20/07/2026
It’s the climb every cyclist dreams of conquering. ⛰️🚴
Few roads in the world have the reputation of Col du Tourmalet.
From its first Tour de France appearance in 1910 to becoming the race’s most frequently visited climb in history, Tourmalet has earned its place as one of cycling’s greatest icons.
But riding it isn’t just about ticking another climb off your list.
It’s about the anticipation as you approach along the beautiful Gorge Luz, the huge views that open dramatically as you enter the ski station, the mercilessly steep final push to the summit, and the feeling of riding in the wheel tracks of so many cycling legends.
At Escape to the Pyrenees, you’re perfectly placed to experience it yourself. The Col du Tourmalet begins just 12 km from our lodge, making it an ideal base for your cycling holiday.
The classic Tourmalet loop is 97 km with around 2,100 m of climbing, and if you’re looking for an even bigger challenge, you can extend your ride to include the pretty Col d’Aspin, the wild Hourquette d’Ancizan, or the Col de Lingous.
Whether it’s your first visit to the Pyrenees or your tenth, Tourmalet is a climb that never gets old (believe us, we’ve ridden it well over 100 times).
Swipe through our Ultimate Guide to discover everything you need to know before taking it on.
Have you conquered Col du Tourmalet, or is it still on your bucket list? Share your experience in the comments.
Save this guide for your next cycling trip to the Pyrenees.
