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The Col d'Aubisque is one of
the classic Tour de France climbs in the central Pyrenees. Starting
in Argelès-Gazost it is a two-stage climb, of which the
first part - the Col du Soulor - is more demanding than ascending
the Col d'Aubisque itself. The eight kilometers from Arrens-Marsous
to the Col du Soulor are on average 8% uphill. Because of the
absence of really serious gradients and the relaxed second part
of the climb it is more easy to master this side of Col d'Aubisque,
compared to the other approach, starting in Laruns (not indicated
on the map). The Tour de France graded the Col d'Aubisque as
'Hors Categorie'. This refers to ascent from Laruns. The Col
du Soulor, approaching from Argelès, is a Hors Categorie
climb.
The Col des Bordères offers
from both sides a short, quite irregular and partly steep climb/descend,
characteristic for a local road. Nevertheless the required effort,
it is an attractive alternative to the more busy and not particular
exciting main road between Arrens-Marsous and Argelès-Gazost.
See next page for Col des Bordères in opposite direction,
along a partly different route.
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