Luz Ardiden from Luz-Saint-Sauveur

Route overview

This ride suits climbers looking for a sustained 14 km hill climb with over 1000 m elevation gain.

14.2 km climb from Luz-Saint-Sauveur to Luz Ardiden in France with 1004 m elevation gain.

The route starts at Luz-Saint-Sauveur and quickly passes through the villages of Esquièze-Sère and Esterre before reaching Sazos at 4 km and Grust at 5.1 km. From 0.7 km, a 13.5 km climb begins, gaining 1004 m in elevation with an average gradient of 7.4% and a maximum of 10.5%, finishing at the altitude of 1695 m at Luz Ardiden. The road surface is 99% paved, and the route is mostly on main roads (96%), including 12.7 km on the D 12 road. There are 13.6 km of the main road without cycle lanes and 1.3 km with posted speed limits of 80 km/h or more. The gradient is sustained, with 12.6 km over 5% gradient and 5.6 km over 8%, including a short section of 0.8 km above 10%. Along the route, there is a longest stretch of 10.1 km without access to cafés, shops, or water from 4.1 km to 14.2 km. At the start, Luz-Saint-Sauveur offers several facilities including cafés, a bakery, a supermarket, bike shops, and restaurants. There are a few toilets located close to the start and mid-route, as well as at the finish. The peak Soum de Lats at 1915 m lies near the road around 12.5 km into the climb.

Highlights

• Climb gain of 1004 m on 13.5 km
• Top elevation of 1695 m at Luz Ardiden
• Passes near the peak Soum de Lats (1915 m)
• Longest 10.1 km stretch without services after Sazos

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Point to point

Riding time

1 h 01 min

Best months

May to Oct — daily highs of 17–25 °C in those months

Know before you go

• 13.6 km on main roads without cycle lanes
• 1.3 km on roads with 80 km/h speed limit
• Longest 10.1 km without café, shop or water from km 4.1 to 14.2

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.