オッスの峠・トップ14

Short pass but high percentage both uphill and downhill.

There is a restaurant upstairs (actually several, but only one was open in July)

Walk from the Ispeguy pass, narrow path, best worn in hiking shoes, some scree slopes, magnificent view!

Before starting the climb: check the weather forecast and make sure you have the appropriate clothing. The climb can be done in the clouds (fog) towards the end. A fluorescent vest is not an exaggerated luxury. The road is sometimes narrow, the cars drive fast. For the descent, it is best to take a windbreaker and an undershirt with long sleeves. Light gloves prevent your hands from getting numb, which makes braking more difficult. At the top near the inn at the border crossing, horses walk freely on the road. During the descent along the Basque side you can meet a real pig (180+ kg) in the middle of the road.

Cheeky! Little gear needed

The Col de Légaré is a small pass in the Basque Country as charming as it is formidable. From Espelette the climb is 4.4 kilometers long with an average of 6.2%. However, it includes portions that reach 20%.

The Col d'Ispéguy is a mountain pass located in the Basque Country, on the border between France and Spain. It has an elevation of 672 meters (2,205 feet) and connects the French village of Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry with the Spanish village of Valcarlos. The road to the pass is steep and winding, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the Pyrenees mountain range. The Col d'Ispéguy is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists, and is often featured in the Tour de France cycling race. At the top of the pass, there is a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Wind, which is said to protect travelers from the strong winds that often blow in the area.

The Aharza or Ahartza pass is on the GR 10 trail. This pretty belvedere is the access point to several peaks such as the Oilarandoi. It also has a nearby car park.