Plizio Visual Lab
Col du Tourmalet
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
Col du Tourmalet, standing at an elevation of 2,115 meters, is one of the most famous and highest paved mountain passes in the French Pyrenees. It connects the Campan valley with the Barèges valley within the Hautes-Pyrénées department. Geographically, the pass is situated at the base of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, which hosts a world-renowned astronomical observatory. The history of the pass is inextricably linked to professional cycling; in 1910, it became the first high-altitude pass included in the Tour de France at the urging of Alphonse Steinès. Octave Lapize was the first rider to reach the summit, famously shouting 'assassins' at the organizers due to the grueling nature of the climb. Beyond sports, Tourmalet is a vital tourist artery in summer and provides access to Grand Tourmalet, the largest ski resort in the French Pyrenees. During winter, the pass is closed to vehicular traffic due to heavy snowfall.
- Location: Occitanie, France
- Top sights: Observatoire du Pic du Midi de Bigorre · Col du Tourmalet · Pic de Pène Blanque
- Nearby: Bagnères-de-Bigorre (18 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 87 | 69 | 75 | 86 | 93 | 65 | 52 | 52 | 56 | 70 | 93 | 74 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Visitors typically reach Col du Tourmalet via scenic mountain roads acting as primary routes. Most begin their steep ascent from nearby alpine base towns.
Best season
The best time to visit is strictly during the summer months when high passes are clear of snow. Weather changes fast, so clear mornings are convenient.
Terrain & paths
The route features steep, continuous paved ascents with numerous sharp hairpin turns. The road is well-maintained, but the elevation gain is tough.
What to bring
Tackling this requires a properly serviced vehicle or a geared road bike. All visitors need windproof clothing due to cold summit temperatures.
Parking
Official parking near the summit is extremely limited and fills rapidly in peak season. It is common to park in lower towns and travel upwards.
Safety
Extreme caution is vital on narrow, winding sections without guardrails. Sudden alpine storms and strong winds pose significant high-altitude risks.
Time needed
A continuous scenic drive usually takes several hours without major stops. Cyclists should realistically allocate a full half-day for the ascent.
Geography
Facts
- The pass elevation is 2,115 meters.
- It was first featured in the Tour de France in 1910.
- The average gradient from Luz-Saint-Sauveur is 7.5%.
- A statue of Octave Lapize stands at the summit.
- It is the most climbed pass in Tour de France history.
- The road is typically closed from November to May.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Col du Tourmalet (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is the Col du Tourmalet open?
The pass is closed in winter and usually opens from late May to late October, depending on snow conditions.
Is the pass difficult for cyclists?
Yes, it is one of the most legendary climbs of the Tour de France, with an average gradient of 7.4%.
What is the statue at the summit?
The statue 'Octave le Géant' honors Octave Lapize, the first cyclist to cross the pass in 1910.
Is there a restaurant at the pass?
Yes, at the summit of the pass, there is a bar and a souvenir shop with panoramic views.
What else can you visit nearby?
The cable car to Pic du Midi de Bigorre starts in nearby La Mongie and features an observatory.
Col du Tourmalet: where is it located?
Col du Tourmalet is located in Occitanie, France.
Col du Tourmalet: what is there to see?
Highlights include Observatoire du Pic du Midi de Bigorre, Col du Tourmalet, Pic de Pène Blanque.
Col du Tourmalet: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Col du Tourmalet: why is it worth visiting?
Col du Tourmalet, standing at an elevation of 2,115 meters, is one of the most famous and highest paved mountain passes in the French Pyrenees.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →
Nearby cities
Toulouse-Sud
The southern area of Toulouse includes residential zones and modern scientific parks.
Toulouse
Toulouse, often referred to as 'The Pink City' (La Ville Rose), owes this name to its characteristic brick buildings.
Toulouse-Centre
Toulouse-Centre forms the historic quarter of the city with red brick buildings.
Perpignan-Nord
Perpignan-Nord is an extension of the city with industrial and residential areas.
Perpignan-Sud
Perpignan-Sud is an area for housing and local infrastructure in the south.
Perpignan
Perpignan sits near Spain and blends Catalan flair with a Mediterranean climate and a lively old town.
Béziers
Béziers sits near the Mediterranean and is known for the Canal du Midi, vineyards, and its distinctive old town.
Montauban
Montauban is a southwestern French city with pink brick, wide squares, and a long trading history.
Albi
Albi is a red-brick city and UNESCO site with a powerful cathedral and a charming old town.
Bordères-sur-l'Échez
A suburb of Tarbes in the Pyrenean foothills, crossed by the Échez river.
Narbonne
Narbonne is an ancient Roman city near the coast with a cathedral, canals, and a southern Mediterranean feel.
Castres
A picturesque Occitan city famous for its colorful houses lining the Agout river and its major pharmaceutical industry.
Colomiers
A dynamic city in the Toulouse metropolitan area, the European heart of the aerospace industry.
Rodez
Rodez sits on a hill in Aveyron and combines a medieval old town with modern culture.
Onet-le-Château
A dynamic suburb of Rodez with an impressive medieval castle and a modern cultural life.
