How to reach Col des Tentes in the Pyrenees: road conditions and tips
Col des Tentes is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.208m (7,244ft) above sea level, located in the department of Hautes-Pyrénées, in France.
Where is Col des Tentes?
The pass is located in the region of Occitania, in the southwestern part of the country. It was part of an old project to connect with Spain through the Port de Boucharo, but the Spanish section was never completed. The summit offers breathtaking views of the central chain of the Pyrenees. At the summit, there's a large parking area that's often full during the summer.
Is the road to Col des Tentes paved?
The road to the summit is fully paved. It’s called D923 road. To reach the summit, expect to ride through challenging sections of switchback turns (lacets). Most of the road is in very good condition, except for the last 1.5 km, which is closed to cars. The road is quite steep, with some ramps reaching a maximum gradient of 11%.
How long is the road to Col des Tentes?
The pass stretches 12.4 km (7.70 miles) from Gavarnie to Port de Boucharo, on the Spanish border.
Is Col des Tentes open year-round?
Set high in the Pyrenees, a mountain range in southwest Europe that forms a natural border between France and Spain, the pass is typically accessible during the summer season, from May to November. However, travelers should be wary of frequent adverse weather conditions.