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Bagnères de Bigorre - Grand Tourmalet
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Driving distance from Calais:
710 miles (Approx. 10 hrs 30 mins)
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Resort Info
Why Bagnères-de-Bigorre?
- Beautiful, historic Belle Époque Spa town
- Great location for sporting activities especially cycling
- Perfectly placed to access some of the ‘Grand Sites'
- Superb access to the Pic du Midi Observatory
This Pyrenean town in the heart of the Grand Tourmalet area has a wealth of amenities and a large selection of restaurants and bars. There is even a casino and the famous “Aquensis” thermal spa. It is located 25km from the ski resort of la Mongie and 20km from Payolle Nordic Ski area.
The town of Bagnères-de-Bigorre is located in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées, 550m above sea level, on the Ardour River that runs through the Campan Valley and eventually into the Atlantic just above Bayonne. It also lies at the foot of the Pic du Midi, with its perilously perched observatory, and the legendary cols of the Aspin and Tourmalet, while the pilgrimage town of Lourdes is but a short and scenic drive away.
Bagnères-de-Bigorre dates back to Roman times to around 28BC. The Romans were responsible for building the first spa in the town when they discovered hot water running down the slopes of Mount Olivet and it was the first spa built in the Department.
Thermal baths and well-being still play a huge part in Bagnères-de-Bigorre and the town houses one of the premier spas in the Hautes Pyrenees - Aquensis Spa. Some 8000 visitors a year go to the baths! With its landscaped gardens and natural areas for relaxation as well as the onsite fitness centre, the Aquensis Spa is a great place to unwind at any time of the year and should definitely be on your tick list when visiting Bagnères-de-Bigorre.
The area around the town was also famous for its Géruzet marble which became one of the most important in the whole of France throughout most of the 19th century. The architecture of the town is indicative of the Belle Époque era as spa towns became popular in the Victorian period with floods of people visiting to take advantage of the therapeutic, mineral rich waters. The town was at its height of popularity during the period of the 'Second Empire, ‘with the construction of the thermal baths, park areas, a casino and large hotels that transformed the town. The 19th century also saw the arrival of the railway which allowed the town to prosper further.
The town of Bagnères-de-Bigorre is also a great place to access many of the natural and cultural highlights of the region. Within the town itself you will find the Church of St. Vincent, the Jacobins Tower, the former Church of St. John and the House of Uzer - all of which are listed or protected historical sites. Most of these sights date back to the medieval period, along with the remnants of the walls that used to surround the town. The nearby Grand Tourmalet and Campan Payolle areas offer fantastic hiking possibilities with your challenging trails and rewarding vistas of mountain lakes and Pyrenean peaks.
Bagnères-de-Bigorre also has a rich sporting history and is perhaps most famous for its use in the Tour de France as a start and finish venue. Situated at the base of some of the iconic climbs of this great cycle race, the town makes an excellent place to pit yourself against such challenges as the mighty and mystical Col du Tourmalet and the beautiful gladed climb of the Col d'Aspin. As if further testament was required of what a great location this is for cycling and sporting holidays, the late great Tour de France champion, Laurent Fignon, used to own a hotel in the town. The hotel still exists, and throughout the winter months it houses the Géant du Tourmalet which sits atop the Col during the summer months. Every June there is a procession of cyclists as they follow the 'Giant' up the steep mountain road to his rightful and proud position atop the notorious Col du Tourmalet.
This Pyrenean town in the heart of the Grand Tourmalet area has a wealth of amenities and a large selection of restaurants and bars, serving excellent locally produced dishes - there is even a casino! Whatever it is that you seek in a holiday at Bagnères-de-Bigorre, whether it be relaxation and well-being, culture and history, or terrain to test your sporting prowess, the chances are you will find something to suit your needs.
Lesponne in the Lesponne valley
If you're looking for a perfect getaway location in a serene setting surrounded by nature, then look no further than the pretty Lesponne Valley just 9km from the spa town of Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Situated on the rushing Ardour River and surrounded by mountain peaks, there are great views are to be had of the Bond-like villain hideaway of the Pic du Midi Observatory which seems to cling to the cliffs above the valley. It is located 25km from the resort of La Mongie and 20km from Payolle.
La Mongie Mountain resort
If you're looking for a mountain getaway location with stunning views of the surrounding mountain scenery and mountain pastures that stretch on then look no further than the resort of la Mongie just 25km from Bagnères-de-Bigorre. The world famous sight of the Pic Du midi is right on your doorstep as is the iconic climb of Le Tourmalet from the Tour de France. Hikers will adore heading up into the mountain areas whilst mountain bikers will adore The Grand Tourmalet Mountain bike park has with its lift-accessed downhill trails that are suitable for riders of all abilities.
