Octave Lapize was the first cyclist to summit the pass during a Tour de France stage in 1910, famously calling the race organizers 'assassins' for the climb's difficulty.
The name 'Tourmalet' is often jokingly translated from Gascon as 'bad detour' or 'distant mountain'.
A giant 3-meter tall iron sculpture known as 'The Giant of the Tourmalet' is installed at the summit every year to celebrate the race.
The mountain pass is part of the Route des Cols, a famous scenic road trip through the Pyrenees.
During the winter months, the road is closed to vehicles and becomes part of the Grand Tourmalet ski area.
Col du Tourmalet is the highest road pass in the French Pyrenees, reaching an elevation of 2,115 meters. It serves as a legendary climb in the Tour de France, having featured in the race more than 80 times since its inclusion in 1910. The pass connects the towns of Luz-Saint-Sauveur to the west and Campan to the east. At the summit, a bronze statue of a cyclist commemorates the race's history and the spirit of the mountain. The area is dominated by high-altitude alpine meadows and craggy mountain peaks. Snow remains common at the summit well into late spring, which dictates the road's accessibility. Visitors can observe the Pic du Midi de Bigorre observatory from the pass. The route is a focal point for road cyclists testing their endurance against the steep gradients.
Beside the bronze 'Giant of the Tourmalet' statue at the summit marker.
Bring multiple layers of clothing, as temperatures at the summit can be significantly lower than in the valley regardless of the season.
Check local road status reports before departing, as sudden weather changes can trigger temporary closures.
If driving, use low gears on the descent to prevent overheating your brakes.
Attempting the climb in a heavy vehicle or caravan, which can struggle with the tight, steep hairpin turns.
The pass is typically closed to vehicle traffic from late autumn through late spring due to snow accumulation.
Respect cyclists by providing a wide berth when passing; keep noise levels low to protect mountain wildlife.
