French Pyrenees

France | europe

Huge cycling heritage and legendary climbs

Wild and untouched landscapes

The French Pyrenees have been lighting up the Tour de France since 1910. Trust us when we say these majestic mountains will leave an imprint on you. But before you hit these legendary routes, make sure you nail your training so a lung doesn’t get left behind.

Pack for the weather. Prepare your gear with spares. Plan your routes before you ride.

These mountains are all about climbing and descending. The tarmac is well maintained and drivers are courteous. Just watch out for livestock roaming on the roads!

Historical Lourdes

Accessing the incredible climbs is best done from Lourdes – a small market town in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

It is most famous for being a Catholic site of pilgrimage. However, cyclists flock here now. Hautacam, the Tourmalet, and Aubisque, the best the Pyrenees has to offer, is right on the doorstep of Lourdes.

Col du Tourmalet

Col du Tourmalet is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the French Pyrenees, in the department of Hautes-Pyrénées. This famous climb is not to be missed!

The statistics are scary. At 2115 m, nearly 7000 feet, this is a beast of a climb for the hardest cyclists out there. Ready to tick it off the list?

Col du tourmalet road sign - france