バレンの峠・トップ9

Beautiful climb up Col de Menté. Although not a really famous climb it is a beautiful one, with nice hairpins inside the forest and beautiful views at the end.

From Mauléon-Barousse, this 19-kilometer hors catégorie climb is completed in three stages. The first seven kilometers are fairly straightforward, then the next seven become more complicated, before culminating in a grand finale with the last five at over 9%. Even more so than on other passes, the key here is economy.

From Lez, the ascent of the Col de Menté is classified as first-class, with nine kilometers at an average gradient of 8.7%. Its fairly steady gradient allows you to find your own pace.

The Col de Peyresourde is a Tour de France classic, particularly due to its eastern slope from Bagnères-de-Luchon. A category one climb, it's not the most difficult in the Pyrenees, but its fourteen kilometers at an average gradient of 6.7% have left their mark on many cycling enthusiasts.

Beautiful asphalt road whether on the Ferrere side or the Luchon side. The climb on the Ferrere side is much more pleasant. I recommend this pass.

The port of Balès rises to an altitude of 1,755 meters. The climb from Mauléon-Barousse is 18.9 kilometers long with an average gradient of 6.3%, including some sections at over 14%.

The Col de Caude, accessible from Boutx or Bezins, offers lovely views and provides access to the Pic du Gar to the west and to the Pic de l'Escalette and then to the Pic de Gagire to the east.

Beautiful port but you have to take into account that there is about 12km of gravel