Less famous than its neighbor the Aubisque but just as spectacular, the Col du Soulor climbs from the small village of Ferrières up to a balcony offering one of the finest panoramas in the central Pyrenees.
The route
From Ferrières, at 574 m elevation, the road climbs for 12 km to the pass at 1,474 m, gaining 900 m at an average of 7.5%, with sections up to 9%. The first kilometer, the steepest part of the climb, is followed by several gentler kilometers that allow for recovery before a demanding final stretch.
How to approach the ride
It pays to pace the effort from the start, since the rhythm set by the first kilometer can’t be held for the full 12 km. The road, narrow in places but in good condition, cuts through wooded sections before opening onto high pastures where flocks of sheep and horses often graze.
When to go
May to October: the pass can stay closed or snowbound for much of spring, with June through September offering the safest conditions.
Good to know
A bar-restaurant at the summit is a welcome stop after the effort. Stronger riders often continue along the Cirque du Litor ridge road to the Col d’Aubisque, about 5 km further, forming one of the most complete climbs in the Pyrenees.
