28.1
PDI
9.1 mi
DISTANCE
3,954 ft
GAINED
8.1 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Carl Hansen, Guernsey, UK
INTRO
Port de Larrau climbs 14.6 km (9.1 mi) out of Larrau, a small Basque village in France's Pyrénées-Atlantiques, gaining 1,205 m (3,954 ft) at an 8.1% average grade to the pass on the Spanish border, near Pic d'Orhi - the westernmost peak over 2,000 m in the entire Pyrenees range.
This is one of the harder, more remote climbs in the French Pyrenees - long stretches climb through forest with little in the way of road signs or other cyclists, and a brief high plateau partway up offers the closest thing to a rest before the road resumes climbing toward the pass.
The climb has real Tour de France pedigree: it featured in the 1996 Tour, in a mountainous Stage 17 that also crossed the Aubisque, Soulor, and Col de Soudet - contemporary reports called the Port de Larrau the steepest climb of that day. It was also the last Tour de France of Miguel Indurain's career; the five-time champion struggled through the stage, at one point riding past the house near Pamplona where he was born.
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. Port de Larrau gains 1,205 m (3,954 ft) over 14.6 km (9.1 mi) at an 8.1% average grade. The steepest 100 meters reaches 14.2%, and the steepest kilometer averages 11.8% - tough, but the harder story here is the lack of any real recovery: even the steepest 5 km block still averages 10.6%, among the most sustained profiles of any climb in this part of the Pyrenees.
Roadway: Paved the entire way, in good condition up through Larrau. The surface gets rougher and less consistently maintained in the final kilometers below the pass, though still fully rideable on a road bike. As with most Pyrenean passes, watch for free-range cattle, horses, and sheep on and around the road, especially in the high pasture near the top.
Traffic: Very light, especially above Larrau. This is a quiet, little-used border crossing rather than a main route, and it typically closes with the first snow, reopening only once the pass is clear in early summer - check current conditions before an early- or late-season attempt.
Parking: Park in Larrau itself, at the base of the real climbing; the village has room along its streets and near the church. It's also possible to ride to Larrau from Aramits, Arette, and other villages in the wider area if you're staying somewhere with more services.
Provisions: Larrau, at the base, has a shop and places to eat - top off water there, since there's nothing else until the top. There are no services at the pass itself, so carry what you need for the whole climb and the descent.
Gear: Summer in the Pyrenees is normally warm and sunny even at altitude, though low cloud can roll in and make the upper climb damp and cool - pack accordingly. With a sustained 8%+ average and no real flat sections, a compact crankset and an easy low gear are worth having.
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.
Larrau itself is worth lingering in - a small Basque mountain village with slate roofs, a strong shepherding tradition, and its own sheep's-milk cheese made from summer mountain-pasture flocks. The Holzarte footbridge, a dramatic suspension bridge built in 1920 and hung 180 m above a gorge, is a short drive or hike from the village and a worthwhile stop before or after the ride.
For a wider base with more services, Arette and Aramits - about 30 minutes away by car - have additional lodging, restaurants, and shops, and put the Col de la Pierre St. Martin and Col de Marie Blanque within easy reach for a multi-day trip. See our Routes in the Area tool for what else is nearby.
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carlinguernsey
This is one of the hardest climbs in the Pyrenees. If not for the plateau after about 10 k, it might be the hardest. It is very remote and you will likely see many more animals than humans. I think I saw only one or two cars after Larrau the day that I climbed it.