The friendly and helpful Bagnères-de-Bigorre Tourist Office is open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00, and Saturday, 09:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 17:30. Their comprehensive website is full of useful information, tips and suggestions.
Office de Tourisme du Grand Tourmalet
3, Allées Tournefort - BP 226
65202 Bagnères-de-Bigorre, France
Telephone: +33 (0)562955071
Email: info@grand-tourmalet.com
Website: http://www.grand-tourmalet.com/
- Opening
- Activities
- Eating
- Resort News
- Other Amenities
Opening
Bagnères-de-Bigorre opening dates: All year.
Activities
The Grand Tourmalet area offers a great range of activities and free entertainment during school holidays. Activities include welcome drinks, torch-lit descents, night skiing, ice skating activities floodlit slope at heart of resort open 1700 - 2100 for children, demonstrations, puppet shows, concerts, street entertainment, fire work displays, snowman building competitions, children's entertainment, music etc... Contact the tourist office for more information.
Sports & Leisure
In the Village:
Aquensis thermal spa
Road Cycling and Mountain Biking
Paragliding
Casino
Cinema
Potholing
Canyoning
Swimming
The Golf Country Club de Bigorre
Nearby:
Cycling the green routes of the Gaves Valley
Mountain walking/Hiking in the Pyrenees National Park
Hike Caching in the Gaves Valley with GPS
The "GR 10" hiking footpath
Walking the green routes of the Gaves Valley
Hiking at Campan-Payolle
Cani Rando, Cani Trott and Cani Kart
Guided walks in Grand Tourmalet area
Dune Buggy SSV
Horse Riding
Go to the Sports & Leisure Page >
Culture and Heritage
In the Village:
Église Saint Vincent
Cloister of Saint Jean
Les Halles
Tour des Jacobins (Jacobins Tower)
Marble Museum
Musée Salies
Natural History Museum
The Pyrenean Botanical Conservatory
Local Churches in the Valley
Nearby:
The Medieval Mauvezin Castle
Escaladieu Cistercian Abbey
The town of Lourdes
Exposition Funiculaire de L’Ayre
Go to the Culture & Heritage Page >
Natural Wonders & Wildlife
Nearby:
Pic Du Midi
A Night at the Pic du Midi
Médous Caves
Esparros Caves
Les Grottes de Bétharram (Caves of Bétharram)
Cirque of Gavarnie
Gavarnie Village (gateway to the Cirques)
Pont d’Espagne
The Pyrenees National Park (UNESCO SITE)
Néouvielle Nature Reserve
The Pyrenees Animal Park
Donjon des Aigles
Go to the Natural Wonders & Wildlife Page >
Child Specific
Cani Rando, Cani Trott and Cani Kart
Donkey Day
Day nursery in Bagnères de Bigorre
Eating
The Food in Bagnères-de-Bigorre
Restaurants in Bagnères de Bigorre
Le Saxo
65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 952042. Email: casinobagneres@groupetranchant.com
This bar/restaurant located in the Casino organises is an elegant and sociable setting to enjoy a quick lunch or a leisurely evening meal. With its outdoor terrace it is easily accessible and serves up local and fresh regional produce. On Saturday night the venue has concerts whilst on Sunday at 15.00 there is a Tea dance with an orchestra.
Le TY Breizh
10, Rue des Pyrénées, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 954836.
This restaurant – Crêperie on the “Route Des Cols” at the end of the town is open daily for lunch and dinner except Wednesdays. Specialities include: Savoury pancakes, sweet pancakes, ribs, steak and duck’s breast and St Jacques scallop mini casserole.
Les Jardins de L’Europe
26, Place de Strasbourg, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 911715.
Located in the centre of the historic town, below the Jeanne Hy-timbered house in the pedestrian area, this traditional Bistro – wine bar has a charming outdoor terrace. It offers cuisine with inventive new flavours taken from the garden and other area to create a voyage through culinary France and Europe.
Le Happy Grill
1, Rue Joseph Meynier, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 917243 Email: palissier.sandrine@orange.fr
Traditional food in a modern restaurant with a warm welcome. Mountain specialities as well as set menus, grilled meats and homemade hamburgers - all to eat in or take away.
L’Hippocamp
28, Place des Thèrmes, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 918505. Email: lhippocampe.bagneres@orange.fr
Discover the gastronomy of the region in this open air restaurant where you watch as you fresh local meat is grilled to perfection by you and accompanied by an original salad. Open 12.00 – 15.00 & 19.00 – 22.00 (weekends). Located opposite the thermal spa centre.
