Satellite map of Col du Tourmalet

Occitania · France

Col du Tourmalet

D918Luz-Saint-Sauveur to Barèges

Distance11.8 mi19 km
Drive time25 minon the road
DifficultyDemandingtightness 6 of 10
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The Pyrenees' most storied Tour de France climb.

The D918 over the Col du Tourmalet at 2,115 m is the most-climbed summit in Tour de France history, a long, exposed ascent through the high Pyrenees between Luz-Saint-Sauveur and the Col. Steady and spectacular; expect cyclists in numbers, livestock on the open upper slopes, and winter closure.

The most-climbed col in Tour de France history. Long, exposed, and utterly iconic.

Why we picked it

Scenery

Mountain

Best seasons

SummerAutumn

In these collections

Where it runs11.8 mi · point to point

Luz-Saint-SauveurStart · Occitania
BarègesEnd · Occitania

Character

Corners42bends
Tightness6of 10
Max gradient10%≈ 1-in-10
Hairpins12tight bends
Climb1,381 mtotal ascent
Summit2,110.4 mhighest point of the line · 6,924 ft

Corners

busiest around mile 4
369 mi

Elevation

under 4%4–8%over 8%729.8 – 2,110.4 m
summit · 2,110.4 m 1,0001,5002,000 m 0612 mi

Points of interest1 stop

  • Le GéantLandmark
    12 mi in

Hazards

  • Cyclists in large numbers
  • Livestock on the open slopes
  • Closed in winter

Sources

Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked

Driving the Col du Tourmalet: quick answers

How long does it take to drive the Col du Tourmalet?
Col du Tourmalet runs 11.8 miles (19 km) and takes about 25 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Col du Tourmalet to drive?
We rate it demanding: 42 corners including 12 hairpins, a maximum gradient of 10%, and a tightness of 6 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Col du Tourmalet?
Summer and Autumn are best. The road closes seasonally over winter; check it has reopened before setting out.

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