Top 7 Mountain Passes around Bedous

The mountain passes around Bedous offer a diverse range of experiences, from challenging routes for cyclists and hikers to serene pastoral landscapes and breathtaking panoramic views. You can find historic cycling climbs, cross-border adventures, and tranquil spots to immerse yourself in nature.

The Col de Marie-Blanque is iconic, especially its ascent from Escot, which features a challenging nine-kilometer climb with sections exceeding 7.6% average gradient. The Col d'Aubisque is also legendary, known for its frequent inclusion in the Tour de France and its dramatic ascents.

Yes, the Col du Pourtalet serves as a high mountain international pass on the border between France and Spain. It connects the Ossau Valley in France with the Tena Valley in Spain, offering unique opportunities to traverse between the two countries with spectacular views of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau and the Cirque d'Anéou.

The Col de Marie-Blanque is notable for the picturesque Bénou plateau, located midway through the climb. This area provides a moment of respite with remarkable pastoral scenery, where you can often see cyclists, horses, cows, goats, and donkeys amidst lush greenery and spectacular valley views.

The Col d'Aubisque offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Pyrenean mountains, including the stunning Gourette cirque. Historically, it has been a regular stage of the Tour de France since 1910, with over 72 crossings, and features giant sculptures of bicycles at its summit. The road itself is part of the historic 'Route des Cols'.

Yes, the Col de Houratate, accessible from Bedous, is a lesser-known but rewarding climb. It's described as a short but vigorous pass with very little traffic, offering a peaceful cycling experience and a beautiful panorama over the high Aspe Valley and the Spanish peaks from its summit.

Beyond cycling, the region offers numerous opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. You can find various mountain hikes, including challenging routes like the Refuge closed – Summit of Anie 2504m loop, and MTB trails such as the Bergout, Ichantes, and Jaupins MTB Tour. The Col d'Aubisque is also a starting point for hikes suitable for all levels in summer and snowshoeing in winter.

The best time to visit largely depends on your planned activities. For cycling and hiking, late spring to early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most favorable weather conditions. In winter, some passes like Col d'Aubisque become ideal for snowshoeing and are close to ski resorts, but road access may be limited on higher passes.

While many passes offer challenging routes, some areas provide gentler options. The Bénou plateau near the Col de Marie-Blanque offers remarkable pastoral scenery that can be enjoyed by families. The Col d'Aubisque also has hikes suitable for all levels in summer. For specific family-friendly walks, exploring the broader Aspe Valley region is recommended.

Komoot offers several cycling routes around Bedous that incorporate these passes. Examples include the Plateau du Bénou – Marie-Blanque Pass loop and the Houratate Pass. – Bedous loop, catering to various difficulty levels.

From the Col du Pourtalet, you can expect spectacular scenery with uninterrupted views of the majestic Pic du Midi d'Ossau mountain and the Cirque d'Anéou, where sheep and cows peacefully graze. The route itself winds through steep-sided gorges, high-mountain prairies, and authentic Pyrenean villages, with the Spanish side known for its untamed splendor, deep green forests, rocky cliffs, and azure lakes.

The ascent of the Col de Marie-Blanque from Bielle is considered less steep than its other approaches, thanks to the passage through the beautiful Bénou plateau, which offers a gentler incline before the final climb. It has an average gradient of 5.4%.