Page 343 - Lonely Planet France’s Best Trips (Travel Guide)

The Drive » After staying
overnight in Cauterets,
backtrack to Pierrefitte-Nestalas,
and turn southeast onto the
D921 for 12km to Luz-St-Saveur.
The next stretch on the D918
is another mountain stunner,
FELIX ALAIN / GETTY IMAGES ©
climbing up through Barèges
to the breathtaking Col du
Tourmalet.
TRIP HIGHLIGHT
7 Col du Tourmalet
Even in the pantheon of
Pyrenean road passes, the
Col du Tourmalet com-
mands special respect.
At 2115m, it’s the highest
road pass in the Pyrenees, PYRENEES & SOUTHWEST FRANCE 31 THE PYRENEES
and usually only opens
between June and Octo-
ber. It’s often used as a
punishing mountain stage
in the Tour de France, and
you’ll feel uncomfortably
akin to a motorised ant
as you crawl up towards
the pass.
From the ski resort
of La Mongie (1800m), a
cable car climbs to the
top of the soaring Pic du
Midi (www.picdumidi.com;
adult/child €36/23; h9am-
7pm Jun-Sep, 10am-5.30pm
Oct, Dec-Apr). This high-
altitude observatory
commands otherworldly
views – but it’s often
blanketed in cloud, so
make sure you check the
forecast before you go.
The Drive » The next stage
to Foix is a long one. Follow the
D918 and D935 to Bagnères-de-
Bigorre, then the D938 and D20
to Tournay, a drive of 40km. Just
before Tournay, head west onto
the A64 for 82km. Exit onto the
D117, signed to St-Girons. It’s
another 72km to Foix.

341