Tourmalet East Side Ride
A classic Pyrenean ride built around the eastern side of the Col du Tourmalet from Sainte Marie de Campan.
- Distance
- 45 to 80 km
- Elevation Gain
- 1,400 to 2,100 m
- Ride Time
- 3.5 to 6 hours
- Difficulty
- Hors Catégorie
- Surface
- Road
- Start
- Sainte Marie de Campan or Bagnères de Bigorre
- Best Season
- June to September
If you want one focused Pyrenean climb, the Tourmalet from Sainte Marie de Campan is hard to beat. It is long, famous and serious from a pacing perspective. The road gives you enough distance to settle, suffer and understand why the Tourmalet matters.
The simplest version starts in Sainte Marie de Campan and makes the climb the main objective. A fuller version starts in Bagnères de Bigorre, adds approach kilometres and turns the day into a more complete mountain ride.
How to Build This Ride
- Start in Sainte Marie de Campan for the direct version.
- Climb Col du Tourmalet from the east side.
- Take time at the summit, especially if the weather is good.
- Descend the same side or build a larger loop if you are experienced.
- Return with enough energy and warm clothing for the descent.
Climbs Included
Villages & Coffee Stops
- Sainte Marie de Campan is the key start point. Bagnères de Bigorre gives more services and works well if you want a bigger ride. Do not rely on the summit as your only food plan.
Make it shorter
Start at Sainte Marie de Campan and ride only the climb.
Make it harder
Add Col d’Aspin before or after the Tourmalet for a classic Pyrenean combination.
Local Notes
The summit can be cold even when the valley feels warm. The climb is famous, but it is still a high mountain road. Treat it with respect.
This is a flexible ride idea, not a turn-by-turn route. Use the climbs, villages and notes above to build your own GPX in Komoot, Strava, Ride with GPS or another planner before you ride.
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