アルセー-アルサベヘティ-サンシャレットのおすすめライド

The road is relatively quiet and slopes gently downhill.

The lively village of Tardets is worth a stop to enjoy the local atmosphere. The central square is very charming.

Without a doubt, the Col de la Piedra de Saint Martin or Pierre Saint-Martin is one of the Top 10 in the whole of the Pyrenees. Without exceeding 2000 metres of altitude, it is a very long pass, with a lot of accumulated gradient (due to the innumerable French slopes, the gradient is 1,450 metres), with very hard slopes and several kilometres above 10%, with wonderful landscapes and panoramic views and with little traffic, except for the slopes crossed by the main road (D132 in France, the NA 137 in Spain). It is a pass with many slopes; in Europe there are few other passes that have as many slopes as this one (col de Turini, Passo delle Erbe, would be comparable in number of slopes approximately). I have only climbed it by 2 slopes: (i) my first time was from Lourdios Ichère, crossing the col de Labays and the col de Soudet. Simply spectacular; (ii) I have subsequently climbed the Spanish side on several occasions, which is unique, and which starts from Belagua and crosses the Belagua cross-country ski resort to reach the mountain pass. It is also very beautiful, with a landscape and views different from the north-east side. If I had to choose one of the two, I liked the north-west side better because it is more remote, harder and in my opinion more authentic. It is also a culturally special mountain pass because the Tribute of the 3 cows takes place on its summit every 13th of July, which is considered the oldest treaty in force in Europe. So... you know... you cannot miss the opportunity to come here and enjoy this wonderful jewel of the Pyrenees!!!!

If you come to visit the Iparralde area... you can't miss it. It's worth a visit, either by bike or after the route. It has a lot of activity and life, especially in summer.

I would not recommend right now. They recently did a chip and seal so a LOT of loose gravel. I live in the area and even the road to Osse en Aspe.

In the idyllic setting of Iraty, at this crossroads between Col de Burdinkurutzeta, Col Bargargi (or Col d'Iraty as it is also marked on some signs) and Surzai Lepoa, this chalet is an ideal place to have a drink and enjoy the local produce, especially raw sheep's milk cheese. My experience at this chalet has been fantastic. The person in charge treated me very well, was very attentive to our group of cyclists and sold us some exquisite cheese. Without a doubt, a place to eat well!!!

It is a typical small village in Iparralde, right next to the main town Sant-Jean-Pied-Port-de-Port. There is nothing special about it, but if you pass by it, you should enjoy it. There is a nice fountain in the centre of the village.

This descent has a very bumpy road surface, so that my bike computer mount broke. Luckily I had the safety line attached. The scenery, however, is very attractive and remote.