La Courte Echelle
2, Rue Alsace Lorraine, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 955785.
Traditional food and set menus served up amongst 1930’s décor – preserved with passion and love.
La Fontane
1, Rue de la Fontaine, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 911683. Email: bavereyen@bbox.fr
Traditional food from the grill food and pizzas served indoors or the welcoming terrace with its many flowers in springtime.
Restaurant Café des Thermes
24-26, Place des Thermes, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 953395. Email: cafedesthermes@yahoo.fr. www.cafedesthermes.com
Cosy restaurant opposite the Thermal spa. Creperie and tea rooms throughout the day with food served from 12.00 – 14.30 & 19.00 – 21.30. Valerie and her team are teaming with ideas of how to make your meal times tasty as well as relaxed on their terrace or in the restaurant with fresh products and patisserie delights.
Auberge Miniquette
Lesponne valley, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 422509. Email: aubergeminiquette@orange.fr. www.aubergeminiquette.com
This restaurant is located in the pretty Lesponne valley just 10 minutes from the town of Bagnères de Bigorre. Sandrine and Christophe, the owners will welcome you with homemade food adapted to the season. Whether it be fine dining, traditional or gourmet it will all be accompanied with wines from a good wine list. Not to be missed: “Garbure” (stew), the foie gras duck breast, black Bigorre pork and the Brazilian cream pie.
Bars in Bagnères de Bigorre
Le Saxo
This bar/restaurant organises concerts on Saturdays, dancing teas at 15:30 on Sundays and has regular dancing evenings and dinner shows.
Le Paris
3, Allee des Coustous, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre.
Café – Bar - Basserie.
Bar Central
22, Place Lafayette, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 911715.
Café – Bar - Basserie.
Les Jardins de L’Europe
26, Place de Strasbourg, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 911715.
Located in the centre of the historic town, below the Jeanne Hy-timbered house in the pedestrian area, this traditional Bistro – wine bar has a charming outdoor terrace.
Le Grand Duc Nightclub
65200 Montgaillard. Tel +33 (0)562 915055
The nightclub is located on the outskirts of the resort at Montgaillard (a few kilometres away, direction Tarbes).
Restaurants in nearby La Mongie
There is a varied selection of restaurants in La Mongie, ranging from traditional to pizza and from salads to fine mountain cuisine all offering good food at a good price.
Restaurant La Mama
Boulevard du Pic du Midi, 65200 La Mongie. Tel: +33(0)562 919014. Email: la.mama.sa @ wanadoo.fr
This cute little restaurant cum bar is centrally located in front of the Tourist office right in the centre of town and has a sunny terrace. It serves up traditional local mountain cuisine such as 3 meat Pierrade (Hot stone), cheese and meat fondues, raclette, wood fire pizzas, Mont D’Or hot box, lasagne and gratins. It also offers a take-away service.
Restaurant Le Choucas
Boulevard du Pic du Midi, 65200 La Mongie. Tel: +33(0)562 919014. Email:
At the foot of the Pic Du Midi in the centre of La Mongie, the owners offer traditional family cooking for hungry skiers. Spread over three levels, the restaurant is rustic and has a great ambiance. With its fire place to dry off your gloves and warm yourself through. Veal with morels, the trout and duck skewers on a bed of golden apples. For dessert you can enjoy the crispy apple, plum or damson pie.
Restaurant Poca Loca
Avenue du Tourmalet, 65200 La Mongie. Tel: +33(0)562 919237 Mobile: +33(0)622 094127
This restaurant cum pizzeria is quite centrally located near the centre of town. They offer Traditional cuisine as well as Pizza and fast food such as sandwiches and snacks. They also have a take-away service snack, sandwich. During dinner they also serve up Argentine specialties. In the evenings the restaurant also acts as a fun wine-bar.
Restaurant Le Schuss
65200 La Mongie. Tel: +33(0)562 919010 Mobile: +33(0)676 540150. http://pagesperso-orange.fr/restaurant-le-schuss/. Email: villet.maite @ orange.fr
This is a charming mountain style restaurant serves up traditional food in a cosy mountain setting. Its specialities include Fondue, raclette, mountain platters, home-made Garbure (local dish) and grilled meats.
Restaurant Bocadillo Cafe
Route des Cols, 65200 La Mongie. Tel: +33(0)562 915504. http://www.bocadillocafe-lamongie.com.
