Les in bici

Challenging trail through the practically unspoilt valley of Toran, where tourism has barely left a mark and the small hamlets still retain their centuries-old character. The magnificent fir and beech forest on the south-facing side of Toran is quite spectacular. The views over the villages of Les and Bossòst from Canejan, with the Maladeta massif in the background, are magnificent. Besides the village of Les, you can enjoy good food in different places along the trail: Refugio de la Honeria, Sant Joan de Toran or Canejan. The starting point of the route is at the Camin Reiau, found on leaving the village of Les towards Bossòst, just next to the football pitch. Technically it is not difficult, but its difference in height over 30-plus kilometres means that cyclists should have a good level of fitness. Take the Portet trail that skirts the foot of the Via Ferrata of Les and head up to the country lane. At 1.5 km from the starting point is a spectacular viewing point overlooking the village of Les and its surroundings. At km 7, the lane turns into a forest road that continues to the Refugio de la Honeria, at km 21.5. After a short stretch of road to the hamlet of Porcingles, take the Cau track and cycle on the flat until the village of Canejan. Both this track and the Còsta track between Canejan and Pontaut are two stunning examples of well-preserved historical Aranese thoroughfares, with cobblestones and dry stone walls, the perfect backdrop for enjoying the ancient culture and spectacular scenery found in this area. Take care after Pontaut, because you’ll be on the N-230 main road for just over a kilometre and there is usually quite a bit of traffic. At the Bausen junction, turn left onto the Carretera de la Lana, which is then a flat ride back to Les. Cycle through the village and you’ll be back at the starting point of the route. This coincides with much of Route 3 (Bordius), and is essentially Route 2 without the singletrack descent to Pontaut, which would be inappropriate for a Gravel Bike. Asphalt: 33%, Gravel 63%, Trail 4%

This route starts in Bossòst, but could just as easily serve for cyclists staying in Vielha, who could reach Bossòst along the N-230’s wide shoulders. We start in Bossòst, leaving the town from the south, along the River Garona, and turning uphill, right at the roundabout, up the N-141. This is the beginning of the Portilhon, the col which marks the border between Spain and France.  It starts with a series of hairpins affording great views back out over Bossòst, climbs past Aran Park, and after crossing the border at the top, sweeps quickly down into France.   At Saint-Mamet, if you’ve got good legs, follow the GPS track left, after you cross over the River Pique, to head towards the climb up to Superbagnères. This climb is a dead-end, meaning you will climb to the top and return to this point. So if you would rather leave it out, turn right after crossing the River Pique and continue through Bagneres de Luchon.  If you decide to climb to Superbagnères, it ramps up quite soon after leaving Saint-Mamet, including some ramps of 12% within the first two kilometres.  The total climb is 18.5 kilometres, and for expert cyclists. The total elevation gain is 1170m, which brings you up to over 1800m if altitude, with an average gradient of 6.3%. You’ll eventually leave the tree line behind, and the landscape opens up to wide open high-altitude pastures, with views of many of the 3000m high snowy peaks in the region. Once you reach the ski station at the top, all that remains is to turn around, and enjoy the descent back down to Bagnères-de-Luchon! The route now crosses Bagnères-de-Luchon from south to north, then follows the River Pique, along the D125, all the way to Gaud, where we bend right at the roundabout and join the D44, towards Marignac. The D44 is an easy enough road, climbing very gently after Marignac. We arrive at the valley of the River Garonne, and turn right onto the N125, which continues to climb softly, along the river valley, towards the Spanish border.  Points of Interest The climb up to Superbagnères is a pilgrimage ride for Tour de France fans, who have witnessed many a famous battle between the world’s top cyclists on its ramps. It is very wild, and there are nice views (and sounds) of the River Lys crashing downwards alongside the road, along the route.

The route leaves Bossòst heading South on the N-41, climbing immediately towards the Mirador de Bossòst, affording nice views over the town and valley of the river Garonne.  Passing Aran Park, the wildlife park, you will cross the border into France, as you crest the Col de Portillon. The descent into Saint-Mamet and on to Bagnères de Luchon, site of many Tour de France stage start/finish, is sweeping, and verdant, through dense forest.  Leaving Bagnères de Luchon the road rears up, and we climb over 18km to the Port de Balès.  As a reward for so much climbing early on in the ride, we are gifted a 30km descent long the D-925, largely following the river Ourse as it makes its way to the Garonne.  In Sarp, at the roundabout,  we turn left to join the D-26, and 600m later take a gentle right fork, signed for the “Basilisque de St Just de Valcabrère”. This bike-friendly village road takes you past the aforementioned Church, before the road meets the D-26. Turn right onto the D26, then almost immediately turn left onto the D825 and over the bridge over the River Garonne.  The route now follows the D26, then the D9, then the D618, as it climbs gently to the Col des Ares, the smallest of the 4 climbs in the route. The D618 descends gently from the Col des Ares, and then rolls up and down a bit, until at 104.7km it meets the D85.  We turn right, here, to climb the famous Col de Menté. We reach the Col at 115.5km, then descend a number of hairpins to Saint-Béat where the route turns left onto the N-125, which climbs very gradually for 20km, running alongside the River Garonne, crossing the border into Spain, and returning you to Bossòst. Points of Interest The “Basilisque de St Just de Valcabrère” is enchanting, and the Roman-era aromatic herb gardens near it, just after Sarp are equally interesting. For fans of the Tour de France, the chance to climb the Col de Menté, which has featured in many TDFs, is also nice, as well as the Port de Balès, which was paved in time for the 2007 Tour de France.