Col de Peyresourde (Avajan)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Avajan	1,569m	655m	10.3 km	6.4%	545	***

Climb Description

Col de Peyresourde is one of the legendary climbs of the Tour de France, with the race having tackled the climb over fifty times since its first appearance in 1910. Leaders over the summit have included the likes of Fausto Coppi, Federico Bahamontes, Bernard Hinault and Alejandro Valverde. Stages regularly uses both sides of the climb and have finished several times at the ski station of Peyragudes, which is just 2km from the top of the Peyresourde.

Most commonly, however, the climb is used in combination with other great ascents, such as the Col d'Aspin, Col du Tourmalet and Pla d'Adet.

The climb from Avajan is moderately challenging. The gradient is quite consistent and allows strong cyclists to get into a nice rhythm, but equally, there are few places to recover if you are struggling. This is the least scenic side of the Peyresourde, with much of the lower slopes in trees; however, it does open up towards the top, with the last 3km basically consistenting of a long straight road which offers some nice views of the rolling countryside.

Just over two kilometres from the top of the climb on this side, you have the option to turn right to continue to Peyragudes. This is a short, but fairly steep extension which takes you around 60m higher than the Peyresourde and offers some nice views down towards the lake at Loudervielle.

The Peyresourde is usually kept open throughout the year as it is a relatively important pass in the region. Short term closures are possible in winter though.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in very good condition throughout.

There is a not a lot of traffic on the road, but it is a pass regularly used by locals and tourists, so expect to be passed by cars once every couple of minute or so on the climb.

Alternative Routes

Col de Peyresourde can also be climbed from the east, starting in Bagneres de Luchon.

Nearby Climbs

Col d'Azet

Col d'Aspin

Pla d'Adet

Hourquette d'Ancizan

Route des Lacs

Piau Engaly

Col de Portet

Port de Bales

Superbagneres

Col du Portillon

Artigue

Cycling Holidays

Col de Peyresourde is climbed on our Pyrenees Coast to Coast and Best Of The Pyrenees cycling holidays.

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