La route des cols Arette-Argelès-Gazost

This is a truly beautiful mountain stage—the transition from the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department to the Hautes-Pyrénées department—with no fewer than five mountain passes on the itinerary. Two modest climbs right from the start in Arette—the Col de Lie and the Col d’Ichère—followed by the two legendary giants of the Béarn: the Col de Marie-Blanque and the Col d’Aubisque. The transitions are very short, and the route constantly alternates between challenging climbs and fast descents. Lush, sun-drenched, and charming, the Aspe, Ossau, and Val d’Azun valleys are a delight to explore by bike. We end the day on the breathtaking road through the Cirque du Litor, heading toward the final pass, the Soulor. From there, we descend toward Bigorre and spend the night at the foot of the Tourmalet.