The highest point on the French Pyrenean road network at 2,115 m, the Col du Tourmalet is the most legendary climb in the Pyrenees and one of the most frequently used passes in Tour de France history. The Giant of the Tourmalet has seen the biggest names in cycling pass through since the Tour’s first ascent in 1910.
The profile from Luz-Saint-Sauveur
From Luz-Saint-Sauveur, it’s 19 km for 1,404 m of climbing, averaging 7.4% — with no real flat section across the whole ascent. The steadiness of the gradient is both the difficulty and the relative “predictability” of this climb: no sudden change of rhythm, but a long, sustained effort from start to finish.
The scenery evolves gradually: a steep-sided valley and mountain villages at the bottom, then open alpine pasture and clear views of the surrounding peaks in the second half, with Barèges as a waypoint at the midpoint.
How to approach the ride
The Tourmalet’s steadiness calls for different effort management than an irregular climb like the Galibier: here there’s no section to recover on, so there’s no benefit to starting too hard. A constant rhythm, held at a heart rate sustainable for over an hour of effort, is key to avoiding a blow-up in the final, more exposed 5 km.
As with all the great Pyrenean passes, weather can change fast at altitude: fog, wind and a temperature drop at the summit are common even on a clear day down in the valley.
When to climb it
The road is closed by snow for a large part of the year, typically opening between late May and June depending on snowfall. The ideal window runs from June to September. July–August sees the bulk of car and cyclotourist traffic; an early start is still recommended.
Good to know
Luz-Saint-Sauveur, a spa town at the foot of the climb, offers a good choice of accommodation and direct access to other major Pyrenean passes (Luz Ardiden, Col d’Aspin) to extend a multi-day stay.