Today we climbed one of the nicest climbs all over the Pyrenees: Port de Pailheres, at 2001 mts height. More than 15 km to get to the top of this amazing climb, which has been included in the Tour de France route in several editions. The last 4 km of the climb are just superb with steep parts and fantastic views. At the top it is very usual to see some wild horses around. The road sign with height is in a small building on top.
The steepest side (and the one used by Tour de France) is from Mijanes, then descending to Ax Les Thermes, most of the times to finish in Plateau de Beille or even at Ax 3 Domains (Plateau de Bonascre).
There are a couple of loops we strongly recommend. First one the loop including Port de Pailheres and Col du Pradel, with 83 km and 2700 mts elevation, and another loop with Col de Chioula and Port de Pailheres with very similar numbers. Amazing rides both of them in the heart of the Pyrenees with very scarce traffic and stunning landscapes.
Pailheres in the Pyrenees should be on your trip if you ever cycle along the Pyrenees, and especially if you ever do the Transpyrenees cycling route!
