The best road cycling routes around Lacarry-Arhan-Charritte-De-Haut
4.6
(76)
3,693
riders
73
rides
Road cycling routes around Lacarry-Arhan-Charritte-De-Haut traverse a landscape characterized by significant mountain passes and dense forests. The region features challenging climbs and descents, typical of a mountainous environment. Cyclists can expect varied terrain, including winding roads through valleys and ascents to high-altitude passes. This area offers routes that cater to experienced road cyclists seeking elevation gain and extended distances.
Best road cycling routes around Lacarry-Arhan-Charritte-De-Haut
- The most popular road cycling route is Loop 15: Port de Larrau and La Pierre…
Last updated: November 3, 2026
4.8
(8)
790
riders
103km
06:35
3,040m
3,040m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.6
(5)
173
riders
64.1km
03:51
1,640m
1,640m
4.5
(14)
292
riders
64.0km
03:46
1,530m
1,530m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.8
(4)
294
riders
106km
06:34
2,810m
2,810m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.0
(5)
87
riders
56.3km
03:34
1,620m
1,620m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful town with many bars, restaurants, grocery stores and supermarkets for a pleasant break. It is worth stopping to visit the heart
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It is one of the most spectacular routes in the Navarrese-French Pyrenees, which is also very affordable for doing with children. The gorge itself, through which the boxed-in river flows, and the waterfalls stand out.
2
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beautiful climb starting from the valley of Larrau. Count 21km but the bulk of the elevation gain starts in Saint Engrace
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The road is relatively quiet and slopes gently downhill.
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Without a doubt, the Col de la Piedra de San Martín or Pierre Saint-Martin is one of the Top 10 in all the Pyrenees. Without exceeding 2000 meters in altitude, it is a very long pass, with a lot of accumulated elevation gain (due to the countless French sides, the elevation gain is 1,450 meters), with very tough ramps and several kilometers above 10%, with wonderful landscapes and panoramic views and with little traffic, except for the sides that the main road crosses (D132 in France, the NA 137 in Spain). It is a pass with many sides; in Europe there are few other passes that have as many sides as this one (Col de Turini and Passo delle Erbe would be comparable in number of sides approximately). I have climbed it only from 2 sides: (i) my first time was from Lourdios Ichère, crossing the Col de Labays and the Col de Soudet. Simply spectacular; (ii) subsequently, I have climbed it on several occasions from the Spanish side, which is unique, and which starting from Belagua and crossing the Belagua cross-country ski station, reaches the pass. It is also very beautiful, with a different landscape and views than the northeast side. If I had to choose one of the 2, I liked the northwest side more because it is more remote, harder and in my opinion more authentic. It is also a culturally special pass because at its summit the Tribute of the 3 Cows takes place annually every July 13th, which is considered the oldest treaty in force in Europe. So... you know... you cannot miss the opportunity to come here and enjoy this wonderful jewel of the Pyrenees!!!!
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If you come to visit the Iparralde area... you can't miss it. It's worth a visit, either by bike or after the route. It has a lot of activity and life, especially in summer.
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In the idyllic setting of Iraty, at this crossroads between Col de Burdinkurutzeta, Col Bargargi (or Col d'Iraty as it is also marked on some signs) and Surzai Lepoa, this chalet is an ideal place to have a drink and enjoy the local produce, especially raw sheep's milk cheese. My experience at this chalet has been fantastic. The person in charge treated me very well, was very attentive to our group of cyclists and sold us some exquisite cheese. Without a doubt, a place to eat well!!!
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Lacarry-Arhan-Charritte-De-Haut?
There are over 60 road cycling routes in the Lacarry-Arhan-Charritte-De-Haut region. These include 3 easy, 18 moderate, and 45 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels, though the area is particularly known for its challenging mountain passes.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in this region?
Road cycling routes around Lacarry-Arhan-Charritte-De-Haut are characterized by a mountainous landscape with significant climbs and descents. You'll encounter winding roads through valleys, ascents to high-altitude passes, and extensive sections through dense forests, typical of the Basque Country.
Are there any easy road cycling routes for beginners in Lacarry-Arhan-Charritte-De-Haut?
While the region is known for its challenging terrain, there are 3 easy road cycling routes available. These routes offer a gentler introduction to the area's beauty, though specific details on their length or elevation are not provided in the general guide.
Which routes offer the most challenging climbs and elevation gain?
For significant elevation gain and challenging climbs, consider routes like Loop 15: Port de Larrau and La Pierre Saint-Martin – Basque Country passes, which features over 3,000 meters of ascent. The Col du Soudet Loop also offers sustained climbing with panoramic views.
Are there any circular road cycling routes in the area?
Yes, many routes in the region are designed as loops. For example, the Loop 15: Port de Larrau and La Pierre Saint-Martin – Basque Country passes and the Heart of the Iraty forest – Burdincurutcheta Pass loop from Col Bagargiak are popular circular tours.
What are some scenic viewpoints or natural attractions I can see along the road cycling routes?
The region offers stunning natural beauty. Along your rides, you might encounter highlights such as the dramatic Holzarte Footbridge, the majestic Pic d'Orhy, or the serene El Cubo Waterfall. Many routes also traverse significant mountain passes like Bagargui and Larrau Pass, offering expansive views.
What is the best season for road cycling in Lacarry-Arhan-Charritte-De-Haut?
Given the mountainous terrain and high-altitude passes, the best season for road cycling is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally more stable, and passes are clear of snow, offering optimal conditions for tackling the challenging routes.
Are there any routes that go through the Iraty forest?
Yes, the Heart of the Iraty forest – Burdincurutcheta Pass loop from Col Bagargiak is a notable route that leads directly through the dense and beautiful Iraty forest, offering a unique cycling experience.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Lacarry-Arhan-Charritte-De-Haut?
The road cycling routes in Lacarry-Arhan-Charritte-De-Haut are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging nature of the mountain passes, the stunning natural scenery, and the rewarding sense of accomplishment after completing the demanding climbs.
How long do the longer road cycling routes typically take to complete?
The duration of routes varies significantly based on distance and elevation. For instance, the extensive Loop 15: Port de Larrau and La Pierre Saint-Martin – Basque Country passes, covering over 100 km, typically takes around 6 hours and 34 minutes for an experienced cyclist.
Are there any routes that combine multiple famous mountain passes?
Absolutely. Routes like Loop 15: Port de Larrau and La Pierre Saint-Martin – Basque Country passes are designed to take you over several iconic mountain passes in the Basque Country, providing a comprehensive challenge and diverse scenery.
What is the typical difficulty level for road cycling in this region?
The majority of road cycling routes in Lacarry-Arhan-Charritte-De-Haut are classified as difficult, with 45 out of 66 routes falling into this category. This indicates a region best suited for experienced road cyclists seeking significant elevation changes and extended distances.
Most popular routes around Lacarry-Arhan-Charritte-De-Haut
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