The Pic du Midi
Take the cable car from La Mongie ski resort up to the Pic du Midi. Cover a 1000m elevation in 15 mins: that's a feat in itself!
At an altitude of 2877m, the purity of the air and the light are the secret of the Pic du Midi, famous for its astronomy observatory.
Admire the endless ocean of Pyrenean peaks from the panoramic terraces. Take a gourmet pitstop at the restaurant. Brave the skywalk at the top of the mountain on a 12m long bridge hanging over the void.
Feast your eyes on a view that's so fascinating you could easily spend half a day up here.
The Pic du Midi
Head for the Pic du Midi, Grand Site Occitanie, a magical and majestic place at the peak of the Pyrenees! Here are the top tips from speed skier Bastien Montès.
Don't miss
In the shadow of the Pic du Midi at an altitude of 2115m: the Tourmalet mountain pass is legendary. The Tour de France covers it every year and cycling enthusiasts from all over the world come here to tackle the ascent from Barèges or a ride from Campan.
Explore the history of the Pic at the fully interactive Expériences planetarium and centre. It all began when a weather station was built in 1882. The feat was brought to life by scholars, scientists, builders and transporters.
The Pic du Midi, where the moon's map was drawn up for NASA in 1969, is the oldest high mountain astronomy observatory in the world. It's also the only Dark-Sky Preserve in France.
The site conjures up magic at night too. The Pic du Midi hosts stargazing nights with dinner and astronomical entertainment (book well ahead!).
Go one step better: spend a night on the summit. You can book to be one of the lucky few to sleep on the iconic peak and share magical moments under the stars. Keep an eye on the Pic's schedule. There are amazing concerts, festivals and sporting competitions all year round.
Our favourite
La Mongie, at the foot of the Pic, provides access to the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees: Le Grand Tourmalet. A medium-sized resort attracting experienced skiers and families alike.
25km from the Pic du Midi is Bagnères-de-Bigorre, a spa resort whose 19th century heyday gave it stylish architecture, landscaped parks and a certain taste for culture. Your visit will take you past the Allées des Coustous, the neo-classical Grands Thermes, Thermes de la Reine, casino, covered market hosting the local market on Saturdays, 14th century Tour des Jacobins and more.
You will discover in Bagnères-de-Bigorre one of the most beautiful thermal spas in the Pyrenees: Aquensis. Enjoy the joys of warm and invigorating water in a haven of peaceful luxury.
Don't miss the Salies Museum and Marble Museum based in the Salut Valley.
Aquensis
Travel by train and car
Discover the Pic du Midi and Bagnères-de-Bigorre by train and car with the Occitanie Rail Tour on Piedmont line. In Tarbes, take the lio bus service 960.
You're spoilt for choice when it comes to great family holidays here: via ferrata with Vertige de l’Adour (min age: 8), l'Aya tree-top adventure in the valley of Lesponne, hiking around the Payolle Lake, try dog sledding with Attelage altitude (walk pulled along by a dog).
Accrobranche
Regional Committee for Tourism and Leisure Occitanie
Others websites
How to get there
The Pic du Midi is in the Hautes-Pyrénées. You can reach it from La Mongie ski resort.
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