Col d'Aspin (Pyrenees)

Start Town Altitude Elevation Gain Length Gradient Difficulty Rating
Campan 1,489m 799m 18.5 km 4.3% 497 ****






Col d'Aspin Profile

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Climb Description

The Col d'Aspin from Campan is quite an easy climb. The first part is very gentle and, although the gradient does kick up in the final 6km, it is still not especially steep.

It is one of the most famous climbs in the Tour de France having been used more than seventy times in the race. It usually acts as a link between larger climbs, such as the Col du Tourmalet and the Col de Peyresourde.

Much of the top part of the climb from Campan is in forest, which makes the views pleasant rather than spectacular; although it does open up at the summit from where you can see the high peaks which form the border between France and Spain. The Col d'Aspin is a legendary climb and really enjoyable to ride; however, if you only have the chance to do one ride in this area, we would recommend the Hourquette d'Ancizan instead - which runs more or less parallel to the Aspin and has more impressive scenery.

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

Most of the climb on this side is through forests with no great views





Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in very good condition throughout.

The climb is not especially busy, but expect to be passed by a car every few minutes.



Alternative Routes

Col d'Aspin can also be climbed from the east, beginning in Arreau.




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