If I had a dollar every time I have heard Phil Ligget talking about "the round-shouldered Pyrenees".

The assumption is always that the Alps are "easier", despite the fact that the alpine scenery looks so much more dramatic, none more so than the Col d'Iozard.



I think what it is is that the Alps have better-paved, better-maintained roads, that are not as steep. While the Pyrenees roads are older roads, not as well-maintained or designed, with inconsistent grades and very steep sections.