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. 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
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
When Le Grand Depart 2026 announced the 3 stages that would take place in Catalonia, we all had a look at the first big mountain pass which was included in stage 3: Granollers-Les Angles. It was the climb to la Collada de Toses, a historical mountain pass in Catalonia. Collada de Toses is a very known pass connecting the Bergueda region with Cerdanya region, which capital is Puigcerdà. This is a 50 km long road (about 25 km from Ribes de Freser and other 25 km from Puigcerdà). It is a very mild climb on both sides, amazing views overlooking the valley, usually with very little traffic. Since the Tunel del Cadi was open in 1984, it took most of the traffic off the Collada de Toses, reducing dramatically the time driving between Barcelona and Puigcerdà. On top there is a Hotel (Hotel La Collada), a usual place for skiers in winter. And a little less crowded hotel in summer, even if there are plenty of activities to do in the high mountains surrounding. But then, as we locals know, and Tour de France got to know as well of course, there is a shortcut half way the climb from Ribes de Freser. This road is indicated to Fornells de la Selva and Toses (village). Once taken this road there is a narrow and little road, a few km of descent and then the climb about 9 km long with the last 4 km very steep (at about %). This is the way that Tour de France took the riders on the third stage of Le Tour 2026. We were lucky enough to watch live this stage 3, and honestly, the atmosphere was amazing! As a proper 1st category climb, it was supercrowded. Everybody was cheering the cyclists and leaving
When Le Grand Depart 2026 announced the 3 stages that would take place in Catalonia, we all had a look at the first big mountain pass which was included in stage 3: Granollers-Les Angles. It was the climb to la Collada de Toses, a historical mountain pass in Catalonia. Collada de Toses is a very
The natural border between France and Spain are the Pyrenees. On the eastern part of the Pyrenees there are several not-so-known passes between Spain (Catalonia) and France. Some of them are Col d'Ares (a serious pass with 1512 mts), Alt de Costoja (crossing to France to the village same named Coustouge), and the last one before getting to the sea is Col de Banyuls, with just 355 mts altitude. This is the most eastern pass in the Pyrenees. On the south (catalan) side, the road to Col de Banyuls is very narrow and solitaire, even hard to find. The starting point is at Espolla, and from that point there are 9,25 km at about 3% average gradient. But with some short stretches at 14%. On the north (french) side, things are more difficult because there is a very steep section with 2 km at 11%. Really challenging! The views to the french riviera from the top of Banyuls are stunning. On top of the climb there is a small monument dedicated to the catalan people exiliated to France after the Civil war in 1936. A pretty unknown climb in the Pyrenees that you cannot miss! In out private guided tours you can discover Col de Banyuls in a beautiful loop that we usually do starting at Peralada. We climb Col de Banyuls and then, once in Spain, we climb to the impressive Monestir de Sant Pere de Rodes. What a stage!
The natural border between France and Spain are the Pyrenees. On the eastern part of the Pyrenees there are several not-so-known passes between Spain (Catalonia) and France. Some of them are Col d’Ares (a serious pass with 1512 mts), Alt de Costoja (crossing to France to the village same named Coustouge), and the last one before getting
Next July we organize an amazing trip. From Girona (one of the coolest destinations in the cycling world) to the mythical Col du Tourmalet in the Pyrenees. Also, we will have the time to watch live a Tour de France stage at Plateau de Beille. This trip is confirmed and now open for solo travellers. Few spots left. Join us! The details of the route are here: Arrival to Girona on July 11th Stage 1, 12/07/24 Girona-Joanetes 90 km, elevation gain 1500 m Climb: Condreu-El Far (1C) Stage 2, 13/07/24 Joantetes-Puigcerdà 108 Km, elevation gain 2237 m Climbs: Coll de Canes 1120 m (1C), Coll de la Creueta 1916 m (HC) FEED Stage 3, 14/07/24 Drive to Ax les Thermes, and cycle to Plateau de Beille. Watch Tour de France stage. Stage 4, 15/07/24 Puigcerdà-Sort 104 km, elevation gain 1486 m Climbs: Coll de Cantó 1721 m (1C) FEED Stage 5 16/07/24 Sort-Bagneres de Luchon 102 Km, elevation gain 2004 m Climbs La Bonaigua 2072 m (HC) FEED, El Portillon 1292 m (1C) Stage 6 17/07/23 Bagneres de Luchon – Campan 80 km, eleavtion gain 1692 m Clkimbs: Col de Peyresourde (1C), Val Louron-Azet (1C), Hourquette d'Ancizan (1C) FEED Stage 7 18/07/23 Campan-Tourmalet 85 km, elevation gain 2926 m 2 Tourmalet 2115 m (HC) Total distance 682 Km 4 HC climbs 7 1st C climbs Total climbs 11
Next July we organize an amazing trip. From Girona (one of the coolest destinations in the cycling world) to the mythical Col du Tourmalet in the Pyrenees. Also, we will have the time to watch live a Tour de France stage at Plateau de Beille. This trip is confirmed and now open for solo travellers.
