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The most beautiful climbs in the PyreneesThe Col Du Pourtalet - Col Du Pourtalet: 30 kilometres of breathtaking scenery

The most beautiful climbs in the Pyrenees: The Col Du Pourtalet - Col Du Pourtalet: 30 kilometres of breathtaking sceneryPhoto: Matthias Rotter
Matterhorn of the Pyrenees: on the north side of the pass, the Pic du Midi d'Ossau (2,884 m) comes into view
The Col du Pourtalet (1,794 m), sometimes also called Portalet, crosses the main ridge of the Pyrenees, and thus the French-Spanish border between Laruns in the north and Biescas in the south.

Its northern ramp leads through the deeply incised valley of Ossau and attracts climbers with an altitude difference of almost 1,300 metres, which is considerable for the Pyrenees. However, this is spread moderately over almost 30 kilometres. Along the Fabrèges reservoir, you can even catch your breath for the final ascent. The lake heralds the most beautiful passage on the north side, as a green high valley lined with rocky peaks opens up behind it - dominated by the pyramid of the 2,884 metre high Pic du Midi d'Ossau, the Matterhorn of the Pyrenees. The pass summit with its souvenir shops and deserted border station is rather unromantic. On the Spanish side, the road is wider than on the French side and the gradient is even gentler.

All information about the Col Du Pourtalet pass profile can be found below as a PDF download.

The Col Du Pourtalet can be travelled from its northern and southern sides, with the southern flank already in Spain.Photo: TOUR Magazin The Col Du Pourtalet can be travelled from its northern and southern sides, with the southern flank already in Spain.

Downloads:
Pass profile: France: Col Du Pourtalet

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