Port de Pailhères (Ax-les-Thermes)

Climb Description

Port de Pailhères may not be one of the most famous cycling climbs in the area, but it is one of only two passes in the French Pyrenees which is over 2,000m altitude - the other of course being the legendary Col du Tourmalet. The Tour de France has taken notice of the potential of Port de Pailhères in recent years, with the race visiting five times between 2003 and 2013. The most recent of which saw Nairo Quintana lead over the summit on his debut in the race.

The Tour de France has largely used the other side so far, following it with a stage finish at nearby Ax-3 Domaines, but the climb from Ax-les-Thermes is also a giant of a climb. The gradient gets increasingly steeper towards the top and it is an ascent which requires you to measure your effort well. The scenery is pleasant throughout: it is largely forested on the lower slopes, but opens up impressively as the switchbacks begin higher up the climb. Overall, this is a great climb which we highly recommend.

Port de Pailhères is usually open from May to October, but can be open considerably longer depending on local weather.

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