Superbagneres: the road continually snakes its way up ahead

# Superbagnères: A Mountain Climb Worth the Drive

Nestled in the Haute-Garonne department of southern France, Superbagnères sits pretty at 1,804 meters (5,918 feet) above sea level in the Midi-Pyrénées region. It's a ski station that's become legendary among cycling enthusiasts and road trip lovers alike.

The journey up via the D46 is nothing short of spectacular. Starting from the charming town of Bagnères de Luchon, you've got an 18.5-kilometer (11.49-mile) climb ahead of you, gaining 1,170 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 6.3%. Fair warning though: there are some punchy stretches that hit over 12.5%, so you'll definitely feel this one in your legs—whether you're cycling or driving. The good news? The road is beautifully maintained with smooth asphalt throughout.

This route has made its mark on cycling history, having hosted several Tour de France mountain finishes. These days, a weight restriction on a bridge further up the valley means the Tour can't quite include it in the official route anymore, but that doesn't diminish its prestige.

What really makes this drive special is the scenery. Wind your way around the massif as the landscape constantly shifts around you, with the towering Pyrenees closing in from all sides. Once you reach the summit, you're treated to a jaw-dropping 360-degree panorama. On a clear day, you'll be surrounded by no fewer than fifteen snow-capped peaks above 3,000 meters. It's absolutely breathtaking.