One of our favorite destinations is Col du Tourmalet, possibly the most famous cycling climb in the world. Barcelona Tourmalet is a great cycling tour that links the beautiful catalan city with the big mountain in the Pyrenees. It has been climbed so many times in the Tour de France. It is full of history, but it is also a very hard climb from both sides, being the Luz St Sauveur side, being the Santa Mari de Campan side. One of those mountains that has it all: the terrible slopes, the mythical bar and souvenir shop at the top, the secret passages as the Voie Laurent Fignon, the ski resorts on both sides (La Mongie on the Campan side and Bareges, on the Luz side) The Tourmalet is one of those big passes in the Pyrenees, a mandatory pass in a Transpyrenees trip! Col du Tourmalet gets 2114 meters and is the pass below the might Pic du Midi (which you can reach on a mountain or gravel bike from the Col du Tourmalet). The iconic image of the Geant du Tourmalet (the statue at the top) has become one of the most important souvenirs you will get in your cycling career! We are organizing our Barcelona-Tourmalet cycling tour next July 2022. 5 stages to get to the most important climb in the cycling world. Coll de la Bonaigua, Portillon, Peyresourde, Aspin and Tourmalet are in the menu! We provide: hotels including breakfast and dinner (6 nights) support van with a fully dedicated driver, transportation back to Barcelona. As usual, limited places as it will be a small group. Contact us if interested!!
One of our favorite destinations is Col du Tourmalet, possibly the most famous cycling climb in the world. Barcelona Tourmalet is a great cycling tour that links the beautiful catalan city with the big mountain in the Pyrenees. It has been climbed so many times in the Tour de France. It is full of history,
A few weeks ago we introduced a nice cycling trip in the Catalan Pyrenees. But climbing the eastern Pyrenees has many other options. Now, let me show you another version of a cycling trip in the eastern Pyrenees. In this trip we include some very nice climbs, quite known in the cycling world. It is 5 stages long and start/finish is in the french/Spanish border, at Cerbere. This is our suggestion: Stage 1 Cerbere-El Pertus. Start direction north, and in Banyuls sur Mer we lead inland to climb the short but very steep Col de Banyuls. After the long descent, we head north at the very border to climb a dead-end climb called Pic Neulós (literally Misty peak, in Catalan language), via Col de l'Ouillat. Then descent to El Pertus to stay overnight. Stage 2 El Pertus-Arles sure Tech. This stage includes a couple of nice unknown border passes. They are La Vajol (a former pass for Catalan exiles people during the Civil war in Spain) and Alt de Costoja, a nice wide climb crossing villages as Maçanet de Cabrenys and Tapis. No more than 90 km but plenty of climbing in solitaire roads. Stage 3 Arles sure Tech-Camprodon. One of the main Catalan border passes is Col d'Ares, which is the main pass at this stage. It is very demanding on the north (french) side. Not the same from the Catalan side. The stage could lead straight to Camprodon, but the route heads to a very nice and demanding loop, climbing a couple of short but very steep mountains. Absolutely wonderful area for cycling in tiny solitaire roads. Stage 4 Camprodon-Puigcerdà. Camprodon is a nice mountain village. This stage starts with the climb to the pretty known Vallter 2000. This climb,
A few weeks ago we introduced a nice cycling trip in the Catalan Pyrenees. But climbing the eastern Pyrenees has many other options. Now, let me show you another version of a cycling trip in the eastern Pyrenees. In this trip we include some very nice climbs, quite known in the cycling world. It is
When you think you knew the most beautiful climbs in the Pyrenees, then you still can discover another climb that is even better than your favorites. I already had climbed Cirque du Troumouse, the amazing views of Gavarnie heading to Col du Boucharo, not to mention the stunning Cirque du Litor on your way to Aubisque. And then you know Port de Bales and it speeds up to first position. Port de Bales was included in Tour de France 2007 for the first time. It was not possible before because the Mauleon side was still not asphalted. In 2010 Tour de France at Port de Bales took place the most important fact of the whole tour, when Andy Schleck had a problem shifting gears and then Contador attacked and finally won the Tour de France. In 2012, 2014 and 2017 the Tour de France took again this big climb. Then Vuelta a España 2013 got again this amazing climb in a very tough stage with 232 km and some very long and steep climbs. Both sides are similar but if I have to choose one I take the Mauleon side (see elevation profile attached). The whole climb is beautiful in a narrow 3 m wide road, without any painting. No traffic at all. Cycling paradise. But the best is from about 3 km to the top. After a bend to the right you get an amazing view of green grass over a huge mountain with just the road in grey in the distance. Spectacular. In Mauleon they know how lucky they are. Watch the picture above "Port de Bales, 19 km de bonheur" (Port de Bales, 19 km of happiness). That's all.
