オードの峠・トップ20

The Croix des 7 Frères is a small, inconspicuous summit and the start of a nice ride in the area.

1253 meters high, you can reach it via asphalt or gravel road

Beautiful! good alternative to the main Pailheres

Small pass with Puivert castle in sight during the climb

At the 4th bend, much easier and shaded. Pleasant little pass.

From Axat, it's a long climb, 18km. It's quite beautiful down in the gorges, then a few kilometers of fairly monotonous woods. Arriving on the plateau, it clears up but it's rural. The impressive view is worth it when you reach the pass. Going down there must be a blast, the tarmac is good, it's quite wide and there's little traffic. I went down via Escouloubre: the tarmac is bad, gravel, but the forest is enchanting! Why not go the other way, then, up via Escouloubre and down via Bousquet / Roquefort etc.?

The Col de Pailhères isn't the most well-known of the Pyrenean passes, yet it's a concentration of everything cyclists are looking for. From Ax-les-Thermes, the slopes of this hors catégorie route constantly vary, requiring constant adjustments to finish at an altitude of over 2,000 meters in a superb setting.

The Col de Festes and its view of the snow-capped Pyrenees in the distance: the perfect picnic break! The best thing is to take the path that starts from the summit for 200m and you will find yourself in peace and quiet with a beautiful view!