The Aure Valley, close to the Spanish border, offers plenty of Deux Mille col-hunting opportunities. If you like your lacs, a great place to start is Saint-Lary-Soulan.

Riding in the Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Néouvielle, up to Lac d’Aubert, will lead you up to other lakes along the way; Lac d’Orédon,Les Laquettes and Lac d’Aumar. The nearby top of Lac de Cap-de-Long is an obvious extension to your ride if you make it to Lac d’Aubert.

The climb is gentle and beautiful.