Are you going to the Pyrenees? Around the Pic du Midi, discover an exceptional natural space and the best outdoor activities to do in Grand Tourmalet!
Under the Grand Tourmalet banner, we find a territory encompassing Bagnères-de-Bigorre, the Campan and Barèges valley. This preserved natural space counts well-known sites like Pic du Midi or Payolle Lake.
La Mongie, the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees , is also part of it. Tourist infrastructures allow you to immerse yourself in the landscapes of the Hautes-Pyrénées summer and winter. Now discover the list of outdoor activities to do in Grand Tourmalet!
Summer
Hiking
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Maxime
Depending on your level, you can choose from the many itineraries that the domain has. Begin by the Blessed Virgin, an easy walk that will offer you a beautiful viewpoint on Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Then take altitude to reach the different lakes. Aygue-Rouye, Monttarouye, Peyrelade or Blue Lake, a true jewel of the Pyrenees.
You will evolve into a rustic landscape, sometimes crossing shepherds and their flocks, sometimes wild animals. Keep your eye open, you may have the chance to spot a beard or a beard gypsy, Europe’s greatest raptor. Finish with the Montaigu peak at 2339 metres.
If you still have energy, take the climb of the Pic du Midi... Otherwise, the cable car is there for you!
ATV
Photo credit: Facebook – Grand Tourmalet
Getting an ATV is an outdoor activity to be done at the Tourmalet, which is self-imposed. The vastness of the territory makes it possible to ride several days without taking the same path twice! Itineraries in plains to discover the villages where passages on creets, there are for all tastes.
On these paths in the middle of nature, the only traces of life you will encounter will be the shepherds' huts. For downhill lovers, the Barèges Bike Park has a lot of trails to work on its technique or just get out.
Via ferrata
Photo credit: Facebook – Vertige de l’Adour
For an outdoor activity to do in Grand Tourmalet accessible to all, direction the Vertige de l’Adour. It is a beautiful via ferrata, affordable at all levels and all ages await you along the stream.
Accompanied by a guide and in a small group, you will chain bridges over the void, descents recall and monkey bridges . Three Tyrolean men follow the course, for a vacuum crossing at all speeds and a good dose of adrenaline!
Travel
Photo credit: Facebook – Artahe
Take part in a roaming hike as part of a true mulete caravan. One total disconnection awaits you during this journey through the mountains.
All necessary equipment is transported by summaries: tents tipis, local products for the preparation of meals, personal affairs... You only have to follow the movement, empty your mind and enjoy nature. You go on the footsteps of old explorers, looking for gold, furs or simply for adventure...
Canyoning
Photo credit: Facebook – Vertige de l’Adour
As with ski slopes, canyon descents are classified from green to black. The advantage here is that the diversity of landscapes offers all possibilities. A good outdoor activity to do in Grand Tourmalet for beginners or adrenaline addicts!
The guides will advise you to choose the most suitable descent for sportsmen or a family who wish to learn. Monkey bridges, recall descents, natural slides... What a nice day!
Spéléologie
Photo credit: Facebook – Pyrenees-Otherwise speleology and canyoning
To discover the Pyrenees otherwise, why not sink under ground? The region has many caves that it is possible to explore with a guide. To discover the speleo, the Red Devil cave near Bagnères is perfect. You follow the course of an underground river and must sometimes descend the cascades as a reminder.
Tunnels are large, no need to crawl into narrow casings. Ideal for an initiation session! For the bravest, it is possible to go for a weekend of exploration, with bivouac inside the gouffre.
Cycling
Photo credit: Shutterstock – TatkaZ
Pedal in the footsteps of the great champions by climbing the pass of the Tourmalet, one of the most mythical of the Grande Boucle. With slopes more than 10% and 20 kilometers of coastline, it is a real challenge that awaits you.
But once you reach the top, the reward will be at the height of your efforts. At 2,115 metres above sea level, you will have a magnificent view of the High Adour and Barèges valleys. After conquering this legend, continue to explore the region, a great playground for cyclists around the world. For the less sporty, it is also possible to rent bicycles with electric assistance.
