How to Get to the Pic du Midi
Practical guide to getting there and getting around
Reach for the stars. Towering above the Grand Tourmalet ski area, the legendary Pic du Midi de Bigorre offers an unforgettable experience high in the Pyrenees, where the mountains seem to meet the sky. Take in the spectacular views from 2,877 metres, explore the planetarium or set off on an unforgettable freeride adventure. The cable car to the summit leaves from La Mongie.
Taking the train to the Pic du Midi is a great way to start your holiday feeling relaxed, while enjoying the scenery as you leave the lowlands behind and make your way towards the high Pyrenean peaks. Tarbes train station, served by both TGV and Intercités services, is the main rail gateway for the Pic du Midi.
Let the Pic du Midi Skibus Take You to the Slopes
The Easy, Eco-Friendly Option
Find the Skibus that runs near you and let it take you all the way up to the mountains!
If you’re driving to the Pic du Midi, head to La Mongie, on the Campan Valley side of the resort. This is the only departure point for the cable car. From Tarbes or Bagnères-de-Bigorre, follow the RD 918 towards the legendary Col du Tourmalet.
The cable car departs from the heart of La Mongie resort. You’ll find several free car parks at the entrance to the resort (P1, P2 and P3), as well as metered parking areas and a covered car park very close to the ticket office. During the peak winter and summer seasons, we recommend arriving early to make parking easier.
No. The Col du Tourmalet is closed to traffic in winter, so it is not possible to reach the cable car by road via Luz-Saint-Sauveur and Barèges. You must travel via the Campan Valley (through Bagnères-de-Bigorre) to reach La Mongie.
Yes. Under France’s Mountain Law (from 1 November to 31 March), vehicles must be fitted with 4 winter tyres or carry removable snow chains or snow socks in the boot when travelling to either Barèges or La Mongie.
It’s easy! You can take a train or long-distance coach to Tarbes train station. From there, regional liO bus route 960 provides a direct connection between Tarbes, Bagnères-de-Bigorre and La Mongie, right at the foot of the cable car.
No. As the mountain pass road is closed and snow-covered, there is no direct bus service between the two sides of the mountain. Skiers with a Grand Tourmalet ski pass can only travel from one side to the other via the ski area and its lifts, provided the connections are open.
The journey is split into two sections, with a quick change at the intermediate Taoulet station. Allow around 15 minutes to travel from La Mongie (1,800 m) to the summit of the Pic du Midi (2,877 m).
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially in summer and during school holidays. Booking a dated ticket with a time slot online guarantees your place on the cable car and helps you avoid long queues at the ticket office.
Yes, the Pic du Midi site is fully accessible to wheelchair users, including the cable car cabins, access ramps to the summit, terraces, restaurant and museum. The suspended walkway (Ponton dans le Ciel) is the only area with some technical access restrictions depending on the type of wheelchair. Designated PRM parking spaces are located right next to the cable car departure station in La Mongie.