Le col du Pourtalet en VAE
The Col du Pourtalet is a border crossing to Spain, and a fairly long route leads to it through a wide variety of landscapes. As well as being a physical challenge, albeit moderated by the assistance provided, climbing it by bike allows you to immerse yourself in the heritage and historical dimension of the route
A border crossing between the Ossau valley and Spain, the Col du Pourtalet is reached by a fairly long but never steep route, crossing a wide variety of landscapes. As well as being a physical challenge, albeit mitigated by the use of electric assistance, climbing it by bike also allows you to immerse yourself in the heritage and historical dimension of the route. A communication route since the dawn of time, the Pourtalet route has seen the passage of merchants and peddlers, smugglers and pilgrims. Every year, the Gabas valley also plays host to the lively transhumance of flocks and herds to the bountiful summer pastures of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. If, on leaving Laruns, the road boldly defies the Hourat gorges, it then makes a long, easy approach between the Gave and the boxwoods, passing through the Eaux-Chaudes spa and the cheese-salting village of Gabas.
