Cycling route – Col d’Aspin and Hourquette d’Ancizan from Bagnéres de Bigorre

This cycling route takes you from the town of Bagnéres de Bigorre, up the valley to Sainte Marie de Campan and then up over Col d’Aspin and back over the Hourquette de Ancizan. The ride could be shortened to an out and back to the top of Col d’Aspin if you do not want a longer more challenging ride. You will start climbing as soon as you leave Bagnére de Bigorre but the gradients are not too taxing and it will help warm the legs up for the steeper gradients ahead.

From this side of the Col d’Aspin you ease into the gradients with the first 7km not too steep. After you pass through the holiday village at Payolle the road takes a sharp right-hand turn. From here the gradient ramps up for the last 5km to the summit through the forest. Once you reach the summit you could choose to head back the way you came for a shorter ride or head over the top and drop down to Arreau on the other side in preparation for the Hourquette d’Ancizan.

The climb on this side of the Hourquette d’Ancizan starts with a bang and gradients in double figures. It really does not ease up too much until you hit the top over its 10km length. It is a beautiful climb through forested landscapes and really typifies the Pyrenees. On the descent, you turn back onto the lower slopes of the Col d’Aspin and head back down towards Bagneres de Bigorre.

For all the details on the Col d’Aspin and Hourquette d’Ancizan be sure to check out our pages which include all the information you need about these two climbs.

More cycling routes and information about the Pyrenees

We have over 40 different route options in the Pyrenees so if you are looking for other routes in this area be sure to check them out. There is also a host of information about visiting the Pyrenees for a cycling holiday. We recommend our article The Best Base for Cycling in the Pyrenees as a great starting point.