Ax les Thermes is not probably the first cycling destination that comes to your mind. But if you like the climbs, and you are looking into the Pyrenees, it should be one of your first options to choose.
My favorite rides from Ax les Thermes
- The Pradel-Pailheres loop. Amazing, one of the best loops you can do in all of Europe. The solitaire, narrow and steep Col de Pradel is the first climb you should do. Descent to Usson and Mijanes, and then you climb one of the best climbs in all of the Pyrenees, without a doubt: Col de Pailheres. It has it all: hard, narrow road, superscenic, and gets 2000 mts height. A true must for every cycling lover.
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Pailheres cycling Pyrenees Plateau de Beille. For many years it has been stage ending in the Tour de France. Dead end climb, it is a steep climb that was used in the Tour de France in years 1998, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2024.
- Rute des Corniches. Beautiful road overlooking the main flattish road from Ax les Thermes to Tarascon sur Ariege. Especially recommended when cycling direction Ax les Thermes. The highlight of the road is the arrival to Col de Chioula. From the top of Chioula you can descend straight to Ax les Thermes. But you can also descend to Espezel and Axat, leading to the Mediterranean sea.
Other possible rides around Ax les Thermes
Other possible rides from Ax les Thermes are the climb to Ax 3 Domains or also known as Plateau de Bonascre. It was used in the Tour de France in the Armstrong years (I remember a stage win by Carlos Sastre, celebrating with a pacifier on his mouth for his new born baby.
Another possibility from Ax les Thermes is climbing the mighty Envalira (highest asphalted pass in the Pyrenees with 2407 mts) in a monster climb of 35 km,
with 1700 mts elevation. For the first 25 km is the same road to Port de Puymorens, and I have to say that it is a busy road. Not the kind of climb you are dreaming of when you go to the Pyrenees. Port de Puymorens leads to Spain (tunnel close to the top) and also to Andorra, this is why the road is so busy!
We love to include Ax les Thermes i our Pyrenees trips. I also want to mention that every time I am at Ax les Thermes, it reminds me of Bagneres de Luchon. Both thermal cities in the south of France, a bit decadent, with many empty buildings, remainder of a golden past. And, surrounded of big mountains to be conquered. Golden destination for us, climbers.
