19.7
PDI
6.5 mi
DISTANCE
2,805 ft
GAINED
7.8 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Erwan Treguier, Brittany, France.
INTRO
The Hourquette d'Ancizan climbs 10.4 km (6.5 mi) from the village of Ancizan in the Vallée d'Aure to a 1,564 m (5,131 ft) pass in the Hautes-Pyrénées, gaining 855 m (2,805 ft) at an average grade of 7.8%. The D113 continues down the far side to Campan and the Lac de Payolle, and riders often link the pass in a loop with the Col d'Aspin, of which it is the harder and quieter alternative.
The first 3 km (1.9 mi) do the damage. Pitches near 15% come right out of the village, and the road stays in double digits before easing to 6-7% through the forest, with a balcony stretch looking back down the Aure valley toward Arreau and Saint-Lary. Near the top the trees open onto high pastures, where cattle and horses graze beside the road, with views across to the Arbizon massif.
The Tour de France has crossed the Hourquette d'Ancizan six times, in 2011, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2024. It was featured in Stage 17 of the 2022 Tour de France, when Thibaut Pinot led the race over the summit. That year's riders came up from the Payolle side, which we cover on our Hourquette d'Ancizan (TdF 2022) page.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. 7.8% average grade over 10.4 km (6.5 mi), but the effort is front-loaded. About 25% of the climb is at 0-5%, 28% is at 5-10%, 36% is at 10-15% and 5% is above 15%, with the remainder descending. The steepest 0.4 km (0.25 mi) is 15.4% and the steepest 1.6 km (1 mi) is 13.7%, all in the first few kilometers out of Ancizan.
After roughly 3 km (1.9 mi) the grade settles into the 6-7% range for the rest of the way to the pass.
Roadway: Paved the whole way on the narrow D113, with an average surface that is rough or gravelly in places and mostly shaded by forest. Cattle, horses and donkeys wander onto the road near the top, particularly on the descent toward Payolle, where the road is narrow and twisty with blind bends - descend with care.
Traffic: Very light. This is a small valley road rather than a through route, which is a large part of its appeal compared with the Col d'Aspin.
Parking: Ancizan is a small village, so park considerately near the church where the climb begins, or start from Saint-Lary-Soulan, 8 km (5 mi) away, where our Col de Portet and Pla d'Adet pages cover the parking areas. There is also a small car park at the summit.
Provisions: None on the climb. Stock up in the villages along the D929 between Arreau and Saint-Lary-Soulan before you start.
Weather and Gear: Forest shade helps on hot days, but cloud and fog collect near the top and the summit can be windy. The pass is about 800 m (2,600 ft) higher than the start, so carry a light jacket for the descent.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
The Hourquette d'Ancizan fits easily into a day in the Vallée d'Aure. Over the top, the descent follows a torrent down to the Lac de Payolle (1,086 m / 3,563 ft), which is worth a lap before you decide whether to continue toward the Col d'Aspin or turn back. Allow about an hour for the climb.
To see the other climbs within reach of the valley, try our Routes in the Area tool.
For those looking to stay in the area we would recommend the Pyrenees Cycling Lodge. Located in the beautiful medieval village of Saint Savin and hosted by Mark & Niamh, the Lodge is run by cyclists for cyclists. It is a great location for any cycling adventure in the Pyrenees with several renowned climbs within 100 km (62 mi) of the property and 6 Tour de France climbs within 15 km (9.3 mi). Visit their website or contact them directly at pyreneescyclinglodge@gmail.com.
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carlinguernsey
A more difficult alternative to Col d'Aspin but with less traffic and smaller roads. It also can be part of a circle with the Aspin and other climbs in the area.
