Béarn and Bigorre: Aubisque to the Pic du Midi
From Pau up the Ossau valley over the Col d’Aubisque, to the waterfalls of Pont d’Espagne and the observatory on the Pic du Midi.
- Distance
- 146 km (90 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 01 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- August 3, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 146 km (90 mi) with 8 stops, from Pau to Bagnères-de-Bigorre. About 2 h 01 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France · More road trips from Pau
Route description
From Pau take the N134 and D934 south into the Ossau valley, about 40 km to Laruns, a village known for its sheep’s cheese. The D918 then climbs through the spa of Eaux-Bonnes to the Col d’Aubisque at 1,709 m. The pass is usually closed from about November to May, when you must go round by Lourdes; check before setting out.
East of the Aubisque the road clings to the cliff of the Cirque du Litor to the Col du Soulor. It is narrow with low walls, and large motorhomes are better taking the valley road through Lourdes. Descend to Argelès-Gazost, a spa town with an animal park, and turn south up the D920 to Cauterets.
Beyond Cauterets the road ends at Pont d’Espagne, where two torrents meet in a series of waterfalls. The car park is paid, and in high season a shuttle runs from Cauterets. Walk up through the pines, or take the chairlift, to the Lac de Gaube, with the Vignemale peak behind it. Allow half a day for the walk there and back.
Drive back to Luz-Saint-Sauveur and climb the Col du Tourmalet to La Mongie, from where a cable car rises to the observatory on the Pic du Midi at 2,877 m. Check the webcam and weather before buying tickets. Descend the Campan valley to Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Outside summer the Tourmalet is closed, and La Mongie is reached from the Bagnères side only.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Pau
France - 240 km
Laruns
France - 310 km
Col d’Aubisque
ViewsLaruns, FranceA 1,709 m pass on the D918 with giant painted bicycles and grazing horses. The road east to the Col du Soulor runs along the cliff of the Cirque du Litor; it is closed in winter.
- 425 km
Argelès-Gazost
France - 516 km
Cauterets
France - 66 km
Pont d’Espagne
NatureCauterets, FranceA series of waterfalls where two torrents meet above Cauterets, and the start of the walk or chairlift to the Lac de Gaube. The road ends at a paid car park; a shuttle runs in peak season.
- 731 km
Pic du Midi de Bigorre
ViewsLa Mongie, FranceAn observatory on a 2,877 m summit reached by cable car from La Mongie, with a glass-floored platform over the void. Check the webcam before buying tickets; the cable car closes in strong wind.
- 818 km
Bagnères-de-Bigorre
France
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Pau → Col d’Aubisque · 50 km · 0 h 42 minOn the way: Laruns.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping du Pont Lauguère (7 km); Aire Laruns, Le Bourg (8 km).
- Day 2: Col d’Aubisque → Pont d’Espagne · 47 km · 0 h 39 minOn the way: Argelès-Gazost, Cauterets.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping le Cabaliros (6 km); Camping les Cascades (11 km).
- Day 3: Pont d’Espagne → Bagnères-de-Bigorre · 49 km · 0 h 40 minOn the way: Pic du Midi de Bigorre.Overnight nearby, for example: Aire CAMPING-CAR PARK de Bagnères-de-Bigorre (< 1 km); Camping Les 4 Véziaux (17 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Béarn and Bigorre: Aubisque to the Pic du Midi?
3-day road trip of about 146 km (90 mi) with 8 stops, from Pau to Bagnères-de-Bigorre. About 2 h 01 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Béarn and Bigorre: Aubisque to the Pic du Midi?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 01 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Béarn and Bigorre: Aubisque to the Pic du Midi start and end?
It starts in Pau and ends in Bagnères-de-Bigorre.
Which countries does Béarn and Bigorre: Aubisque to the Pic du Midi pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Béarn and Bigorre: Aubisque to the Pic du Midi?
OpenStreetMap lists 197 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Aire Laruns, Le Bourg, Camping du Pont Lauguère and Aire Izeste.
When is the best time for Béarn and Bigorre: Aubisque to the Pic du Midi?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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