アルセ/アルツィの峠・トップ11

One of the best discoveries this year. I was really looking forward to visiting this area of the Pyrenees, and it has clearly exceeded my expectations. In addition, it was a beautiful day, with sun and good temperature. I couldn't ask for more. Sorogain is a border crossing with 2 very different sides. The Spanish side is flat and enjoyable, crossing a beech forest, following the course of a stream and opening up the majestic valley in the final part, surrounded by horses and sheep. It is approximately 8km with an average gradient of 3%, with the last 2km being harder and with irregular slopes. The French side is also spectacular but much harder. It is also 8km but with an average gradient of 8% and peaks of 18%. There are several km with an average gradient of over 10%, and the final slope is 500m at 15%!!! The views of the Urepel valley are wonderful. The road on both sides is in perfect condition, although it is very narrow and you have to be careful with the few cars there are.

It is a beautiful border pass between Spain and France, well known for being part of the most traditional route of the Camino de Santiago. Sportingly, the climb on both sides is easy, although on the French side it is much longer as it starts at a lower altitude. The Spanish side is just 6 km from Burguete, the last being the most difficult with an average gradient of 7%. On this side you pass the famous and well-known monastery of Roncesvalles. The French side is 18 km from Arnegui and an average gradient of 4%. The hardest part is 5 km from the summit, with one kilometre at 7%. The landscape on this side is of lush vegetation going up a very closed valley that hardly leaves room for views of the surrounding mountains. The road is very twisty. It is a port with very good asphalt and a lot of traffic in general... so, be careful!

The Ibañeta Pass, also known as the Roncesvalles Pass, is a scenic mountain pass in the Pyrenees, near the border between France and Spain. At an altitude of 1,057 metres, it offers breathtaking views and a rich historical background. The pass is best known for the Battle of Roncevaux in 778, a legendary event sung about in the epic poem “The Song of Roland”. A menhir marks the traditional site of this battle, emphasising the historical significance of the location.

A great climb up to the pass. Once you reach the top you get a great view. There is a small church at the top and also a monument. There has always been a hospital up here. However, only the foundations of it remain

An Alto that is not quite as tough on the legs, but you have to go over there first. In August I was looking forward to refreshments, but then the stand was not open... well, then the beautiful descent follows...

Roland, who is commemorated here, died in 778 as part of the rear guard of Charlemagne's Frankish army. He himself was Margrave of Brittany and was the victim of a Basque revenge campaign against the Frankish conquerors who were retreating from a failed Saracen campaign. Those were complicated times, but things were not to become any less complicated in the Basque Country in the centuries that followed. An epic/song was later sung about Roland, which is part of world literature. The monument itself is simple and rough, exposed up here in the wind of the weather, and can therefore have an immediate effect, without pomp and splendor. Great! https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schlacht_von_Roncesvalles

nice area with drinking water

The mountain "Erro" has 801 meters. On the summit, a hawker with soft drinks and chairs has prepared for the many pilgrims.