Col d'Aspin (Pyrenees)

Start Town Altitude Elevation Gain Length Gradient Difficulty Rating
Arreau 1,489m 779m 12.1 km 6.4% 610 ****






Col d'Aspin Profile

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Climb Description

Col d'Aspin is one of the most famous climbs in the Tour de France having been used well over seventy times in the race. It has regularly been used to join climbs such as the Col du Tourmalet and the Col de Peyresourde.

The climb from Arreau is the more challenging and also the more scenic of the two sides. However, the gradient is never really steep and it is possible to get into a nice rhythm. The lower part of the climb is in forest, before several long switchbacks begin, taking you up the side of the mountain. There are nice views here down into the valley behind you and a fantastic view also awaits at the top of the climb.

Col d'Aspin is usually open throughout the year; although short term closures are possibly in winter if there is heavy snowfall.


Col d'Aspin

Once you get out of the trees, the views are fantastic





Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in good condition throughout.

The climb is not especially busy, but it is also not empty; expect to be passed by a car every couple of minutes or so.



Alternative Routes

Col d'Aspin can also be climbed from the north-west, beginning in Campan.




Nearby Climbs


Hourquette d'Ancizan

Col d'Azet

Pla d'Adet

Col de Peyresourde

Col de Portet

Route des Lacs

Col du Tourmalet




Cycling Holidays

Col d'Aspin is climbed on our Pyrenees Coast to Coast cycling holiday.

It is also a route 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