Cycling Route
La Vallée

Rolling out of Cycl'in, you'll follow the signs for Saint-Savin at the roundabout in front of the store.

Climbing out of Argeles, you'll soon arrive at one of the most beautiful villages in the valley, if not the region.

Past the medivel Abbaye de Saint-Savin, you'll find the well-preserved town square opens out with views towards Hautacam and a great cafe for a mid-ride stop, Bistrot de l'Abbaye.

Winding out of Saint-Savin, you'll pass the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Piétat perched on the hill before descending down the fast, quiet descent down to Pierrefitte.

Riding up through the centre of Pierrefitte, the cycling cafe Scapavelo is run by local cyclist Nicolas Garcia who designs and sews great looking jerseys you can buy in-store.

Beyond the hydro-electric plant in Soulom, you'll come to the round-about where the traffic can be a little heavier.

Peeling off the busy main road, you'll notice the traffic is much lighter beyond Beaucens. To your right you'll also see a medievel castle that now host bird shows (Donjon des Aigles - Eagles' Dungeon ).

Ayros-Arbouix is not only is it the start point for the Hautacam climb but it is also where the Colpasso concept was first dreamt up. (Colpasso founder, Luke spent 8 years living at the kilometre zero sign of Hautacam before moving to the Val d'Azun.)

As you come into Luganan, next to the Hotel des 3 Vallées, there's a non-descript cafe called L'Étape. The place is like a time-capsule of old Tour de France memorabilia. If it's open and you have the time, definitely check it out.

To get back on the other side of the Gave (River), you'll cross the overpass bridge just outside of Luganan.

CAUTION: You'll pass by the quarry where large trucks exit and leave large loose gravel on the road. Just be careful along there.

Turning off towards Ouzous the climb is just over 1km long, but gradients do get over 10% at times. It is worth the effort though. The village has expansive views back over the entire valley.

Beginners who find the Ouzous climb too challenging can simply turn around and roll back down to join the main road for a flat ride back into Argelès.

After gliding through the village of Salles, there's a quick, sweeping descent before you climb up again through Sère-en-Lavedan; the start point for Col de Spandelles.

The fountain at the entry of Argelès-Gazost is a good place to regroup with bars, eateries and a bakery nearby that won the world championship for the best chocolate croissant; Boulangerie Lagrue