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Your Pyrenean mountain village
In the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées
Barèges is a charming mountain village perched at 1,250 m above sea level, in the Bastan Valley, just a stone’s throw from Luz-Saint-Sauveur. This authentic Pays Toy village is the historic gateway to the Grand Tourmalet ski area, at the foot of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre.
The last stop before the climb to the legendary Col du Tourmalet, Barèges has been renowned for its thermal waters since Roman times. Madame de Maintenon, the wife of Louis XIV, even stayed here in the 17th century to seek treatment for her son.
The starting point for the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees, Barèges is just as enjoyable with family, friends or as a couple, in spring, summer or the heart of winter.
Why choose Barèges? 🤩
The perfect mountain getaway, whatever the season
👉 Looking for an authentic mountain village surrounded by stunning scenery and some of the Pyrenees' most iconic sights? Welcome to Barèges.
Whether you're after a peaceful break or an action-packed outdoor adventure, Barèges has everything you need for a memorable mountain holiday.
When it comes to accommodation, you'll be spoilt for choice, from a charming hotel or traditional inn to an apartment with beautiful valley views.
In summer: hike in the Néouvielle, explore the surrounding area, switch off and get your adrenaline fix at the Bike Park...
In winter: ski through the forest, enjoy mountain restaurants, go dog sledding or explore the forests of the Ayré on snowshoes.
And whatever the season, there's no better way to unwind after a day in the mountains than at the Cieléo thermal spa, right at the entrance to the village.
Whether you're planning a family hiking holiday, a ski break for two or a day on the Bike Park, Barèges is ready to surprise you.
Two sides to winter in Barèges: ski through the fir trees at Tournaboup, then unwind at Cieléo thermal spa.
Winter in Barèges
The western gateway to the Grand Tourmalet
When winter arrives, Barèges turns into a real playground for snow lovers!
This lively mountain base gives you easy access to the vast Grand Tourmalet ski area, with the western side of the resort less than 10 minutes from the village by free shuttle bus.
Barèges is one of the two gateways to the Grand Tourmalet ski area, which stretches across more than 100 km of slopes and reaches an altitude of 2,500 m.
Make the most of winter 🎿
Skiing, snow and spectacular views at the Grand Tourmalet
As soon as the first snowfalls signal the arrival of winter, the mountains are transformed, with great conditions for skiing at Christmas, in January and into March.
From Barèges, you can access the forested side of the resort, with beautiful slopes winding through the trees. And once you've crossed the Col du Tourmalet, you can ski across to the La Mongie side in winter by chairlift.
The Grand Tourmalet has something for everyone, from children's areas and gentle green slopes for families to black runs and freeride couloirs beneath the Pic du Midi for those looking for more of a challenge.
Across the resort, you'll find 54 marked slopes, 25 lifts and 6 mountain restaurants, with skiing reaching up to 2,500 metres.
On the Barèges side, La Laquette is a special spot, tucked away on the edge of the forest with the Pic du Midi as its backdrop. Accessible by the Tournaboup gondola for both skiers and pedestrians, it's home to the La Laquette mountain restaurant.
The perfect place to enjoy delicious local mountain cuisine!
Relax and enjoy the great outdoors
Plenty to do beyond skiing
Looking to mix things up during your mountain holiday?
There's much more to Barèges than skiing. The village's mountain spirit shines through in a whole host of activities for all the family:
- explore the magical Plateau du Lienz on snowshoes;
- enjoy a magical dog-sledding experience;
- have fun together on the sledging slopes or try a yooner;
- give snow biking (fatbiking) a go...
Where to stay this winter
Fancy staying in the heart of Barèges?
FAQs
Love the village when it's covered in snow?
Absolutely! The two sides of the resort are linked by ski runs, so you can ski from one to the other via the Col du Tourmalet.
With a single Grand Tourmalet ski pass, you have access to the entire ski area.
To save time with the kids and avoid queuing at the ticket office, we strongly recommend booking your ski pass and equipment hire online through the N'PY website before your stay.
Yes, they are compulsory.
Under the Loi Montagne regulations in force in the Hautes-Pyrénées department, from 1 November to 31 March, your vehicle must be fitted with four certified winter tyres or carry snow chains (or snow socks) in the boot.
Before setting off, always check the weather forecast, the snow report and our webcams to make sure you reach the resort safely.
For more information, see our guide on getting your car ready for winter.
The large Tournaboup car park, located 4 km from the village at the foot of the slopes, is completely free for resort visitors.
A free shuttle bus runs throughout the winter season, taking families and their equipment from the centre of the village to the snow front.
