A Guide to Cycling the Port de Lers

Port de Lers- route Massat.JPG

Anthospace, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Suggested cycling route

Ride distance: 75km / 46.7mi

Elevation gain: 2,036m / 6,678ft

The cycling route we have mapped out below travels in a clockwise direction, starting and finishing from Tarascon-sur-Ariege. Traveling in this direction means tackling the climb of the Port de Lers from its eastern approach and then returning back via the Col de Port. You could of course choose to travel in the opposite direction if you prefer and ride the western approach of the climb from Massat. All up you will climb just over 2000m / 6670ft in elevation on this route. Of course, another route variation would be to simply climb the Port de Lers and then turn around the way you came, straight back to Tarascon-sur-Ariege. This out and back route is 55kms / 34mi in length and 1040m / 3,412ft in elevation.

Facilities at top: Yes (Etang de Lers)

Nearest town: Vicdessos

When to ride: Year-round

Road condition: Asphalt – Good

Number of approaches: 2

Through road at top: Yes

Nearest climb: Col d’Agnes

Climb Statistics and gradient profile

gradient profile of Port de Lers

Eastern Approach (Vicdessos)

Length: 11.5km / 10.2mi

Average gradient: 7%

Start point: m / ft

Elevation at top: 1,517m / 4,977ft

Category: Category 1

Mont Béas- étang Lers.JPG

The mountain peak of Mont Beas towers over the Port de Lers

Anthospace, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Vicdessos ariège.JPG

The town of Vicdessous marks the beginning of the Port de Lers climb.

Fpasian, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons


Other cycling climbs to explore in the Ariege

The Ariege has a number of cycling climbs well worth riding while you are holidaying in the region. We have listed some of these below. Click the links to each climb to discover them and the cycling routes in more detail.

Col de la Crouzette

From the small village of Biert the climb of the Col de la Crouzette is 8km in length with an average gradient of 7.8%. Over this distance, you will gain 658m / 2,159ft in elevation to reach the summit. Discover more about the climb here.

Col de la Crouzette 09- pendiente sur- P inicio de la subida.jpg

Anthospace, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons


Col de Portel 09- panel negro y altitud cuestionable.jpg

Anthospace, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Col de Portel

From Foix, the climb of the Col de Portel is a category one climb however this is more due to its length (almost 30kms) rather than steep gradients. The average gradient over the climb is actually only 3.5% and overall is quite gentle with just a few steep pitches close to 9%. Discover more about the Col de Portel climb here.


Discover more about cycling in the Pyrenees

If you are not familiar with the Pyrenees, our comprehensive guide will help you plan everything you need for your cycling holiday. The guide includes information such as:

  • a map of the Pyrenees with climbs and towns marked
  • where to base yourself depending on which mountains you would like to ride
  • cycling hotels and lodges
  • bike hire outlets
  • getting to and from the Pyrenees
  • non-cycling attractions and activities in the region

Click below to discover more about cycling in the Pyrenees.

 

EXPLORE THE PYRENEES