Col du Soulor from Ferrières Bike Climb

France Col du Soulor (Ferrières)

Col du Soulor (Ferrières) Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

20.5

PDI

7.3 mi

DISTANCE

3,017 ft

GAINED

ELEVATION GAINED

7.6 %

AVG. GRADE

AVG. GRADIENT

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Lynn Sugden, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada

INTRO

The Col du Soulor from Ferrières is the quiet way up one of the Pyrenees' classic Tour de France passes. It covers 11.8 km (7.3 mi) and gains 920 m (3,017 ft) at a 7.6% average grade, from about 574 m (1,884 ft) at Ferrières to the 1,474 m (4,836 ft) col. The steepest kilometer averages 11.4% and the steepest 5 km (3.1 mi) averages 8.5%, so there is no easy section to coast through.

The climb starts with a sharp bend out of Ferrières, where the road narrows and climbs at once through shady woodland. Riders describe the climb as a steady grind rather than a series of tricks: steep out of the village, a little easier into Arbéost, then 8 to 9% above it, with a steeper pitch just after the right turn out of the village. Higher up the trees give way to pasture and the view opens onto the Cirque du Litor, with the last kilometers exposed to the wind. Large signs every kilometer show the distance to the top and the average grade of the next kilometer.

The Tour de France has been crossing the Soulor since the 1910s, and it featured most recently on stage 12 of the 2025 Tour. This Ferrières side of the climb is the one the Tour used in 2010. From the col the D918 continues west across the Cirque du Litor corniche to the Col d'Aubisque, or drops east through Arrens-Marsous to Argelès-Gazost, so it can be ridden on its own or as the first half of a bigger day. See our Col d'Aubisque (Ferrières) and Col du Soulor (Arrens) pages for those routes.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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The climb covers 11.8 km (7.3 mi) and gains 920 m (3,017 ft) at a 7.6% average, from about 574 m (1,884 ft) at Ferrières to 1,469 m (4,821 ft) at the top of our route, just below the 1,474 m (4,836 ft) col itself.

The steepest 10 km (6.2 mi) averages 7.7%, the steepest 5 km (3.1 mi) averages 8.5%, the steepest 2 km (1.2 mi) averages 9.6%, and the steepest single kilometer averages 11.4%. The steepest half kilometer (0.3 mi) runs at 15.0%.

Riders report that the first kilometer out of Ferrières is about 9%, with a short ramp above 10%, easing to 7 to 8% toward Arbéost. Above Arbéost the road holds around 8 to 9%, then eases to roughly 6.5 to 7% over the final kilometers. Pace the opening kilometers, because the road gives very little recovery before the pastures.

Roadway: The D126 is a narrow, winding valley road with generally good asphalt, and it is paved all the way to the col. It is a lower-key road than the main approaches to the pass. Beyond the Soulor, the D918 corniche toward the Aubisque closes every winter and typically reopens between late May and June, so check the Hautes-Pyrénées road-status information before an early- or late-season ride.

Traffic: Light on the Ouzom side, with the occasional van or car, and cows and sheep often wandering onto the road in the upper valley. Traffic picks up where the D918 from Arrens joins at the col, especially on summer weekends.

Parking: Ferrières is a small hamlet, so parking is informal - leave farm and residents' access clear. Arthez-d'Asson, further down the valley, is a common alternative start where riders find parking. At the top, the car park at the col is used to sell regional products such as cheese, honey and crafts.

A standard road bike is fine. Gearing that lets you spin the 8 to 9% sections is worth having, since there is little recovery between the steep parts.

There is very little on the climb itself, so start with full bottles and food. A refreshment stop sits at the top, near the D126 and D918 junction. Heat is a recurring issue in summer (riders have reported 36 to 40°C days with little shade on the upper slopes), while fog, rain and strong wind can hit the exposed final kilometers, so a light jacket is worth carrying for the fast descent. If you continue toward the Aubisque, bring a front light for the short rock tunnels on the corniche.

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 Ouzom valley takes its name from the river that runs through it, and the town name Ferrières comes from fer, the French word for iron: the area was once a mining centre, and old canals on the Ouzom survive from that era. It is a quiet, pastoral valley between the busier Ossau and Argelès valleys. In winter the col becomes part of the Espace Nordique Soulor-Couraduque cross-country trail network.

If you want to ride the busier east side, the climb from Argelès-Gazost is 19.5 km (12.1 mi) with 1,019 m (3,343 ft) of climbing at 5.2%. One of our contributors stayed five nights at the Hôtel des Pyrénées on the main square in Argelès-Gazost and found it reasonably priced and comfortable, with a great view over the square.

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 100km of the property and 6 Tour de France climbs within 15km. Visit their website or contact them directly at pyreneescyclinglodge@gmail.com .

See what else is nearby, or build a custom route from here, with our Routes in the Area tool.