La Pierre Saint-Martin

The Col de Marie-Blanque is a classic Pyrenean pass steeped in Béarnaise history, connecting the verdant Vallée d'Ossau with the neighbouring Vallée d'Aspe. Starting from the quiet village of Bielle, the climb takes its name from Maria Blanca, a legendary 14th-century Béarn princess known for her beauty, as well as the white Egyptian vultures that nest along these limestone cliffs.

Tucked into the lush, peaceful landscapes of the Béarn region in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, this climb throws its toughest challenges at you early and late. Leaving Bielle, the route hits hard right away with the first 4 kilometers averaging a steep 9%, testing your legs before easing off across a welcome high plateau with magnificent, wide-open views back over the floor of the Ossau Valley. Once you enter the shaded forest, however, the road pitches up brutally, ramping up to punishing average gradients of 15% through the trees before reaching the summit.

Famous for its frequent appearances in the Tour de France, it’s a true playground for cyclists—though keep in mind there is only a single café stop along the route, so be sure to pull in if you need to top up your bottles or grab a quick bite before tackling those steep forest ramps. (less)

The Col du Pourtalet is a climb defined by its sheer length, but it keeps you engaged from start to finish with constant scenic variety. Beginning in Laruns, the route leads you through some of the Pyrenees' most spectacular landscapes to the natural border between France and Spain. You’ll pedal through a dramatic lower gorge, climb through dense forest, open out into lush pastures near the dam, and finally reach the raw, rocky terrain of the high mountains—complete with a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the iconic Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

Along the way, the road surface is well paved, and you'll pass two cafes on the lower slopes, perfect for a mid-climb breather. If you’re carrying a Lifestraw bottle, you can also easily top up with fresh, crisp water directly from the river and snowmelt waterfalls lining the road.

Because the summit finish has featured in the Vuelta a España many times, it's a popular route for both cyclists and drivers; try to avoid weekends if possible, as traffic can get heavy. The effort is well worth it, though—once you cross the top into Spain, you'll find two full restaurants alongside several shops and supermarkets, so you won't need to overload your jersey pockets before you set off. (less)

The Col de Marie-Blanque from Escot may not reach high-altitude peaks, but it delivers pure climbing nirvana—and a reputation as one of the most feared passes in the Pyrenees. Starting from the village of Escot on the western side, this ascent is a tale of two entirely different rides, lulling you into a false sense of security before unleashing a brutal test of stamina.

The first half of the route offers a gentle, pleasant warm-up, winding along the lower valley at manageable gradients of 2% to 5%. But once you pass the midway point, the mountain completely transforms. The final 4 kilometers are nothing short of savage, locking into relentless average gradients well over 11% through the dense forest, with gruelling ramps that surpass 14%. The pitch-black shade, total lack of momentum, and complete absence of flat sections to catch your breath make this late stretch a grinding, mental battle where every single pedal stroke must be earned.

Famous for fracturing the peloton during its appearances in the Tour de France, this western approach is a true bucket-list challenge for any cyclist who loves a proper fight against gravity. Reaching the summit after conquering those brutal final four kilometers delivers that rare, deeply fulfilling high that only the toughest Pyrenean ascents can provide. (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)

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)

If you're looking for a more accessible option for the Quebrantahuesos, one solution is to tackle the shorter ride on the same day as that epic sportive. It's dubbed the Treparriscos or wallcreeper, the rock-climbing bird being a much smaller (and very distant) cousin to the bearded vulture that leads its name to the full-on version. The 80km loop is a decent day out. Still, it becomes pretty extraordinary by adding a short diversion at the halfway point to being amazed by one of the Pyrenees' natural wonders, the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (less)

A gorgeous road ride through the heart of Sobrarbe’s Valle de Pineta, winding up to the perched village of Espierba with sweeping views of the Monte Perdido massif. Smooth tarmac and steady climbing lead to quiet high-mountain balconies, with reliable water stops along the way.

Bonus for mountain bikers: My partner is a keen MTB rider and knows the incredible, challenging singletrack and alpine trails branching off this area—feel free to drop a comment if you'd like trail recommendations! (less)

The Col d'Aubisque from Laruns is an absolute rite of passage—a legendary Pyrenean climb that delivers dramatic high-altitude scenery from the moment you leave the valley floor. Starting in the heart of Laruns, the route wastes no time getting down to business, taking on two iconic Tour de France passes in one unbroken ridge line: first the relentless slopes of the Aubisque, followed by the neighbouring Col du Soulor.

While the steep gradients demand respect, the reward is pure Pyrenean grandeur. The undeniable highlight of the ride comes as you traverse between the two passes along the famous Cirque du Litor. Hanging directly off the cliff face, this spine-tingling balcony road offers sheer drops into the valley below and sweeping, unfiltered views across the jagged amphitheatre of peaks.

With its deep cycling history, smooth alpine tarmac, and unforgettable ridgeline views, it lives up to every bit of its mythic reputation. (less)

A beautiful ride through several villages towards Assouste. Villages steeped in history and stunning views. If you want you can continue through to Eaux-Bonnes and then follow through to the Aubisque. (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. It is very scenic - good cycling skills are necessary because it can be steep in some parts. A steady incline the whole way. (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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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)

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