This tour is part of a long route along the French side of the Pyrenees. It runs from East to West in four stages, of which this is the third trip. This tour promises to be an (un)exciting tour over the high mountain passes through the breathtaking Pyrenees. The Route des Cols connects the most impressive mountain passes of the region, such as the Portet d'Aspet, the Aspin and the Tourmalet, which will certainly ring a bell with cycling enthusiasts. You will definitely be treated to majestic views, spectacular roads and beautiful nature (if the sun cooperates..).

Before starting the journey from Saint-Lary, a visit to the local Saint-Hilaire church is recommended. The interior surprises with the flamboyant character of the baroque decoration: colorful ornaments and frescoes, ornate moldings and columns invoice. As a result, the church is a small jewel of heritage.

Curious to explore the next town, Saint-Beat? Then take a walk to the Romanesque church of Saint-Béat-Saint-Privat, which dates back to the 12th century. Listed as a historical monument, it features a tomb housing the relics of Saint Beatus and Saint Privat.
Don't miss the white marble quarry, known as the Roman breccia, which has been in use since Roman times. Blue turquoise marble is also mined here. Across the Garonne is the Moulin des Arts, dating from the 16th century. Today, the fully restored mill functions as an ecomuseum and cultural centre.

On the approach to Cierp you can finally fill up your tank at the local Intermarché and take the road to Bagnières-de-Luchon, the 'queen of the Pyrenees', where you can fill yourself up with coffee. It is a renowned spa with 'life in the brewery'. In addition, the place is also known for the ski resort Superbagnières, which is located on the territory of the nearby municipality of Saint-Aventin, but can be reached directly from Luchon by gondola.

Beyond Luchon, the Great Enjoyment begins: the Route des Cols offers spectacular views of high mountain peaks, green valleys, vast valleys and picturesque villages. The challenging climbs and breathtaking descents attract many motor enthusiasts and keen cyclists (inspired by the Tour de France), but of course you can also just go by car.

Halfway through this magnificent walk, you will arrive at La Mongie, the ski resort of Bagnières-du-Bigorre for lunch, perhaps combined with a lift ride to the Pic du Midi, which starts at the large car park. A 15-minute cable car ride from the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area will take you to the Pic du Midi, a legendary peak classified as a "Grand Site de Midi-Pyrénées". At an altitude of 2,877 metres, you will find an astronomical observatory, the highest museum in Europe and, unsurprisingly, a breathtaking panorama of the mountain range from here.

After lunch, the Route des Cols continues. You climb to one of the highest passes in the Pyrenees, the Col du Tourmalet, and then descend to yet another spa: Luz-Saint-Sauveur. Hot springs have been exploited since the end of the 19th century. The village of Luz-Saint-Sauveur has an architectural gem: the fortified church of Saint-André, built in the 12th century, then fortified in the 14th century by the Hospitaliers of Saint-Jean-de-Jerusalem. This beautiful building with the allure of a castle, flanked by two towers, has a polygonal defensive wall with battlements. The magnificent interior has wood carvings from the 18th century.
You are here in the heart of the most famous areas of the Pyrenees: Gavarnie, Pic du Midi, Cauterets, Pont d'Espagne and Lourdes. From Luz many trips are possible: the National Park of the Pyrenees, the Néouvielle massif, the summer pastures on the heights of Luz, the Ardiden massif, which in winter is renamed the ski paradise Luz-Ardiden. Perhaps all this beauty here will prompt you to have a drink on a terrace with a view.

Then you gradually get close to the end point Arrens, which has merged with the village of Marsous. Both villages used to be known for their flax production, but now the main tourist attraction of Arrens-Marsous is the Val d'Azun ski area.