley to the Ossau Valley. In French, "col" means mountain pass, the saddle (the lowest point between two mountains) between vallées. It's a paradise for riding, and the possibilities are endless, regardless of your stamina or preferred terrain. There is only one cafe stop on the Route, so be sure to use it if needed. (less)

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. (less)

Deep in the heart of the Midi-Pyrenees, Hautacam may not have the length, height or prestige of the Col du Tourmalet, but that's precisely the deceptive nature it uses to lull you into a false sense of security when tackling its slopes for the first time. (less)

Some call the Mont Ventoux Sault route “Ventoux-lite”. We prefer to call it the connoisseur's route. If you’ve ridden Bédoin and are looking to your next ascent of Mont Ventoux, this is the route we’d suggest next.

Sault-Mont Ventoux is longer, and the gradients are much less severe than the Bédoin and Malaucène routes.

You’ll get fewer bragging rights if you ride up this way, but on the plus side, you also get far-reaching views and (in season) unforgettable lavender fields. It’s also far quieter, both in cars and other cyclists.

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One of the seven valleys in the Lavedon region to the south of Lourdes, the Vald'Azun is generally renowned among cyclists for the two ascents to the Col du Soulor, from the north via Ferrières and from the east Argelès Gazost. This route features the first of these two climbs and highlights the variety of routes in this area, mostly on back roads that are often traffic-free. (less)

This is one of the classic Pyrenean rides, featuring two legendary Tour de France ascents, the Aubisque and Soulor, and some of the most stunning scenery in the range, including the spine-tingling balcony Cirque du Litor section between the two passes. (less)

Again, the Col de Marie-Blanque is not too high but still fulfilling many of the criteria I'd lay down for climbing nirvana. It is final 4km savage from the western side. (less)

The Luz Ardiden is situated in the Midi-Pyrenees. We climbed in beautiful sunshine, but the clouds swept in as we arrived at the ski station. It is a great climb, and for those of you who like switchbacks, this will not disappoint as there are many. (less)

It is a climb worthy of the Tour de France, both for its size and accessibility. Hidden away corner of the South Western Pyrenees is a climb of such grand scale and rare beauty that it's a wonder that more people don't know about it. (less)

Three-quarters of this ride through the Arette, Aspe and Ossau valleys travel on roads classified as beautiful scenic routes, including crossing one of the Tour de France's favourite Passes, the deceptively difficult Col de Marie-Blanque west side (less)