Join Our Newsletter. This Pyrenean town in the heart of the Grand Tourmalet area has a wealth of amenities and a large selection of restaurants and bars. It is located 25km from the ski resort of la Mongie and 20km from Payolle Nordic Ski area. It also lies at the foot of the Pic du Midi, with its perilously perched observatory, and the legendary cols of the Aspin and Tourmalet, while the pilgrimage town of Lourdes is but a short and scenic drive away.
The Romans were responsible for building the first spa in the town when they discovered hot water running down the slopes of Mount Olivet and it was the first spa built in the Department.
Some visitors a year go to the baths! The 19th century also saw the arrival of the railway which allowed the town to prosper further. Within the town itself you will find the Church of St. Vincent, the Jacobins Tower, the former Church of St. John and the House of Uzer - all of which are listed or protected historical sites. Most of these sights date back to the medieval period, along with the remnants of the walls that used to surround the town.
The nearby Grand Tourmalet and Campan Payolle areas offer fantastic hiking possibilities with your challenging trails and rewarding vistas of mountain lakes and Pyrenean peaks. Situated at the base of some of the iconic climbs of this great cycle race, the town makes an excellent place to pit yourself against such challenges as the mighty and mystical Col du Tourmalet and the beautiful gladed climb of the Col d'Aspin.
As if further testament was required of what a great location this is for cycling and sporting holidays, the late great Tour de France champion, Laurent Fignon, used to own a hotel in the town. Every June there is a procession of cyclists as they follow the 'Giant' up the steep mountain road to his rightful and proud position atop the notorious Col du Tourmalet.
