The legendary Col du Tourmalet is one of the world's top roads
France, europe
34.1 km
2,115 m
extreme
Year-round
# Col du Tourmalet: France's Most Iconic Mountain Pass
Want to experience one of the world's most legendary climbs? The Col du Tourmalet sits pretty at 2,115m (6,939ft) in the Hautes-Pyrénées, tucked in the heart of the French Pyrenees. This isn't just any mountain pass—it's cycling royalty.
The fully paved D918 road stretches 34.1km (21.18 miles) from west to east, connecting Luz-Saint-Sauveur to the D935 road near Campan. Fair warning: this beast gets steep, with sections pushing 12% gradient that'll test your limits. But the payoff? Absolutely worth it.
Here's the thing that makes Tourmalet special: it's the most-used climb in Tour de France history, with over eighty crossings since 1910. Back then, it was basically a goat track between two valleys, used only by shepherds and their flocks. The first riders to tackle it? They called race organizers "murderers" for the punishment—and honestly, you'll understand their frustration once you start climbing.
At the summit, you'll find two cool monuments: a memorial to Jacques Goddet (the race boss for decades) and a statue of Octave Lapize, the first person to conquer this beast. Want a bonus adventure? A gravel road near the gift shop heads up to the spectacular Pic du Midi de Bigorre via Col de Sencours.
The views from up here are genuinely stunning—sweeping panoramas of the Pyrenees that make every grueling kilometer worth it. Whether you're a cycling fanatic or just chasing incredible mountain scenery, Tourmalet delivers the full experience.
Where is it?
The legendary Col du Tourmalet is one of the world's top roads is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.9389, 0.7118
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 34.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,115 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 45.9389, 0.7118
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