Tourmalet - Pic du Midi

Towering peaks, vertiginous mountain roads, hilltop villages, idyllic rural landscapes, vast lakes, dense forests, elegant cityscapes... Welcome to a theatre of ever-changing sets. And of delightful contrasts, from the exultation of the lofty peaks to the serenity of the lakes and valleys, from the briskness of the pure mountain air to the tender warmth of the thermal springwaters.

The Pic du Midi, crowned by its observatory, lords over this realm, boasting the most splendid views of the Pyrenees. Around it winds the Tourmalet, the highest mountain pass in the Pyrenees, attracting cyclists from the world over.

The resort of Barèges clings to the mountain's western slope, home to the highest-altitude thermal baths in France! On the mountain's Eastern slope stretches the Pyrenees' very own Arcadia, that mythical pastoral land of harmony and happiness.

Its mellow green valleys are stippled with traditional barns and flocks of sheep. You can hear cowbells tinkling in the distance. The smell of freshly-cut grass hangs in the air. Men are busy out on the slopes, tending their plots by hand because the land's too steep for machines. After the day's excursion, head back down to the affluent city of Bagnères-de-Bigorre to laze around on the terrace overlooking the "Coustous" (main boulevard); and treat yourself to a revitalizing stint at the superb thermal Spa of Aquensis.

You’re going to love:

• An aerial journey on board the cable car up to the summit of Pic du Midi, and the thrilling, unprecedented experience of the all-new ‘Pontoon in the Sky’.
• Wandering around the covered markets of Bagnères-de-Bigorre, on a Saturday market morning.
• Roaming the pastoral meadows of Lesponne Valley, of the Lienz Plateau, of Payolle Lake...
• Relaxing in the nurturing waters of Aquensis and Cieléo spa centres.