A gravel road to Col des Laquets in the French Pyrenees
Col des Laquets is a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 2,637m (8,651ft) above sea level. Located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of France, it’s one of the highest roads in the country.
Where is Col des Laquets?
The pass is located in the Occitan region, in the southwestern part of the country.
Is the road to Col des Laquets unpaved?
Set high in the central Pyrenees, the road is unpaved, steep, and has a loose surface. It offers scenic views with cliff edges and two short tunnels. The road is called the Old Toll Road (which is not a road). It is challenging due to the altitude and road conditions, making it unsuitable for inexperienced drivers. A gate prevents cars from passing, but hikers and cyclists can go through.
How long is the road to Col des Laquets?
Starting at Col du Tourmalet, beside the gift shop, the ascent is 5.6 km (3.47 miles) long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 566 meters. The average gradient is 10.10%. The road is brutally steep in parts, hitting a 24% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Due to its high elevation, snow can sometimes block the road even in late June.
Is the road to Col des Laquets worth the drive?
The route offers stunning views. It’s planned to build a refugee or hotel on the top, called Hôtellerie des Laquets. If this development materializes, the road will be paved. Moreover, for those looking to extend their adventure, the Pic du Midi di Bigorre is just a short walk beyond this pass.
Pic: Raphaël Ehret