The Great Route of the Pyrenees by road bike

The Great Pyrenees Road Route links the major mountain passes of the Navarrese Pyrenees and their connections to the northern slopes of France. The route can be started from any point and, from east to west, connects the Belagua Pass, the St. Engrace Pass, and Larrau in the French Pyrenees, the site of many battles in the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. After traversing these formidable climbs, the route descends into the Salazar Valley before climbing the road towards the Abaurreas. From there, it descends into the Aezkoa Valley, passing by the Orbaizeta Arms Factory, and then ascends the Azpegi Pass again towards the French side. After a steep descent, the route reaches the town of Valcarlos and climbs back up the Ibañeta pass, followed by a series of descents and ascents towards the Urkiaga pass, heading for the Esteribar valley. From here, the route follows the roads along the southern slopes of the Navarrese Pyrenees. Beginning with the ascent to the Erro pass, it crosses the Erro valley on secluded roads before entering the less-traveled roads of the Arce valley. At this point, it revisits the Aezkoa valley and the Abaurreas road. This grand route concludes by crossing the Navascues mountain range via the Coronas pass and returning to the Roncal valley.