Col de Marie-Blanque (West Side)
The Col de Marie-Blanque is a mountain pass located in the Pyrenees of southern France, straddling the departments of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Béarn. It sits at an elevation of 1,035 meters (3,396 feet) and is well-known for its steep gradients and stunning views. The pass has become famous among cycling enthusiasts, particularly because of its inclusion in the Tour de France. The Col de Marie-Blanque offers a challenging but rewarding ascent, making it a favorite for cyclists looking to tackle one of the more difficult climbs in the Pyrenees. The Col de Marie-Blanque first appeared in the Tour de France in 1978, and since then, it has featured frequently as part of the race’s Pyrenean stages. Its steep gradients, particularly from the west, often see riders struggle to maintain momentum, with many races won or lost on its slopes. Its reputation for difficulty makes it one of the more iconic, if lesser-known, climbs in the Pyrenees compared to giants like Col du Tourmalet or Col d’Aubisque, but it is just as feared by professional cyclists.
Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine
City: Escot
Distance: 9.98 km
Elevation Gain: 708 m
Elevation Loss: 33 m
Difficulty: 716 (Moderate)
FIETS Index: 5.45 FIETS
Avg Grade: 7.7 %
Max cat climb: 1
Min elevation: 332 m
Max elevation: 1040 m
Ride Category: Epic Climb