Col de Marie-Blanque (Escot)

Start Town Altitude Elevation Gain Length Gradient Difficulty Rating
Escot 1,035m 715m 10.0 km 7.2% 764 ***






Col de Marie-Blanque Profile

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Climb Description

The Col de Marie Blanque is one of the more famous cycling climbs in this part of the Pyrenees. Its low altitude and friendly name belies a climb which is steep and challenging, and has destroyed many legs before they have even got the chance to tackle some of the higher climbs.

The Marie-Blanque has been used many times in the Tour de France, with the race climbing it from both sides. This, however, is the more challenging and more commonly used side and has put many riders into difficulty leading them to eventually crack on the Col d'Aubisque.

The climb usually comes early in a stage so it is rare for big names to lead the race over the top; however, the likes of Pedro Delgado, Luis Herrera and Richard Virenque have all crested the climb in first place.

Although the harder side, the climb from Escot is not as scenic as the ascent from Bielle. It is pleasant enough, but much of the climb is in trees and there are few specatcular views.

The Marie-Blanque is open throughout the year.


Col de Marie-Blanque (Escot)

The Marie-Blanque from Escot doesn't have spectacular scenery





Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in very good condition throughout and there is little traffic on the climb.




Alternative Routes

Col de Marie-Blanque can also be climbed from the east, beginning in Bielle.




Nearby Climbs


Col d'Aubisque

Col du Pourtalet

Col de Somport

Port de Larrau

Col de la Pierre Saint Martin

Ahuski

Col de Bagargi






Cycling Holidays

Col de Marie-Blanque is climbed on our Pyrenees Coast to Coast cycling holiday.   And it is an extension option on our Best of the Pyrenees tour.

Check out the information below for details of these and some of the other tours that we run in high mountains.






Port de Pailheres Cycling
French FlagFrance

Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 9 Days
Level: Difficulty Hard
Price: €1,980 EUR
*Bike Hire Included

French FlagFrance

Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Challenging-Hard
Price: €1,630 EUR
*Bike Hire Included

Picos de Europa National Park
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,490 EUR