- Highest classicTourmalet, 2,115 m
- Tour debut1910
- SeasonJun–Sep
- Best baseLuz, Argelès, Luchon
The Tour de France first crossed the high Pyrenees in 1910, and the climbs of the Hautes-Pyrénées have featured almost every year since. Thousands of amateur cyclists come each summer to test themselves on the same roads.
The legendary climbs
| Col | Summit | Classic start |
|---|---|---|
| Col du Tourmalet | 2,115 m | Luz-Saint-Sauveur or Sainte-Marie-de-Campan |
| Col d'Aubisque | 1,709 m | Laruns or Argelès-Gazost (via Soulor) |
| Col de Peyresourde | 1,569 m | Bagnères-de-Luchon or Arreau |
| Col d'Aspin | 1,489 m | Arreau or Sainte-Marie-de-Campan |
| Hautacam | ~1,520 m | Argelès-Gazost |
| Col du Portet | ~2,215 m | Saint-Lary-Soulan |
Best bases
Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Argelès-Gazost and Bagnères-de-Bigorre put the Tourmalet, Aubisque and Hautacam within reach; Luchon and Arreau suit the Peyresourde, Aspin and Port de Balès. On the Spanish side, Jaca and the Val d'Aran have quieter roads.
Tips
- High passes like the Tourmalet are usually open from late May or June to October.
- Roads are closed to cars on some days in summer for cyclists, such as the Tourmalet's car-free days; check local listings.
- Carry a windproof layer for the descents and watch for cows and sheep on the road.
- Road and e-bike hire is available in the main bases.
Stay near Cycling the Tour de France Cols
Compare prices and free-cancellation rates.
Combine with
Bagnères-de-Luchon
Elegant 'Queen of the Pyrenees': thermal baths, villas, Lac d'Oô and some of the Tour de France's greatest climbs.
Read guide →
Lourdes
One of the world's great pilgrimage sites, and a handy base for Gavarnie, Cauterets and the Pic du Midi.
Read guide →
Grand Tourmalet
La Mongie and Barèges: the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees, with the Pic du Midi above.
Read guide →Header photo: Photo: Hugo LUC, CC BY-SA 4.0
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