Port de Pailhères: 2,001 m starting from Ax-les-Thermes
A great pass of the Ariège Pyrenees, which cyclists climb from Ax-les-Thermes, 5 km from the apartment. The Tour de France first took it in 2003.
- Altitude2,001 m
- From Ax-les-Thermes19 km
- Elevation gain+ 1,266 m
- Average gradient6.7%
Nineteen kilometres up to 2,001 m
The climb starts in Ax-les-Thermes and rises 1,266 m over 19 km, with an average gradient of 6.7%. The road becomes more demanding towards the top, before a very open summit, among high-altitude grassland.
Above the Ascou-Pailhères resort, first opened in the winter of 1965, the pass reaches 2,001 m. From the residence, you reach the start in Ax-les-Thermes in 5 km.
A Tour de France pass
The Port de Pailhères was first taken by the Tour de France in 2003. The race has gone over it several times between 2003 and 2013, most often by the other side, before continuing to Ax 3 Domaines.
For cyclists, it is one of the great goals of a stay in the upper Ariège valley, along with the Plateau de Beille, the Col de Puymorens and the Col du Chioula.
Preparing your climb
Altitude weather
It changes fast above 2,000 m: check the forecast and bring a jacket for the descent.
Set off early
To have a margin on the way back, and to avoid afternoon storms in summer.
Check the road
The opening of the road depends on the season: find out before setting off.
Water and food
Bring enough to drink and eat for the climb as well as the descent.
About the Port de Pailhères
What altitude does the Port de Pailhères reach?
2,001 m altitude, above the Ascou-Pailhères resort.
How long is the climb from Ax-les-Thermes?
About 19 km, with an elevation gain of about 1,266 m and an average gradient of 6.7%. These figures come from sites specialising in mountain passes: check your route before setting off.
Has the Tour de France been over the Port de Pailhères?
Yes: the race first took it in 2003, and has gone over it several times between 2003 and 2013.
Can you climb it at any time of year?
It is a high-altitude pass: the weather and the opening of the road vary with the season. Check the day’s weather and the state of the road before climbing.
A cycling camp at the foot of Pailhères?
Rates and availability are shown live on the Airbnb listing. A question before booking? You can ask it there too.