La Hourquette d'Ancizan

Wild and grandiose

La Hourquette (meaning little pass) links Ancizan in the Aure valley to Campan in the Payolle valley. It can be looped with the Col d’Aspin.

On the road to the Tour de France

Taken five times by racing cyclists, it is less frequented than the Col d’Aspin but is just as remarkable.

La Hourquette d’Ancizan was taken on the 17th stage of the 2022 Tour de France, Saint-Gaudens – Peyragudes.

The climb from Payolle is less rugged than from Ancizan and above all, it offers magnificent scenery.

Identity sheet

Start altitude: 764 m
End altitude: 1564 m
Cumulative positive ascent: 1,147 m
Distance: 10 km
Average gradient: 7.6 %
Level: average

The route
The profile
Good to know

©profile-3418348

The climb is mostly through trees. The road is picturesque and typical of the central Pyrenees: a rough, irregular slope.

Very little traffic.

Think about stocking up on supplies in the villages on the main D929 Arreau-Saint-Lary Soulan road before the climb begins.

About 1 hour for the climb.

Be careful and attentive: herds of horses and cows roaming free.

Preparing for the climb

From Saint-Lary join Ancizan (8 km).

The climb starts at 812 m altitude. To get you going, a fine 10 km ramp awaits you (around 10%). Slightly twisting and sheltered by pine forests at the top of the slope. An easier section in the middle of the run finishes on a fairly steady 8% average gradient.

At the top, an extraordinary view over a beautiful combe of the Arbizon massif. Make the most of the beautiful descent to Lac de Payolle (1086m), which winds alongside a tumultuous torrent. The most courageous won’t be able to resist a trip around the lake.