Route du Col du Tourmalet Motorcycle Ride in the Pyrenees

The Route du Col du Tourmalet is located in the Bigorre natural region within the French Pyrenees mountain range. This road crosses the Pyrenees, a prominent mountain range that forms a natural border between France and Spain. The road reaches its highest elevation at the Col du Tourmalet mountain pass, which stands at 2,115 m (6,939 ft). The route ends near the village of Barèges, a small settlement known for its mountain environment. The road also runs adjacent to the Bastan river for about one-third of its length, adding to the natural features along the way. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The Route du Col du Tourmalet extends approximately 28.4 kilometers (17.6 miles) and is classified as a mountain pass road. The road surface is asphalt with a high-quality rating of 4.5 out of 5, providing a smooth riding experience. The road is moderately twisty, with a curviness rating of 1.35 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy. Most of the road (about 87%) consists of two lanes, with a small portion (5%) being single-lane sections. The width of the road is predominantly wide (about 87%), with middle width sections making up 9%, and narrow sections only 1%. Approximately 33.8% of the route passes through inhabited areas, offering occasional glimpses of local settlements.

The defining feature of this route is the Col du Tourmalet mountain pass, one of the highest paved mountain passes in the French Pyrenees at 2,115 m (6,939 ft). The pass is well known among cyclists and motorcyclists for its challenging ascent and panoramic views. Along the route, riders will find multiple viewpoints that provide opportunities to appreciate the surrounding mountain landscape. The road also follows the course of the Bastan river for about 33% of its length, enhancing the natural appeal of the ride. More information about the Col du Tourmalet can be found on its Wikipedia page.

Riders should be aware that the Route du Col du Tourmalet is a mountain pass road, which may be subject to seasonal closures or restrictions, especially during winter months due to snow and ice. It is advisable to check local conditions before planning a trip. The road currently does not have any tolls or entrance fees, but toll policies can change, so riders should verify the latest information through official French road authorities. For general information on road tolls in France, the official government website provides updates and details.

For those interested in exploring the Route du Col du Tourmalet, an interactive map is available at the end of this article to assist with navigation and planning. Further details about the Pyrenees mountain range can be found on the Wikipedia page for the Pyrenees. The Bigorre region is also documented on its French Wikipedia page. Additionally, information about the Bastan river is accessible via its Wikipedia entry.