When you think you knew the most beautiful climbs in the Pyrenees, then you still can discover another climb that is even better than your favorites. I already had climbed Cirque du Troumouse, the amazing views of Gavarnie heading to Col du Boucharo, not to mention the stunning Cirque du Litor on your way to
(Updated January 2026) The Tour de France has crossed Col du Tourmalet in so many years since 1910, in which was crossed for the first time. It is the most used climb in Tour de France history. Getting the first position at the top of Col du Tourmalet is a big honour for every cyclist. Some say that it is worth a whole cycling career. Only a climber can get the first position at the summit as it is a really demanding climb. At the top of the climb there is a monument dedicated to Jacques Goddet (Tour de France director between 1936 and 1987). The Souvenir Jacques Goddet is an award and cash prize in the Tour de France bicycle race that began in 2001. The Souvenir is named in honour of the historically second Tour de France director and French sports journalist Jacques Goddet. It is awarded to the first rider to reach the summit of the 2,115 m (6,939 ft)-high Col du Tourmalet. The pioneers 1910 Octave Lapize (FRA) The first winner at the top of Tourmalet was Octave Lapize in 1910, walking aside of the bike (he did the climb half way on the bike half way walking) in a gravel path filled with rocks. He was 500 mts ahead of Garrigou who climbed on his bike all the way. When he arrived to the finish he said the famous sentence to organizers "Vous êtes des assassins! Oui, des assassins! "You are murderers!". 1911 Paul Duboc (FRA) Duboc finished second that Tour de France because he was suposed to drink a poisoned bottle of water. The leader Gustave Garrigou was blamed on that. 1912 Odile Defraye (BEL) First belgian rider to win the Tour the France that 1912. 1913 Philippe Thys (BEL) This time, Tourmalet enters in cycling history again, as that day Eugene Christophe broke
(Updated January 2026) The Tour de France has crossed Col du Tourmalet in so many years since 1910, in which was crossed for the first time. It is the most used climb in Tour de France history. Getting the first position at the top of Col du Tourmalet is a big honour for every cyclist.
Next July Montefusco Cycling is organizing the Transpyrenees cycling trip. It is composed of 9 cycling stages, 10 nights, 800 km, with 15 HC or 1st category climbs included. Our tour is for the keen cyclists, but do not worry, we are thinking a demanding but doable tour with stages no longer than 100km and normally 1 or 2 climbs (except the queen stage!) Hondarribia-St Jean du pied de port 88 km St Jean du Pied de Port - Bielle 99 km Bielle-Luz St Sauveur 72 Km Luz St Sauveur-Bagneres de Luchon 96 km Bagneres de Luchon-Valencia d'Aneu 77 km Valencia d'Aneu-La Seu d'Urgell 85 km La Seu d'Urgell-Ribes de Freser 90 km Ribes de Freser-Girona 99 km Girona-Tossa de Mar 83 km The most famous climbs included in the trip are: Marie Blanque, Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourde, Portillon, Bonaigua, Cantó, Collada de Toses, etc. The meeting point is in Hondarribia the day before the start. Hondarribia is a perfect place to have a welcome meeting and a pintxos dinner (a classic in Basque Country!) This Transpyrenees cycling self-guided trip includes guidebook (maps, GPS tracks), fully dedicated supporting van, transporting luggage, bringing drink and food (light lunch at the main climb of the day including bars, fruit, sandwiches, etc.) and mechanical support. 10 hotel nights including dinner and breakfast (hotels 3-4 stars), transportation from Tossa de Mar to Barcelona on the last day.
Next July Montefusco Cycling is organizing the Transpyrenees cycling trip. It is composed of 9 cycling stages, 10 nights, 800 km, with 15 HC or 1st category climbs included. Our tour is for the keen cyclists, but do not worry, we are thinking a demanding but doable tour with stages no longer than 100km and
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!
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
