# 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.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/b12-bearn-bigorre/

**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. 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 |
| Route | Pau → Bagnères-de-Bigorre |
| Countries | France |
| Updated | July 4, 2026 |

## 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

1. **Pau** (France)
2. **Laruns** (France)
3. **Col d’Aubisque** (Laruns, France): A 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.
4. **Argelès-Gazost** (France)
5. **Cauterets** (France)
6. **Pont d’Espagne** (Cauterets, France): A 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.
7. **Pic du Midi de Bigorre** (La Mongie, France): An 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.
8. **Bagnères-de-Bigorre** (France)

## 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.