No. The pass is closed to traffic from late November until May, as the road becomes... a ski run for the winter!
This means it is not possible to drive between the eastern side (La Mongie) and the western side (Barèges).
During the winter season, the only way to travel between the two villages is by using the resort's lifts.
The Ciéléo thermal spa, right in the centre of the village, is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Its thermal spa area features natural hot-water pools, jacuzzis and steam rooms, making it ideal for relaxing and recovering after a day of physical activity.
Two sides to the same mountain: in Barèges, summer has a rhythm all of its own.
Gentle mountain scenery, from lakes to hilltop villages
An easy family-friendly walk
Beyond cycling, Barèges is also the perfect base for gentle hikes and relaxed days in the mountains.
Head to Lac d'Aumar or Lac d'Orédon, two of the gems of this nature reserve with its 70 lakes, or explore the hilltop villages of the Pays Toy — Sers, Betpouey, Viey and Esterre — on an easy family walk with little to no elevation gain.
For more experienced hikers, the Pics d'Ayré, Madamète and Espade offer spectacular mountain views.
A dream destination 🤩
Bike Park, cycling legends and unspoilt nature
As spring arrives, the road to the legendary Col du Tourmalet opens up, leading towards one of the most iconic cycling climbs in the Pyrenees, made famous by the Tour de France.
Barèges is also a fantastic starting point for hikes into the unspoilt landscapes of the Pyrenees National Park and towards the 70 lakes of the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve.
Yes, there's plenty to explore!
The Col du Tourmalet, a legendary Tour de France climb
Two ways to enjoy summer: road cycling or mountain biking
Barèges is a must for cyclists, with something for every kind of rider!
- The climb to the Col du Tourmalet (2,115 m) passes right through the village, so you can set off from Barèges and take on the legendary ascent. Once you reach the top, stop off at the Maison du Tourmalet.
- For those looking for more adrenaline, head to the Barèges Bike Park: 12 mountain bike trails for downhill, enduro and e-MTB, all accessible by the Tournaboup gondola in the forest.
Where to stay this summer
Fancy waking up to mountain views?
FAQs
Come for the cool mountain air!
The Col du Tourmalet, at 2,115 metres, is 11 km uphill from Barèges. You can easily drive up by car, or take on the legendary climb by bike, with or without e-bike assistance!
A true Tour de France icon, the pass is open throughout the summer and offers spectacular views across the mountains. Just watch out for the llamas wandering along the road — they love stopping for a photo!
Find out everything you need to know about cycling up the Col du Tourmalet.
The village sits at an ideal altitude of 1,250 metres.
That's a real advantage in summer: while temperatures soar down in the valleys, the higher altitude means fresh mountain air, pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler evenings.
It's the perfect spot for the whole family to enjoy a good night's sleep and wake up refreshed.
The Bike Park de Barèges features a mountain bike area in the forest on the Plateau du Lienz, with fantastic views across the valley.
For cycling and adrenaline enthusiasts, there are 12 trails easily accessible by the Tournaboup gondola, with options for children and adults, beginners and experienced riders.
Find out more about the Bike Park de Barèges.
The shaded trail to the Plateau du Lienz is ideal for families. Its wide path and gentle gradient make it an easy walk for children.
For a taste of the great outdoors, you can also drive up to Tournaboup and enjoy an easy walk towards the first lakes in the Néouvielle Nature Reserve.
Barèges is France's highest-altitude thermal spa resort, famous for its sulphur-rich waters, which have traditionally been used to treat injuries and rheumatic conditions.
Its thermal heritage dates back centuries and includes the historic visit of Madame de Maintenon, who travelled there with the Duke of Maine in the 17th century.
Today, you can enjoy the thermal waters at Cieléo Thermal Spa and unwind after a day exploring the great outdoors.
Yes. During the summer season, Barèges has all the essential services and shops you may need.
You'll find a pharmacy, a medical practice, as well as small supermarkets, bakeries and excellent local restaurants where you can stock up on essentials and enjoy the flavours of the Pays Toy.
🏡 Two sides, two villages!
La Mongie, the ski-in, ski-out village
On the other side of the legendary Col du Tourmalet, La Mongie sits at 1,800 m and is the perfect place to stay for a ski holiday with the slopes right on your doorstep.
In winter, you can step straight onto the Grand Tourmalet ski area, with its fantastic alpine slopes, while the village sits directly below the Pic du Midi.
As the gateway to the legendary Pic du Midi de Bigorre, La Mongie is ideal if you want to stay right in the heart of a ski resort and enjoy an unforgettable night under the stars at the Pic du Midi.