Col du Tourmalet

The Col du Tourmalet definitely deserves an entry in our “best climbs” chart. At 2115 m it is the highest pass in the French Pyrenees and has made several appearances at the Tour de France.
The western ascent is perhaps the most popular route and definitely an ideal starting point for a holiday in the Pyrenees. From here you can access many more legendary Tour de France climbs such as the Col d’Aubisque or Luz Ardiden.

The actual starting point of the western climb is debatable since the valley of Argelès-Gazost raises steadily. “The real action” however begins in Luz-Saint-Sauveur; From here another 19 km with an average gradient of 7.4% separate you from the summit. The maximum gradient of 10.2% is not extreme, but the length of the climb and the adverse weather conditions in the last third will make the climb a real challenge. If you need some rest in between, there’s a small French restaurant after 14.4 km where you can replenish your energy; the restaurant also marks the beginning of the best part of the climb which offers some breathtaking views. The barren stony landscape in the last section is often paired with tougher weather conditions than in the first part — be prepared.

After the last switchback the view opens up to the summit and you can already see the famous statue of Octave Lapize — winner of the 1910 Tour de France. Whilst climbing the Tourmalet he cursed at race control using the words “Vous êtes des assassins! Oui, des assassins!” which means “you are murderers, yes murderers”. You might even own a baselayer from London-based cult brand with these words printed on it.

Col du Tourmalet: 2115 m
Length of ascent: 19 km
Meters in height: 1404 m
Ascent (average): 7.4%
Ascent (max): 10.2%
Strava Segment: strava.com
Strava KOM: 54:52 min
Strava QOM: 1:14:04 h