Epic Cols EP 05 - Luz Ardiden, FRA

The Pyrenees is one of my favorite domains in the world to ride. The stone buildings, the greens, and the feeling of a slower pace of life. It’s a magical place, and there’s a climb that encapsulates all of that. Luz Ardiden.

I was staying in the town of Luz-Saint-Sauveur a gateway town to some of the most famous climbs in the Tour de France. The Tourmalet, Hautacam, Spandelles, and of course Luz Ardiden, which itself has been the finale of many Tour de France battles. 

This climb is a road to nowhere, and even during the day is quiet once you’ve climbed away from the town and small hamlets at the bottom. But don’t mistake this calm for calm, as there are 1000 vertical meters to endure in 13km, making for an average of 7%. It will give your legs a good workout.

Bike setup with the Bright as Day 3000 on board and the Bright as Day 2000 on my helmet, and into the twilight I go.

Like many climbs, the lower sections are in the trees, and this is the same for Luz Ardiden. It only starts to share its beauty and its views at 8km in. By this point, you’ve climbed over 600 vertical meters and without a doubt, the corners in the photos below are my favorites. A perfectly formed U-bend with grass all around. An abandoned stone-walled building too. Switchback perfection!