Col du Tourmalet (2 115m)
The legendary Pyrenean mountain pass
Altitude
2,115 metres
Opening status
Open in summer, closed in winter
Distance
18.9 km via Luz / 17 km via Campan
Activities
Road cycling, hiking and mountain biking
The Tourmalet
Not to be missed !
Ready for a challenge worthy of your ambitions? The Col du Tourmalet, at 2,115 metres above sea level, marks the highest point of your adventure in the Pyrenees. A historic and legendary mountain pass for cyclists, it also lies at the heart of the Grand Tourmalet ski area.
From the start of the winter season, this iconic road transforms into snow-covered slopes linking the valleys of Luz and Bagnères. In summer, it becomes accessible by car, from the valley or on foot, offering a hike facing the Pic du Midi de Bigorre.
Why is the Col du Tourmalet a world legend ?
The pioneer of high-mountain cycling
If the Col du Tourmalet inspires millions of cycling fans around the world, it’s not only because of its 2,115-metre altitude. It’s because it is the setting of a heroic history that helped shape the legend of the sport.
- Octave Lapize’s famous outburst: In 1910, after becoming the first rider to cross a high mountain pass in the Tour de France, he famously shouted “You are murderers!” at the organisers. Today, a statue known as Le Géant commemorates this legendary moment, when the road was little more than a rough stone track.
- A spectacular natural setting: Dominated by the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the pass offers breathtaking panoramic views, making it one of the most visited sites in the Pyrenees during summer.
- A unique dual identity: A cycling icon from June to October, it becomes a key part of the Grand Tourmalet ski area (linking La Mongie and Barèges) as soon as snow covers its slopes.
Did you know? The name “Tourmalet” literally means “bad detour” in Old Gascon—a name that hints at the difficulty of the ascent long before tourism arrived.
How to access the Col du Tourmalet?
Two access roads, one legendary pass
The Col du Tourmalet is more than just a mountain pass; it’s a gateway between two sides of the Pyrenees.
Whether you’re a cyclist, hiker, or visitor, the journey starts with a choice: from the east (Bagnères-de-Bigorre and Campan) or from the west (Luz-Saint-Sauveur).
Via Bagnères-de-Bigorre and Campan
Via Luz-Saint-Sauveur
💡Tip:
Please note this is a shared road. Whether you’re driving or cycling, stay alert: flocks of sheep, cows, and even llamas are part of the landscape here. They feel right at home and may wander onto the road to enjoy the view—or simply take a nap in the sun.
An experience to enjoy all year round
Four seasons, one pass
Whether you’re a cyclist looking for a challenge, a keen hiker, a skier chasing thrills, or a traveller exploring the Pyrenean passes, the Col du Tourmalet offers a unique experience in every season.
Steeped in Tour de France legend and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, it is a must-visit destination in the Pyrenees.
Discover your favourite version of the pass through the seasons 👇
This is when the Tourmalet is at its best.
Under bright sunshine, the pass comes alive with thousands of cyclists and hikers. The air is crisp and pure, marmots whistle in the distance as you make your way along the trails, and the Pic du Midi stands out against a deep blue sky.
It’s the perfect time to ride to the summit, enjoy a picnic facing the peaks, or set off on the climb to Lac d'Oncet. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with a real sense of shared effort and achievement.
Apartments & Gîtes
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Grand Tourmalet
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2-15 pers.
From
€50/night
Hotels & Resorts
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Grand Tourmalet
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2-15 pers.
From
€99/night
Campsites
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Grand Tourmalet
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2-15 pers.
From
€55/night
Guesthouses
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Grand Tourmalet
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2-15 pers.
From
€55/night
The Col du Tourmalet, a hiker’s paradise
While the Col du Tourmalet is a legendary challenge for cyclists, it is also an exceptional playground for hikers.
Gateway to some of the finest hikes
Gateway to the Néouvielle Nature Reserve and a crossing point on the GR10, the Tourmalet offers breathtaking scenery, varied trails, and direct access to major Pyrenean routes. It provides a unique immersion in high-mountain landscapes.
Whether you enjoy scenic walks, long-distance treks, or simply a beautiful hike with panoramic views, the Tourmalet is a must-visit destination to experience nature at its own pace.
🥾 From Barèges
La montée progressive avec vues panoramiques !
Ce sentier suit une montée progressive à travers des alpages et pâturages, où vous croiserez peut-être des troupeaux de brebis en estive. La vue sur la vallée et le Pic du Midi se dévoile progressivement, offrant un panorama grandiose sur les Pyrénées.
Sentier de randonnée facile et accessible
🗺️Point départ : depuis le village de Barèges
👀 Au retour, détendez-vous aux thermes du village...
