The Aubisque Pass

Presentation

Perched at an altitude of 1,709 metres in the Pyrenees, the Col d'Aubisque is one of the most iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenees, famous for its spectacular views. Made legendary by the Tour de France, it attracts cyclists, hikers and lovers of magnificent landscapes every year.
  • Large bicycles at the Col d'Aubisque  - © OTVO

Reach new heights at the Col d'Aubisque


Famous for its regular appearance in the Tour de France, the Col d'Aubisque rises to an altitude of 1,709 metres and offers spectacular 360° panoramic views of the listed Gourette cirque and the Litor.
At the summit, three giant bicycles in the colours of the Tour de France jerseys welcome you to this truly natural space.
Pastoralism plays an essential role here. In summer, herds of sheep, cows and horses graze freely in the summer pastures across the iconic peaks, perpetuating an ancestral tradition of the Pyrenees.

Located between the Ossau Valley and the Col du Soulor, it marks the passage between two departments, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and the Hautes-Pyrénées. 
It is also part of the Route des Cols tourist route, which links the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.

  • View of Gourette from the Col d'Aubisque - © OTVO
  • Sign at the Col d'Aubisque pass  - © OTVO

The climb up the Aubisque, a challenge for cycling enthusiasts


If you are passionate about cycling and racing, you are bound to be familiar with the name Aubisque.
A legendary stage of the Tour de France, the pass is a must for cycle tourists.
The Tour de France is not the only race to pass through this pass. The Tour of Spain, the Vuelta, also passes through it regularly.

For this reason, every year, many people take on the challenge of climbing the pass by bike!
The climb combines spectacular scenery, a demanding elevation gain and a legendary atmosphere.

Distance: 16.5 km
Elevation gain: 1,190 m
Average gradient: 7.17%
 

Road of Passes

  • Cyclist climbing the Col d'Aubisque - © CDT64-Ziklo
  • Cyclist descending the Aubisque Pass  - © Guillaume Arrieta

In summer, a prime location for outdoor sports


Enjoy the 360° panoramic view of the listed Gourette and Litor cirque.
In summer, the Col d'Aubisque is the starting point for many hikes and trails. The routes that cross it are accessible for different levels.
For beginner walkers, the Sum de Grum, a gentle balcony hike, is the best way to soak up the magnificent scenery without difficulty.
Want to go further? Walk the Crêtes d'Andreyt for a beautiful hike in the hills. 
  • Gourette Trail  - © Florian Monot
  • Gourette Trail  - © Florian Monot

In winter


In winter, snow covers the pass with a magnificent white blanket.
It then becomes a place of wild beauty, offering breathtaking views of the Gourette ski resort.
For hiking enthusiasts, you can put on snowshoes and explore the pass with your feet in the snow!
   
  • The Aubisque on snowshoes  - © Etienne Follet

Practical information

 
  • Due to its altitude and therefore snow cover, the Col d'Aubisque pass is generally closed from mid-November to May.
    Accessible only on foot, check with the Tourist Office (avalanche risks, road openings and closures, etc.) on +33 (0)5 59 05 12 17.
  • In winter, the Col d'Aubisque - Col du Soulor road is closed.
    Check road conditions.
  • Vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes and over 3.60 m high are prohibited from crossing the Col d'Aubisque - Col du Soulor. 
  • Traffic regulations for vehicles over 3 tonnes and motorhomes, crossing times:
    Soulor-Aubisque direction from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    Aubisque-Soulor direction from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.