Pailhères Pass – Pradel Pass loop from Puyvalador

Pailhères Pass – Pradel Pass loop from Puyvalador

Hard

4.6

(5)

557

riders

Pailhères Pass – Pradel Pass loop from Puyvalador

06:43

104km

3,080m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Tips

The surface along some of this route may not be suitable

Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.

After 59.8 km for 2.47 km

After 62.6 km for 1.45 km

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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18.1 km

Col de Pailhères start point

Highlight • Other

And another nice col! Just drive

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18.7 km

Usson Castle, located on the border between Aude and Ariège, emerges from the high Pyrenean forests on a rocky spur at an altitude of 920m above the Aude and Bruyante rivers. Mentioned for the first time at the beginning of the 11th century, it is the fortress of the ancient lords of So and Alion. After having constituted a refuge for the Cathars, it served as a rampart against Spanish invasions until the signing of the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It fell into disuse with the distance from the border and then became the residence of the Marquis d'Usson until the Revolution when it was dismantled and sold in different lots to serve as a quarry throughout the 19th century. Today, consolidated and saved from ruin, this remarkable site is open to visitors and houses the Heritage House within its walls.

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33.5 km

Col de Pailhères (Elevation 2,000 m)

Highlight • Mountain Pass

Great not so easy pass!

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33.5 km

Pailhères Pass

Highlight • Mountain Pass

The Col de Pailhères, or Port de Pailhères, is one of the emblematic passes of the Pyrenees and the Tour de France. Culminating at 2,001 meters above sea level, it is one of the few passes in the Pyrenees to exceed the symbolic bar of 2,000 meters.

The climb from Mijanès is 10.6 kilometers long with an average of 8.2%, including some passages at more than 10%.
It is also possible to climb from Ax-les-Thermes by means of a climb of 18.6 kilometers with an average of 6.9%.

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44.9 km

Fountain at Col du Pradel

Highlight • Rest Area

Whether you arrive by going up from Ax-les-Termes or descending from Port de Pailhères, at this junction you take the road that reaches Col de Pradel. There is a very nice fountain where you can refill the bottles with fresh, drinking water.

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52.2 km

Pradel Pass

Highlight • Mountain Pass

The Col du Pradel culminates at 1,673 meters above sea level. The climb from Ax-les-Thermes is 14.4 kilometers long at an average of 6.6% with passages at more than 11%.

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59.8 km

Stone Fountain in La Fajolle

Highlight • Monument

Totally recommended on hot days. Its location, next to the river, in a small village, with an eroded mountain, in the shade, is perfect.

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66.0 km

Porche 2

Cave Entrance

67.4 km

Grotte de la Racine

Cave Entrance

76.4 km

The Wild Line

Highlight (Segment) • Other

A stunning stretch of road perched high above the Gorge d'Aude. The surface is mixed and the road is narrow so care is needed but take your time and enjoy the views - they are incredible.

A superb stretch of road perched above the Gorges de l'Aude. The pavement is mixed and the road is narrow so you have to be careful but take your time and enjoy the views - they are amazing.

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