Port de Larrau Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Port de Larrau
Orhi from the Port de Larrau. A sign with the name and elevation of the pass is visible in the centre-left.
Elevation	1,578 m (5,177 ft)
Traversed by	D26/NA2100
Location	Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France Navarre, Spain
Range	Pyrenees
Coordinates	42°58′26″N 0°59′38″W / 42.97389°N 0.99389°W / 42.97389; -0.99389
Port de Larrau Location in Pyrenees

The Port de Larrau (also known as Puerto de Larrau) is a mountain pass. It sits high up in the Pyrenees mountains. This pass is right on the border between France and Spain.

It connects the area of Pyrénées-Atlantiques in France with Navarre in Spain. The highest point of the pass is about 1,578 m (5,177 ft) above sea level. Near the pass is the Pic d’Orhi mountain, which is 2,017 m (6,617 ft) tall. This makes it the most western mountain over 2000 meters in the Pyrenees. In the Basque language, people call this pass Uthurzehetako Lepoua.

Climbing the Port de Larrau
- From the French Side
- From the Spanish Side
Port de Larrau in the Tour de France
- Tour de France Appearances
See also

Climbing the Port de Larrau

A mountain pass is like a low point between two mountains. It allows people to travel from one side to the other. To reach the Port de Larrau, you have to climb up a long road.

From the French Side

If you start from Auberge de Laugibar in France, the climb is about 15.3 km (9.5 mi) long. You will go up 1,205 m (3,953 ft) in height. This is a very steep climb, averaging 7.9%. Some parts are even steeper, going up more than 10%. The steepest part is near the top, with a 13% slope. On this route, you will also cross another pass called Col d’Erroymendi, which is 1,362 m (4,469 ft) high.

From the Spanish Side

Starting from Ochagavía in Spain, the climb to Puerto de Larrau is 19.3 km (12.0 mi) long. You will climb about 815 m (2,674 ft) in height. This side is not as steep as the French side, averaging 4.2%. The steepest part is 8%. Near the top, there is a tunnel about 100 meters long.

Port de Larrau in the Tour de France

The Port de Larrau is famous because it has been part of the Tour de France. The Tour de France is a very well-known bicycle race that happens every year in France. It is one of the hardest races in the world.

The pass first appeared in the Tour de France in 1996. It was the last big climb for the famous cyclist Miguel Indurain, who had won the race five times. He had a tough time on this climb.

In the 2007 Tour de France, the climb from the Spanish side was used. This was during Stage 16, a long 218.5 km (135.8 mi) ride. Many people thought this was one of the hardest climbs in that year's race. It was very long and steep, similar to the Col de Menté.