This cute little restaurant cum bar serves up traditional local cuisine and in the evenings its speciality is Spanish “Tapas” accompanied by aperitifs along with some colourful music and a great atmosphere. In the evening it has a wine bar/Bistrot feel.
Bars in La Mongie
La Mongie has a mixture of nightlife to suit all tastes. Whether you prefer to take it easy with a glass of wine after a full day on the slopes or enjoy the party atmosphere, the compact style of the resort makes it easy to get around and find all there is on offer. So, whatever you’re fancy, La Mongie has it all.
A champagne bar at the top!
Pic Du Midi. La Mongie side.
Whether you are a couple or a family, the new champagne bar located at the top of the Pic du Midi is a chance in a lifetime to experience a unique moment sipping champagne whilst marvelling at the most beautiful panorama of the Pyrenees. Accompanied by Spanish tapas - what an atmosphere!
Le Brummel
1, la Mongie Hebdo, 65200 La Mongie. Tel: +33(0)562 919125
Small bar with a great atmosphere
Bar De La Plage
65200 La Mongie. Tel: +33(0)562 919678
Le Baya Beach Club
65200 La Mongie. Tel: +33(0)620 351786
Enjoy a dance amongst family and friends in a friendly atmosphere.
Poca Loca wine bar
Avenue du Tourmalet, 65200 La Mongie. Tel: +33(0)562 919237 Mobile: +33(0)622 094127
This restaurant cum pizzeria turns into a funky wine bar in the evenings.
Bocadillo Cafe
Route des Cols, 65200 La Mongie. Tel: +33(0)562 915504. http://www.bocadillocafe-lamongie.com.
This cute little restaurant cum bar serves up Spanish “Tapas” accompanied by aperitifs in the evenings. In the evening it has a wine bar/Bistro feel and there is also some colourful music and a great atmosphere.
La Mama
Boulevard du Pic du Midi, 65200 La Mongie. Tel: +33(0)562 919014. Email: la.mama.sa @ wanadoo.fr
This cute little restaurant cum bar is centrally located in front of the Tourist office right in the centre of town and is worth a visit in the evening.
Resort News
Coming soon
Other Amenities
Food Stores
Carrefour Montagne
Résidence Plein Ciel, Avenue du Tourmalet, la Mongie, Tel: +33562919195. http://www.supermarche-la-mongie.com. Email: Henri.rami65@orange.fr
Henri and his team welcome you at the small, local supermarket which contains, a butcher, “chacuterie” (dried meats section), fruit and vegetables, DIY items, bakery/patisserie section, local produce, local cheeses and local Tourmalet lamb (famous in the region).
Intermarche
83, Route de La Mongie, Pouzac, Tel: +33562910030. www.intermarche.com
Situated 2. 5 km from the centre of la Mongie in Pouzac. Services include: supermarket, laundry point, newspapers, car hire, 24 hour service station, supermarket café.
Carrefour
26 Avenue Geruzet, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre, Tel: +33 (0)562 920262. www.carrefour.fr
Monoprix
5 Place Lafayette, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre, Tel: +33 (0)562 950070. www.monoprix.fr
Butchers
Carrefour Montagne
Résidence Plein Ciel, Avenue du Tourmalet, la Mongie, Tel: +33562919195. http://www.supermarche-la-mongie.com. Email: Henri.rami65@orange.fr
Henri and his team welcome you at the small, local supermarket a butchers section amongst other things.
Boucherei Chacuterie Thierry Manse
20, Rue du Général de Gaulle, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 955443.
Bakers and Patisseries
Le Pain De Sucre
Rue Pierre Lamy Chapelle, 65200 La Mongie.
Bakery and patisserie.
Carrefour Montagne
Résidence Plein Ciel, Avenue du Tourmalet, 65200 la Mongie, Tel: +33562919195. http://www.supermarche-la-mongie.com. Email: Henri.rami65@orange.fr
Henri and his team welcome you at the small, local supermarket a bakery/patisserie section amongst other things.
Theo
71, Rue du Général de Gaulle, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre.
Bakery and patisserie.
Thierry Sauvage
19, Rue des Thermes, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre.
Bakery and patisserie.
Au petit Creux
2, Place Lafayette, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre.
Bakery and patisserie.
Patisserie Eric Buera
12, Rue Pyrenees, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre.
Patisserie.
Patisserie Martin Francois
47, Rue du Général de Gaulle, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre.
Patisserie.
Banks & ATMs
There are a ATMs located around the village but the nearest fully serviced banks are in Bagnères de Bigorre,16 km away in the valley.
