Road · Spain
Cycling in L'Escala
Riding from L'Escala means flat coastal plain roads north through the Empordà before a 3 km climb to the 344 m Col de Banyuls and a crossing into France.
The ride in L'Escala
Cycling guide to L'Escala
L'Escala sits at the start of a 91.5 km point-to-point route that runs north across the Empordà plain and over the border into France. The opening stretch is low and level, passing Sant Martí d'Empúries, l'Armentera and Saldet before Sant Pere Pescador, Castelló d'Empúries and Empuriabrava. From there the road turns inland through Palau-saverdera, Pau, Vilajuïga and Garriguella, gaining height gradually towards Rabós and Espolla. The climbing is concentrated in the second half. Beyond Espolla and els Vilars the Col de Banyuls rises for 3 km at 4.3%, topping out at 344 m, the high point of the ride and the crossing into France. The descent leads to Banyuls-sur-Mer, then the coast road continues through Cosprons, Port-Vendres and Collioure to Le Racou and the finish at Argelès-sur-Mer, with Argelès Village and Argelès-Plage close by. Total elevation gain is 774 m over the full distance.
- The route has been recorded in September, with temperatures around 23°C - warm enough for the flat opening section and comfortable for the climb to the col.
- The first 50 km are flat to gently rolling across the Empordà plain, with almost all the height gain saved for the Col de Banyuls: 3 km averaging 4.3% with a maximum of 7.9%, cresting at 344 m. Beyond the col the route drops to the coast and undulates between Banyuls-sur-Mer, Port-Vendres and Collioure.
