France · Pyrenees
Col d'Aubisque
One of the great Pyrenean cols with dramatic mountain scenery. The descent towards the Col du Soulor is carved into sheer cliffs.
- Length
- 16.5 km
- Avg gradient
- 7.2%
- Max gradient
- 13%
- Elevation gain
- 1,190 m
- Summit
- 1,709 m
- Hairpins
- 12
Versants
- From Laruns — 16.5 km at 7.2% (max 13%)
- From Argelès-Gazost (via Soulor) — 20.4 km at 6.1% (max 10%)
History
The Col d'Aubisque is one of the great Pyrenean classics, famous for its dramatic scenery and its relationship to the nearby Col du Soulor. The descent from the Aubisque toward the Soulor is carved into sheer cliff faces, with the road winding through a vertical landscape that's among the most visually striking in the Pyrenees.
From Laruns, the climb is 16.5 km at 7.2% average, relatively manageable, but the scenery more than compensates. The road winds through beech and then alpine meadow, and the views back down the valley are extensive.
The Tour de France has used the Aubisque many times, often paired with other Pyrenean climbs in a grueling multi-pass stage. The mountain is respected as a solid climb rather than a killer, but it's the views that make it memorable.