Canoe and pedal
Photo credit: Facebook – Grand Tourmalet
Go to Payolle Lake for a nice day of activities. Rent a pedal boat for a family walk through the water. With 10 hectares of surface, it is not certain that you can explore everything! If you don’t make too much noise, you may have the chance to see animals coming to desaltify.
For sportsmen, it is also possible to rent canoes, but also stand-up paddles.
Winter
Ski
Photo credit: Facebook – Grand Tourmalet
The Grand Tourmalet brings together the ski resorts of La Mongie and Barèges. It is the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees, with some 100 kilometers of slopes. There are some for all tastes, with courses adapted to beginners and experienced skiers.
The Marmotte route connects Barèges to La Mongie, using green and blue tracks exclusively. The acrobats will go directly to the snow park equipped with all kinds of modules: boxes, rails, bumps... For the confirmed riders, the Pic du Midi is considered one of the best out-of-piste spots in the world!
Rackets
Photo credit: Facebook – Grand Tourmalet
Go with a snowshoeing guide to forests and pyrenean slopes. Boiling snowshoes makes it possible to venture out of the classic trails and sink into a wilder nature. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will discover the fauna and flora of the region and how they adapt to winter.
Armed with a long view, you can observe raptors, deer or isards. The opportunity for a break and a good cup of tea before taking your walk!
Scroll dogs
Photo credit: Facebook – Supertramp Family // Romain Da Fonseca
Reconvert to the time of a walk. Comfortably installed under the covers, in the sled, you experience an unforgettable experience and discover the Pyrenees otherwise. This outdoor activity to be done at the Grand Tourmalet is a passion for both young and old.
♪ mushers (sleeve drivers) share their passion and explain their relationship with dogs. If you want to go further, hikes half-day, day or more are possible. And if you’re in shape, you can even initiate mushing and take control of the pairing!
Snowmobile
Photo credit: Facebook – Grand Tourmalet
Who didn’t dream of driving a snowmobile to discover the great north? No need to leave Alaska , come and discover this outdoor activity to do in Grand Tourmalet! You will pilot your own snowmobile, accompanied by a graduate instructor who will explain the operation of the machine.
Note that night outings are particularly appreciated. You will sail in the soft snow at the only light of the lights. Finally, suitable snowmobiles are available for children from 6 years.
Mountaineering
Photo credit: Facebook – Grand Tourmalet
Start the assault on the highest peaks of the region with experienced guides. You will learn the techniques of matching and cramponnage to evolve safely on snow-covered mountains. It is possible to go for day hikes or expeditions for several days. You will spend the night in refuge and seize the true mountain atmosphere.
For the most ski resorts, climbing ice stunts is an outdoor activity to do in Grand Tourmalet more suitable but equally exciting.
Splitboard
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lilkin
To combine the pleasures of rando skiing and snowboard freeride, try splitboard! The snow separates in 2 to create two skis that will allow you to climb the inaccessible peaks. No more mechanical lifts, it is with the strength of the legs that you will reach your slip spots. But what a pleasure to create the first trace in a fresh and immaculate snow!
Go with guides who will teach you to read the field to ride safely. They take care of logistics (food, accommodation), so that this outdoor activity in Grand Tourmalet is only happiness.
Luge
The surroundings of Payolle Lake are perfect for a funny afternoon to deflect the sled slopes. But if you don't want to get tired of pulling your sled back after every descent, go to La Mongie! The estate offers a secure space dedicated to sledges and protected by skiers.
A treadmill makes it easy to return to its starting point. Luge made of plastic, wood, mini-pelle, scooter: it exists for all tastes. Rental spaces allow you to equip yourself for the day and enjoy with family.
This outdoor activity in Grand Tourmalet is also open at night. So you finish the day in beauty after closing the tracks.
And you, which of these outdoor activities available in Grand-Tourmalet makes you the most envy?
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