A steady climb with panoramic views This trail follows a gradual ascent through alpine meadows and pastures, where you may spot flocks of sheep during the summer grazing season. Views over the valley and the Pic du Midi gradually open up, offering a stunning panorama of the Pyrenees.
An easy and accessible hiking route
🗺️ Starting point: Barèges village
👀 On the way back, relax in the village thermal baths…
🥾 From La Mongie
A shorter but more demanding ascent
Although shorter, this route is steeper and requires sustained effort. It offers impressive views over the Campan valley and quick access to the summit of the Tourmalet.
🗺️ Starting point: La Mongie village
👀 For sunset, take the cable car up to the Pic du Midi…
💡 Tip:
The Col du Tourmalet rises to 2,115 metres. At this altitude, the mountain sets its own rules. To make sure your ascent remains enjoyable, keep these essential guidelines in mind:
- Equipment: Your feet are your engine. Leave city trainers behind. Hiking boots with a grippy sole (Vibram-type) are essential to avoid slipping on shale or wet grass sections.
- Respect for pastoral life: You are crossing summer grazing areas. Stay on marked trails, do not feed the animals, and keep your distance from the herds (and the Pyrenean sheepdogs that protect them).
Cycling up to the Col du Tourmalet
An iconic mountain pass between Barèges and La Mongie
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for (and perhaps dreading) for months. Ahead of you, the switchbacks rise towards the sky, winding between the giants of Barèges and La Mongie.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist chasing a personal best or a newcomer looking to tackle your first legendary climb on an e-bike, reaching the top means stepping into cycling history.
For the full ascent by bike (profiles, GPX files, tips), check out our complete guide: “Cycling the Col du Tourmalet”.
Can you spend a night at the Col du Tourmalet ?
Sleeping at the summit
While there is no accommodation directly on the pass, there are several options for those looking to enjoy a unique stay close to the snow-capped peaks.
We strongly recommend heading up to the pass to watch the sunset! The most convenient option is to find accommodation nearby. Here are a few links to help you plan your stay:
Apartments & Gîtes
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Grand Tourmalet
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2-15 pers.
From
€50/nightHotels & Resorts
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Grand Tourmalet
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2-15 pers.
From
€99/nightCampsites
•
Grand Tourmalet
•
2-15 pers.
From
€55/nightGuesthouses
•
Grand Tourmalet
•
2-15 pers.
From
€55/night
The Col du Tourmalet, at 2,115 metres above sea level, is far from light pollution and an ideal spot for observing the Milky Way. Clear winter skies offer exceptional visibility for astronomy enthusiasts and night photography lovers.
💡 Best time for the experience: a cold, dry night with little or no moonlight for an unforgettable celestial show.
For the ultimate stargazing experience, head to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre — the leading astronomical observation site in the Pyrenees.
Col du Tourmalet FAQs
We’re here to help !
The Col du Tourmalet is located in the Hautes-Pyrénées, in the heart of the Pyrenees. It is easily accessible from several major cities in southwest France: around 3.5 hours from Bordeaux, 2.5 hours from Toulouse, 2 hours from Pau, and just 1 hour from Tarbes and 45 minutes from Lourdes.
This iconic mountain pass connects the Vallée de Campan with Luz-Saint-Sauveur, offering a spectacular crossing between both sides of the range.
June to October: ideal for cycling and hiking
December to April: access is limited to skiers and snowshoe walkers
The climate is typical of high mountains: cool temperatures even in summer and heavy snowfall in winter.
Always check the weather forecast before heading up.
Check the Col du Tourmalet weather forecast.
The Col du Tourmalet road is closed in winter due to snow and weather conditions.
It usually reopens around May, depending on snow levels.
During the ski season, the ascent from the La Mongie side, part of the Grand Tourmalet ski area, remains open up to the resort.
To check real-time road conditions, we recommend using a traffic app such as InfoRoute65 (available on mobile), which provides updates on road status, closures, and restrictions. You can also consult the latest access maps from the resorts.
Find all the information you need to climb the Tourmalet by bike.
Col du Tourmalet reviewa
The most beautiful mountain pass in the Pyrenees
“We give it 5 stars for its legendary status. We went up out of curiosity, as it is a legendary mountain pass.”
Alex
“A very beautiful pass with stunning views.”
Florent
“We drove up to the pass and then continued on foot towards the Pic du Midi. Parking was easy and free. The scenery is breathtaking, with sheep and alpacas roaming freely.”
Gabin
“Breathtaking views, beautiful roads both on the way up and down, and a charming café at the summit of the Col du Tourmalet.”
Beñat
“Ideal for motorcyclists and cyclists. Incredible views and a good coffee stop.”
Andrea
“A superb viewpoint, quite busy, but absolutely beautiful. The free-roaming animals really add to the charm of the place.”
Sandra
“A lovely viewpoint in harmony with nature, with animals roaming freely — llamas, horses, goats, and cows.”
Alain