"Best Cycling in the French Pyrenees"

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Best of the Pyrenees - Cycling and Travel Quizzes and Info

What are the 10 most difficult climbs of the Pyrenees?

Here are the 10 most difficult bicycle climbs in the Pyrenees. The three most difficult ones are very little known and have never been featured in the Tour de France. The lower mountains of the Atlantic Pyrenees feature some of the steepest climbs. I only list here climbs that can be ridden with a road-bike.

1. Pic de Beillurti:   1,093 m / 3,586 ft - (Pyrenees-Atlantique)

2. Col d'Elhursaro (& Col d'Heganzo):   1,145m / 3,757 ft - (Pyrenees-Atlantique)

3. Pic d'Artzamendi:   915 m / 3,002 ft - (Pyrenees-Atlantique)

4. Col de Portet:   2,215 m / 7,267 ft - (Hautes-Pyrenees)

5. Col du Tourmalet:   2,115 m / 6,939 ft - (Hautes-Pyrenees)

6. Hautacam (Col de Tramassel):   1,615 m / 5,299 ft - (Hautes-Pyrenees)

7. Plateau de Beille:   1,790 m / 5,873 ft - (Arieges)

8. Pla-d'Adet:   1,680 m / 5,512 ft - (Hautes-Pyrenees)

9. Port de Pailheres:   2,001 m / 6,565 ft - (north-east slope) - (Arieges)

10. Port de Bales:  1,755 m / 5,758 ft - (north slope from Mauleon-Barousse) (Hautes-Pyrenees)
    
    

Learn more about the top mountain climbs in: "Best Cycling Routes of the Pyrenees".

Choose one of these three cycling tours to ride many of the most difficult climbs:

• TDF Watch & Ride
• Ascent of the Giant
• Best of the Pyrenees