Tourmalet Pass, Ardiden hairpin bends Spectacular Pyrenees

Gravis: the legendary routes

Luz-Saint-Sauveur is a veritable base camp for all lovers of exceptional roads. Here, every bend tells a story, every hairpin bend offers a magnificent view and every climb becomes an unforgettable memory: the Col du Tourmalet, the climb to Luz Ardiden, the Col des Tentes…

FOLLOW THE RIGHT CURVE Legendary roads

Conquer the Tourmalet

Starting from Km 0 in the heart of the village of Luz-Saint-Sauveur, set off to climb the most iconic mountain pass in the Pyrenees on a 19-kilometre ascent.

It links the Luz valley with the Campan valley against a spectacular high-mountain backdrop. A legendary route for cyclists, it features regularly on the Tour de France route, thanks to which it has forged its legendary status.

GET STARTED IN LUZ-SAINT-SAUVEUR

Pop into the village

Find the ‘km 0’ marker at the Col du Tourmalet (the starting point of the 19-km climb). Take a look at the permanent exhibition on the history of the Tour de France and the legendary climbs in the surrounding area. Make use of the self-service bike wash behind the Tourist Office. Look out for the Altamonta label, which guarantees a warm welcome for you and your bike (accommodation and services carrying the label).

Take a closer look at the footprints of cycling’s greats on the Promenade des Célébrités: Phil Anderson, Christophe Agnolutto, Hubert Arbes, Jon Sæveras Breivold, Éric Caritoux, Jean-Pierre Danguillaume, Gilbert Duclo-Lassalle, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Induráin, Laurent Jalabert, Marty Jemison, Bernard Thevenet, Pierre Rolland, Thomas Voeckler…

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YOU KNOW THE STORY BETWEEN THE TOUR AND LUZ?

Every summer, the village comes alive to the rhythm of the Tour! Nestled at the foot of the iconic Tourmalet and Luz Ardiden mountain passes, Luz is regularly one of the highlight stages of this legendary race. The sight of the cyclists passing through, the buzz in the streets, the cheers from spectators who’ve come from all over Europe… it’s something you simply must experience at least once in your lifetime!

The first ascent of the Tourmalet

Octave Lapize was the first cyclist to cross the Col du Tourmalet in the lead during the 1910 Tour de France. Take a moment to admire the sculpture of ‘The Giant’, erected in his honour at the top of the pass.

The Legend of Eugène Christophe

The Col du Tourmalet owes part of its fame to Eugène Christophe, who, after crossing the pass at the head of the Tour, broke his fork on the descent, walked down to Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, where he repaired it himself in a smithy.

Tourmalet House

Discover the immersive story of the Tour de France’s most famous mountain pass, narrated by Christian Prudhomme himself, along with interviews with several champions.

Open daily from 28 May 26 to 1 November 26 (and on Thursdays during the winter holidays, with access by ski or snowshoes only).

3 STUNNING ROUTES TO GET YOU GOING

You’ll also be charmed by some of the lesser-known climbs, such as those at Luz Ardiden, the Cirque de Troumouse and the Col des Tentes – the finish line for the 2026 Tour de France. Less crowded during the summer months, they offer cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists the chance to enjoy technical hairpin bends and spectacular panoramic views, surrounded by unspoilt nature!