France·2026

Pau

Pau is a climbing cyclist's haven, perched on the edge of the Pyrenees with immediate access to the Tourmalet and Col d'Aspin—the Tour du Béarn 200km race circles these legendary passes, gaining over 3000m of elevation. Runners find rolling terrain through Pau's elevated position (200m) and the circuit races like Les 3 Heures du Soubestre in nearby Montardon offer trail and fell options, though the flatter Gave de Pau riverbank provides easier recovery runs. The Pau–Bilbao bikepacking route connects to Spain's Basque Country, making this a natural hub for multi-day mountain cycling expeditions.