Banque Populaire Occitane
Ave du Tourmalet. 65200 La Mongie. Tel: +33(0)562 912158
LCL Banque et Assurance
2, Boulevard Carnot. 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre.
Credit Agricole
20, Allee Coustous. 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre.
Banque Populaire Occitane
37, rue du Maréchal Foch. 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre.
Banque Postale
115, Rue Sèvres. 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre.
Taxis
Allo Taxi Jerome
3, Impasse Martin Rami, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)637 817699.www.taxi-bagneres-lamongie.fr
Allo Taxi Marc
Résidence Les Tilleuls 1, Rue Jean-Pierre Pécondom, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)613 182683. Email: marcbagneres@hotmail.fr. www.allotaximarc.com
Medical Centres & Pharmacy in La Mongie
Medical centre La Mongie
Rue Pierre Lamy de la Chapelle, 65200 La Mongie. Tel: +33(0)562 915876.
The “Cabinet Medicale” as it is called in French is open from 09.00 – 12.00 and 15.00 – 17.00 with appointment, After 17.00 without appointment.
Tourmalet Pharmacy
Résidence Pic d'Espade , 65200 La Mongie. Tel: +33(0)562 919066.
The pharmacy in the centre of the resort is open daily for medical supplies and prescriptions.
Medical Centres & Pharmacy in Bagnères de Bigorre
Dr Vitte
25, Rue des thermes, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre.Tel: +33(0)562 910505
General practitioner
Dr Esquerre
2 place Lafayette, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 952588
General practitioner and homeopathic medicine.
Doctors Darrieutort & Jureau
6, Rue Larrey, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 910021
General practitioner and Acupuncture.
Dr Menvielle
12, Boulevard Carnot, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 910521
General practitioner homeopathic medicine.
Dr Jean
25, Bis rue des thermes, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 910501
General practitioner
Dr Viorrain
2, Bis rue Lafranque, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 950159
General practitioner
Cansot – Casanova Pharmacy
32, Rue du Général De Gaulle, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 952033
Pharmacy with 24 hour distribution.
Pharmacy Dalles
36, rue du Maréchal Foch, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 952084
Pharmacy
Pharmacy Du Boulevard
14, boulevard Carnot, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 950552
Pharmacy and hire of medical materials
Pharmacy Caillavet
6, Place Lafaillette, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 952804
Pharmacy in the centre of town
Pharmacy Du Haut Adour
3, Rue Victor Hugo, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre. Tel: +33(0)562 950145
Pharmacy in the centre of town in the pedestrian precinct
Massage and Physiotherapists
Zniber Yassin
Rue Madame de Maintenon, 65120 Barèges. Tel: +33(0)645 742828
Physiotherapist
Celine Darjo
8, Place Thermes, 65200 Bagnères de Bigorre.
Physiotherapist
Other Accommodation In: Bagnères de Bigorre - Grand Tourmalet
Residence Le Pic du Midi
3* Apartments Sleeps 2-8
Doorstep to Grand Tourmalet
Pic du Midi is a recently modernised residence located at on the road leading up to the Col du Tourmalet pass and directly beside the slopes.
3* Apartments Sleeps 2-8
Doorstep to Grand Tourmalet
Pic du Midi is a recently modernised residence located at on the road leading up to the Col du Tourmalet pass and directly beside the slopes.
Residence Tourmalet
3* Apartments Sleeps 4-9
Doorstep activities and amazing views
Tourmalet is a recently built residence located at 1800m in the heart of the resort of La Mongie. The residence faces south towards the Pic du Midi.
3* Apartments Sleeps 4-9
Doorstep activities and amazing views
Tourmalet is a recently built residence located at 1800m in the heart of the resort of La Mongie. The residence faces south towards the Pic du Midi.
Domaine de Ramonjuan Apartments
3* Apartments Sleeps 5-6
Perfect getaway location
Ramonjuan Apartments are cosy & comfortable, with a relaxed & friendly atmosphere located in the Lesponne valley.
3* Apartments Sleeps 5-6
Perfect getaway location
Ramonjuan Apartments are cosy & comfortable, with a relaxed & friendly atmosphere located in the Lesponne valley.
Hotel Domaine de Ramonjuan
3* Hotel Sleeps 2-4
Perfect getaway location
Hotel Ramonjuan is a traditional farmhouse hotel with a relaxed & friendly atmosphere located in the Lesponne valley.
3* Hotel Sleeps 2-4
Perfect getaway location
Hotel Ramonjuan is a traditional farmhouse hotel with a relaxed & friendly atmosphere located in the Lesponne valley.
