La cascade d'Enfer

The passes of the Pyrenees and their breathtaking panoramas

The Haut-Garonne Pyrenees offer a unique experience with their majestic passes. Perfect for hikers, cyclists or photographers in search of endless scenery, they are a must for any visitor wishing to discover our region. Superbagnères, Port de Balès, Col du Portillon, Col de Menté and Col des Ares are all waiting to reveal their secrets to you.

Infinite Horizon
in Superbagnères

The nameSuperbagnères sounds like a promise of grandeur and beauty. Just a few kilometres from Luchon, this resort perched at an altitude of 1,800 metres is much more than just a ski destination. In summer, the hiking trails take you through breathtakingly varied landscapes, where the eye wanders between snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys. Cyclists, meanwhile, can tackle the climb to Superbagnères, a sporting challenge that culminates in a panoramic view of the Pyrenean massifs.

See Luchon Superbagnères
Vue Luchon Superbagnères

Wild Escape
at the Port de Balès

As you continue your adventure, the Port de Balès opens its doors to an unspoilt world. At 1,755 metres, this pass is a jewel of the Pyrenees. Known as a memorable stage in the Tour de France, it offers a route that is as demanding as it is spectacular. Cycling enthusiasts will find it an ideal playground, while hikers will find less-travelled paths ideal for getting away from it all and spotting the local wildlife. Here, every turn is an invitation to marvel.

Port de Balès

A walk between two countries
to the Portillon pass

The Col du Portillon is where France and Spain meet, a natural frontier that invites cross-border discovery. At an altitude of 1,293 metres, this pass offers a glimpse of Spanish culture and landscapes, while remaining firmly rooted in the Pyrenees. The route, which is accessible to both cars and bikes, is a picturesque stroll through fir forests and bright glades. At the top, a breathtaking view awaits you, overlooking the Luchon valley and offering a glimpse of the Catalan countryside.

Col du Portillon

Col de Menté,
an air of legend

For cycling enthusiasts, the Col de Menté is a name that evokes cycling legends. Situated at an altitude of 1,349 metres, this pass has seen some of the greatest champions pass through, but it is also a favourite spot for nature lovers. The hiking trails that surround it are an opportunity to discover a rich and varied biodiversity, where marmots and birds of prey share the territory. Every ascent is a promise of discovery, every descent a sensation of freedom.

Col de Menté

The gentle landscape
from the Col des Ares

Finally, the Col des Ares, perched at 797 metres, is the most accessible of the Pyrenean passes. Less dizzying but just as charming, it’s ideal for a family outing or a more leisurely cycle ride. The landscapes here are soothingly gentle, alternating between flower-filled meadows and shady forests. It’s a great place to stop, take the time to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the natural spectacle before you.

These passes in the Haute-Garonne Pyrenees are much more than just passages between two valleys; they are worlds in themselves, each with its own stories, challenges and wonders to discover. Whether you’re looking for thrills or moments of contemplation, these routes promise unforgettable memories.

Cyclo dans les cols des Pyrénées Haut-Garonnaises
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