19.1
PDI
6.3 mi
DISTANCE
2,697 ft
GAINED
8.1 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
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. Col d'Agnes averages 8.1% over 10.2 km (6.3 mi), and it's front-loaded. The steepest kilometer, starting around km 1.9, averages 11.4%, and the steepest 2 km hold 10.6%, all within the first 4 km (2.5 mi) out of Aulus-les-Bains. The steepest 5 km average 9.2%.
The middle of the climb winds through seven hairpins in about 2.2 km (1.4 mi) at around 8%, followed by a short, gentler shelf. After that the grade rarely drops much below 7-8% to the col, with one more stiff kilometer near 10% along the way. Short ramps reach about 16%.
Roadway: The D8F is paved the entire way. It leaves Aulus-les-Bains as a wide, straight road before narrowing into a classic Pyrenean col road through the hairpins, with some shaded sections lower down. Watch for gravel patches, especially on the far side toward the Étang de Lers, and expect damp, foggy conditions near the summit on cloudy days. Snow can close the road in winter, so check Ariège's Inforoute09 road information before heading up outside summer.
Traffic: Very light. The D8F serves little beyond the col, the Étang de Lers and a few farms, so you'll likely see more cows and cyclists than cars.
Parking: Aulus-les-Bains has public parking, water and toilets in the village, close to the tourist office roundabout where the climb begins. If you're also planning to hike, the signed trailhead parking for the Cascade d'Ars is on the D8F just south of the river at the edge of the village.
Gear: The first 4 km (2.5 mi) are the crux, with long stretches above 10% before you're properly warm, and riders typically reach for a 34x28 or 34x32 here. The summit is exposed and can be cold and misty even in summer, so pack a windproof layer for the descent.
Provisions: Aulus-les-Bains has cafes and water at the base, and there's nothing on the climb itself. Over the top, the auberge at the Étang de Lers makes a welcome coffee stop if you're continuing toward Port de Lers or Massat.
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.
Aulus-les-Bains is a small Belle Époque spa village of a couple of hundred residents, and it's one of the best bases in the Couserans for a few days of climbing. Col d'Agnes, Col de Latrape and Guzet-Neige all start from the village, and Col de la Core and Port de Lers are within reach.
Its signature sight is the Cascade d'Ars, a 246 m (807 ft) waterfall you can spot from the D8F. The trail from the edge of the village runs about 5 km (3.1 mi) each way and gains around 530 m (1739 ft), roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours on the way up - a good rest-day outing.
Over the col, the Étang de Lers at 1264 m (4147 ft) is a lake set in high pasture beneath the Trois-Seigneurs massif, a peaceful place to stop before carrying on over Port de Lers. See other climbs nearby, or build a custom route from here, with our Routes in the Area tool.
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MethowBiker
We took advantage of the cafes at the bottom and top (at the little lake between the two cols) of this climb as it was drizzling/mist and 2.5 C at the summit of Agnes. On this particular day the scenery reminded me of the Scottish Highlands. Green and moody. I can't remember a single car passing us, but there's no option for "zero" on the traffic selection. As I'm now living in the area, I can wait for a more pleasant day for a repeat.
carlinguernsey
This lesser known and more remote climb is a good challenge. You can do the other side of the col from Massat. Aulus-les-Bains is a good place to base yourself for several climbs - Col d'Agnes, Col de Latrape, Guzet-Niege. There is parking, water, and public toilets. Other climbs (Col de la Core and Port de Lers) are also reachable.
