The Plateau de Beille, in the Ariège, is one of the most consistent and demanding hors catégorie climbs in the Pyrenees, with barely a flat stretch to recover on across nearly 16 km of forest and alpine pasture.
The profile from Les Cabannes
From Les Cabannes, expect about 15.6 km and 1,332 m of climbing, averaging a remarkably steady 8% throughout, with sections reaching up to 10.8%. The summit, at 1,788 m, arrives at the plateau’s ski resort, set up for cross-country skiing.
Getting the ride right
The near-total absence of a flat section calls for careful pacing from the first kilometres — better to start cautiously than pay dearly for going out too hard. A compact or triple chainset is strongly recommended to hold the steady gradient all the way to the top.
When to go
June to September, as the road is closed off-season due to the altitude and snow cover. The first twelve kilometres, shaded by forest, offer a welcome break before the landscape opens onto alpine pasture for the final kilometres.
Good to know
Les Cabannes, a small village at the foot of the climb, has limited accommodation but convenient access to Tarascon-sur-Ariège for a longer stay, with other Ariège climbs nearby such as the Port de Lers.
