18.6
PDI
9.8 mi
DISTANCE
3,176 ft
GAINED
6 %
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. The climb averages 6.0% over 15.7 km (9.8 mi), but the profile comes in three distinct parts. It opens with its hardest work: the first kilometer off the Peyresourde road is the steepest of the climb at 11.6%, and the first 2 km (1.2 mi) together average just over 10%.
From Saint-Paul-d'Oueil at about 3 km (1.9 mi), the road eases dramatically, rolling up the Val d'Oueil at mostly 2-5% for the next 6 km (3.7 mi), with a few short dips along the way - about 191 m (627 ft) of descending in all on this route. The real climb resumes around Bourg-d'Oueil: the final 6.7 km (4.2 mi), from about 1284 m (4,213 ft), average 7.0%, steepening to over 8% through the 13th and 14th kilometers before easing slightly to the col.
The steepest 0.5 km averages 12.6%, the steepest kilometer 11.6%, the steepest 2 km 10.3% and the steepest 5 km 7.5%.
Roadway: Paved the entire way. The D51 through the Val d'Oueil villages is a narrow valley road, and rider reports on its surface have been mixed, from rough patches in the lower kilometers to smooth tarmac higher up. Above Bourg-d'Oueil the road narrows to a single lane about 3 m (10 ft) wide, with passing places roughly every 300 m (984 ft), steep drop-offs and no guardrails in places - take the descent slowly. Snow closes the upper road for long periods in winter.
Traffic: The climb leaves the busier Peyresourde road right at the start. The D51 carries only local valley traffic, and above Bourg-d'Oueil traffic is very light. On one July morning each year the road over the col is reserved for cyclists from 9 am to noon - it was 13 July in 2026 - so check the date if you're planning a summer trip.
Parking: Most riders ride out from Bagnères-de-Luchon, about 4 km (2.5 mi) down the valley - our Montauban-de-Luchon page has more on parking in town. If you'd rather drive up and ride only the steep upper 6.7 km (4.2 mi), Bourg-d'Oueil, home to a small family ski area, is the natural place to leave a car, and there's a small parking area at the col itself.
Provisions: Stock up in Luchon before you start - services along the climb are very limited. Le Sapin Fleuri in Bourg-d'Oueil, a hotel-restaurant open from early May to early October, is the one place on the route for a meal or a coffee, and it caters specifically to cyclists. Don't count on anything at the col.
Gear: A compact crankset with a 30-32t low gear will help on the opening 2 km (1.2 mi) at over 10%, which hit you with no warm-up. The upper road crosses fully exposed pasture, and cloud and wind are common near the summit, so pack a wind layer - and keep it on for the narrow 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 Val d'Oueil is known as the valley of the deer: in autumn the stags' rut echoes through the beech and fir forests at dusk, and guided outings to hear it start from Bourg-d'Oueil. Mayrègne's 12th-century Romanesque church is worth a stop on the way up, and the valley's working farms still take their sheep and cattle up to the high pastures you cross near the top each summer. Le Sapin Fleuri in Bourg-d'Oueil, a 22-room hotel at about 1400 m (4,593 ft) with secure bike storage, a bike wash and a drying room, is a quiet alternative to staying in Luchon.
Balès pairs naturally with the Col de Peyresourde, which starts from the same junction, and Luchon's other climbs - Superbagnères, Montauban-de-Luchon, the Col du Portillon and Hospice de France - are all within a few kilometers. See other climbs nearby, or build a custom route from here, with 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 100km of the property and 6 Tour de France climbs within 15km. Visit their website or contact them directly at pyreneescyclinglodge@gmail.com .
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