Col de Marie-Blanque, East,1,035 m

Situated in the Béarn region of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the Col de Marie-Blanque is nestled in the tranquil Vallée d'Ossau, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This mountain pass, at an elevation of about 1,035 meters, connects the villages of Bielle and Arette. It is a vital route for local traffic and a favoured destination for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, offering year-round activities.

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The climb begins in Bielle, a renowned spot as it features in the usual Tour de France routes, linking the Aspe Valley to the Ossau Valley. In French, "col" refers to a mountain pass, signifying the lowest point between two valleys. This area is ideal for cyclists, offering a variety of choices for all endurance levels and terrain preferences. There is just one café stop along the way, so make sure to take advantage of it if necessary.

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Col de Marie-Blanque (1,035 m) East Side

Climb Profile: Departing from Bielle: Length: 11.23 km, Altitude at start: 448 m, Altitude at finish: 1,035 m, Average gradient: 5.2%, Maximum gradient: 14%. 

This climb can be completed in less than an hour, depending on your strength and skill.

The route begins in the village of Bielle, where you can enjoy a relatively easy cycling path for a few hundred meters before both your physical and mental endurance are challenged. The subsequent section presents a continuous challenge for the next 4.2 km, with an average incline of 9%. Upon completing this segment, you will reach Bilhères-en-Ossau, home to the Café Gourmet, a permanent roadside food truck.

Two roads lead you to the summit. You can choose to veer left and pass through the charming village of Bilhères-en-Ossau or continue on the main path. We alternate between these two routes while stopping to take photos from different perspectives.

Upon arriving at the Plateau du Benou, situated at an altitude of 900 meters, the slope becomes gentler. You'll find yourself on the vast, green plateau that clings to the mountainside and serves as a haven for cyclists, horses, cows, goats, and donkeys. This area offers a chance to relax or race across the plateau. I recommend taking a moment to look back at the breathtaking view of the valley and the Pyrénées mountains. On hot summer days without wind, we avoid lingering to escape the horseflies. I suggest using DEET spray to keep them at bay.

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The switchbacks through the alpine forest reach an average gradient of 15%; the path is extremely narrow, but fortunately, the forest provides shade, and it spans only a couple of kilometers. I always tell myself, "Yes, I made it!" The summit provides an exceptional vantage point, overlooking the entire western ascent route. Although the eastern approach is occasionally regarded as the more accessible side, the visible effort of the cyclists arriving from that direction indicates that it remains a significant challenge. It serves as an impressive finish line for an excellent day in the saddle

Now the fun begins. Choosing the descent: east or west. At the summit, you are rewarded with a stunning view of the west side climb. Many cyclists consider the east side to be the easier route. However, judging by the number of cyclists struggling along the way, you wouldn't think so. Overall, it's an incredible climb and one you shouldn't miss in the area.