26.6
PDI
11.3 mi
DISTANCE
4,126 ft
GAINED
6.9 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Col de Pailhères (also called Port de Pailhères) is one of the great climbs of the French Pyrenees, rising 18.2 km (11.3 mi) from the spa town of Ax-les-Thermes in Ariège to a windswept 2,001 m (6,565 ft) summit, gaining 1,258 m (4,126 ft) at an average grade of 6.9%.
The climb has featured in the Tour de France five times between 2003 and 2013, almost always as the final launching pad before the summit finish at Ax 3 Domaines a few kilometers beyond. In 2013, Colombian climber Nairo Quintana attacked on Pailhères and opened a gap of over 30 seconds on Chris Froome and Alberto Contador before being reeled in on the final climb - one of the more dramatic moments in the mountain's Tour history.
The west side from Ax-les-Thermes opens with three hairpins right out of town before settling into a long, exposed climb across open pastureland - there's little tree cover for the upper two-thirds, so wind and sun exposure are real factors. The steepest section comes late, starting around km 15.6 (9.7 mi) at roughly 10.1%, just as legs are tiring.
Like most high Pyrenean passes, Pailhères closes with the winter snowpack; check current conditions before planning a ride outside summer.
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. The average grade of Col de Pailhères West is 6.9% over 18.2 km (11.3 mi), gaining 1,258 m (4,126 ft) to the 2,001 m (6,565 ft) summit. The steepest kilometer begins around km 15.6 (9.7 mi) into the climb, averaging 10.1% - a tough final test with the summit already in sight.
Roadway: The D613/D25 route from Ax-les-Thermes is paved the entire way, though the surface is a coarser chip-and-seal typical of secondary Pyrenean roads rather than smooth asphalt - expect some vibration, especially on the descent. The road is narrow, generally one lane to a lane and a half with no center stripe. Check Ariège's road status pages before heading up outside summer - Pailhères closes with the first heavy snow and the col itself doesn't reopen until spring.
Traffic: Light to moderate - heavier near Ax-les-Thermes, where local and thermal-spa traffic uses the road, and quieter once the route climbs above town into open pasture. In winter, the upper road up to the Nordic ski area near the summit still sees weekend ski traffic even though the col itself is closed to through vehicles.
Parking: Most riders park for free in Ax-les-Thermes, near the roundabout at the south end of town where the D613 climb begins. There's also a large gravel parking area just below the summit, used by cross-country skiers and snowshoers in winter, which makes a good landmark for the final push to the col.
There are no provisions along the climb itself once you leave Ax-les-Thermes - it's an open, largely uninhabited pass. Stock up in town before you start; Ax-les-Thermes has grocery stores, bakeries, and cafes near the base of the climb. Bring more water than you think you'll need in summer, since the upper two-thirds of the road has little shade.
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.
Ax-les-Thermes makes a great base for several days of Pyrenean climbing - Ax 3 Domaines, Col du Chioula, and Col de Pradel all start from town or nearby, and Plateau de Beille is a short drive away. See our Routes in the Area tool for other climbs nearby if you want to string together a multi-day trip. The town itself is a historic thermal spa with a range of hotels and gites, and its public thermal baths are a good way to soothe your legs after a big day in the mountains.
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