The Col d’Azet | Saint-Lary Tourisme

Access from the Saint Lary slope

Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the Col d’Azet links the Aure and Louron valleys. A little-traveled road in the middle of pastures, it’s a regular stage of the Tour de France.

Once at the summit, you’ll be level with the Val Louron resort, at 1580 m altitude. You can then admire the Saint-Lary resort with the Pla d’Adet on the west side and the Peyragudes resort on the east side.

Identity sheet

Start altitude: 866 m
End altitude: 1,590 m
Cumulative elevation gain:997 m
Distance: 10.6 km
Average gradient: 7%
Level: difficult

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The ascent to the pass is longer on this side (12 km). It starts at an altitude of 827 m with an average gradient of 7% and ends at 1,580 m, i.e. 753 m of ascent.

Ask for about 1 hour for the ascent.

Beware of the wind on arrival, the pass is well cleared.

Preparing for the climb

The climb starts at the southern entrance to Saint-Lary at the junction between the D 929 and the D 25; follow the latter through the villages of Sailhan, Estensan, Azet.

The first two kilometers are easy. They are made up of curves and straights and offer a superb view to the left over the climb to Pla d’Adet.

The last 8 kilometers are more difficult: the gradient shows 8, 9% (and sometimes exceeds 10%): fortunately the view over the summits is a real treat.

About 6 km from the summit, the crossing of the village of Azet is a succession of steep bends, on a very winding road. The last few kilometers are climbed on an 8% gradient road with big curves.

The pass offers a beautiful view of the Lustou and Estos peaks. Once at the summit, it’s possible to descend to Génos-Loudenvielle and join Saint-Lary via Arreau.

Access from the Génos slope

To reach the start, descend to Arreau and head for Génos on the D618. The route starts in the village and more exactly in front of the town hall traffic circle.

The climb begins with a succession of bends with a magnificent view of Lake Génos Loudenvielle. This pass has been climbed eight times since 2016 during the Grande Boucle.

Identity sheet

Start altitude: 970 m
Finish altitude: 1,588 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 657 m
Distance: 7.4 km
Average gradient: 8.4%
Level: difficult

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A beautiful view all the way up. the road overlooks the Génos (or Avajan) lake and you can see the road leading to the Peyresourde pass located on the left on the other mountain range.

The road is lined with trees and provides welcome shade.

Beware of the wind on arrival, the pass is well cleared.