Somport Pass – emblematic passes of the Pyrenees
Somport Pass – emblematic passes of the Pyrenees
84
riders
Somport Pass – emblematic passes of the Pyrenees
04:28
71.8km
2,020m
Road cycling
Located on the border between France and Spain, the Col du Somport peaks at 1,632 meters above sea level. It was climbed in 1991 for the first time by the riders of the Tour de France. It is above the tunnel of the same name which is an important crossing point of the Pyrenees.
The departure is at the SNCF station in the village of Bedous, located in the heart of the magnificent and historic Aspe valley. Due to its location, this valley often played a key role in the Franco-Spanish wars. This route, which goes back in time, has the particularity of going back and forth to the Col de Somport. The beginning of the route therefore goes back to the bottom of the valley.
I suggest a detour to Lescun. This magnificent village nestled in a glacial cirque is reached at the cost of a short but relatively steep climb. You then find the bottom of the valley by descending by the same route. It is in the village of Urdos that the ascent to the Col de Somport really begins. Along the way, Peilhou Lake suggests a pleasant break in a magnificent natural setting.
The last section of the climb includes the most demanding percentages. At the end of a last effort you arrive at the top of the cross-border pass. Savor the beautiful views it offers before returning to your starting point along the same route.
Last updated: June 7, 2024
Waypoints
Start point
Get Directions
202 m
Bedous
Highlight • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
11.4 km
Lescun
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
32.4 km
Peilhou Dam and Lake
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
41.2 km
Somport Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
The climb, on the French side, begins in the village of Accous. It is 28 kilometers long for an average of 4.3%. The road really begins to rise from the village of Urdos.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
71.8 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
36.7 km
35.0 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
71.8 km
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (1,640 m)
Lowest point (420 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 6 May
11°C
-2°C
38 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Today we went to the Col de Somport. Not directly by bike, but first by car to Bedous and from there directly to the Col de Somport. There is a 30 km climb to be mastered. The first 20-24 km are fairly flat with a gradient of around 5%. The last few kilometers are on average 7%. So it is also easy to manage. Just before the Col de Somport tunnel, turn left onto the old pass road. The old pass road is hardly used through the tunnel. You can enjoy the peace and solitude. When you reach the top, Spain and the Camino de Santagio greet you. From here you can start your pilgrimage if you feel like it. After a short stop at the café, we headed back towards Bedous. The way down is fast. If you like, you can indulge in the rush of speed here. The descent is 30 km long. But be careful, if you haven't looked at the surroundings beforehand, you will miss one or two highlights on the descent.