The Pic du Midi de Bigorre is an emblematic summit of the Pyrenees and is one of the must-see sites on your camping holiday. At an altitude of almost 3000 metres, the view embraces the Pyrenees chain and 300 km of Pyrenean summits in a single glance. It's magical!
The cable car
From La Mongie station, in the commune of Bagnères-de-Bigorre, the Pic du Midi cable car takes you up to the high mountains, at an altitude of 2877 metres, in 15 minutes. A short trip in the air that leaves you plenty of time to admire the landscape! Another option: make the ascent on foot from La Mongie.
The panoramic terraces
On arrival at the summit, head for the panoramic terraces, a 750 m2 belvedere perched at an altitude of 2,877 metres, where a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees awaits you: 300 km of summits in the Franco-Spanish massif! The air is extraordinarily pure, so take advantage of it to fill up on oxygen!
The campsite's advice: it is recommended that you dress with the high altitude in mind (warm clothes, even in summer). Don't forget your sunglasses and a tube of sun cream index 50 or 50+. The sun's rays are three times greater than those of the sea!
The Pic du Midi footbridge
The highlight of your visit to the Pic du Midi is the "pontoon in the sky"! This is a suspended footbridge that extends over a sea of clouds, 12 metres long! Part of the footbridge is glazed, with almost 1,000 metres of void under your feet. Visitors are guaranteed a great thrill!
The observatory, the highest and oldest in Europe
Since 1881, a world-renowned astronomical and meteorological observatory has stood at the summit of the Peak. It allows you to observe the planets of the solar system and to take atmospheric measurements. Do not hesitate to visit the museum-planetarium dedicated to astronomy and the history of the Pic du Midi.
For more information: www.picdumidi.com
The Col du Tourmalet, mythical passage of the Tour de France
The Col du Tourmalet owes its fame to the Tour de France. It is the most climbed pass of the Grande Boucle, so feared by the best climbers since 1910, with a difference in altitude of 1,268 m! It is also the highest road pass in the French Pyrenees. The road that crosses it rises to an altitude of 2,115 m, between the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and the Néouvielle massif. The Giant of the Pyrenees, as it is known, connects the resort of La Mongie on one side and Barèges on the other.
How to climb the Col du Tourmalet by bike? There are two possibilities for brave cyclists: 18 km by bike from Luz Saint Sauveur (a few pedal strokes from the Hounta campsite!) or 23 km from Campan. A professional cyclist climbs the Tourmalet in less than an hour on average. A good amateur can achieve the feat in about 2 hours.
The largest ski area in the French Pyrenees
At the foot of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, between 1,400 and 2,500 metres above sea level, the Grand Tourmalet ski area (Barèges-La Mongie) is the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees, with 100 kilometres of pistes to discover in a hurry! The summit of the Pic du Midi and the surrounding slopes are accessible by free skiing (for experienced skiers!). It is also the leading freeride spot in the Pyrenees, with a vertical drop of 1,700 m and 10 km of spectacular descents.
