The Pic du Midi is a famous mountain and observatory centre in the French Pyrenees. It is a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking panoramic views, scientific research, and hotel in the sky.An evening on the summit made me feel like I was on top of the world and was a highlight of my trip skiing in the Hautes Pyrenees.
At 2877 metres, Pic du Midi Tourmalet offers 360-degree panoramic views over the Pyrenees and is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Open all year round, the peak is famous for its astronomical observatory and views and is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and star-gazing.
Here is what you need to know about visiting or staying at the Pic du Midi Hotel French Pyrenees.
A panoramic view watching the sunset on the Pic du Midi
About Tourmalet Pic du Midi
Pic du Midi was opened to the public in 2000 and was classified as a National Nature site in 2003. The Pic enjoys 300 days of sunshine and is a popular tourist destination that blends science and nature, attracting everyone from professional astronomers to tourists.
Visitors can take in the panoramic views, use an interactive tablet, walk the glass bridge, visit the observatory dome, and learn about the stars in the different exhibits. If you are hungry, there is a restaurant that serves 2 or 3-course meals or a snack bar if you want something less formal.
The best bit is that you can go to Pic du Midi all year round, so you will never have to miss out.
Science Area
Separately from the visitors’ areas are the science buildings like the Gentili Dome and the 1m telescope financed by NASA, which are reserved for scientific research. These buildings are where studies and research of the solar system involving atmospheric chemistry, solar activity, and planetary science are carried out.
An evening on the Pic du Midi
Spend an evening at the Pic du Midi Hotel for a unique high-altitude experience. Tourists can spend the night under the stars at the facility, including evening telescopic observations and dinner.
Prices for an overnight stay start from €539 per room. You only need an overnight bag for the hotel.
√Get huge discounts on ski and snowboarding for outdoor wear.
Provided by the tourism office – Grand Tourmalet Pic du Midi Coucher du Soleil – N Stripe
Where is the Pic du Midi located?
The Pic du Midi de Bigorre, better known as The Pic du Midi, is a mountain in the French Pyrenees. It is part of the Pyrenees Mountain range, which forms a natural border between France and Spain in the Hautes-Pyrénées department.
Grand Tourmalet Pic du Midi is located on the summit of the mountain, at an altitude of 2,877 meters (9,439 feet), above the ski resort of La Mongie. The nearest town is Bagnères-de-Bigorre, and the closest airport is Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees. It can be very cold due to the altitude, so I suggest wearing good ski mittens to keep your fingers warm.
Pic du Midi tickets & Cable Car
Visitors can reach the summit via a cable car that departs from the nearby ski resort of La Mongie. It is a 15-minute journey to the top that involves two cable cars that change midway. The ride itself is scenic, offering magnificent views of the valleys below.
The first cable car goes upwards to Taoulet Intermediate Station, where you change. It is the second cable car with the most impressive views of the Pyrenees Mountain range as you go to the summit suspended in mid-air.
Return cable car tickets start from €34 per person and can be booked online. Tickets include a return cable car trip, a discovery tour of the summit, the museum, the histopad, and access to Pier in the Sky. Cable car tickets are a part of the price for your evening stay experience at the hotel.
The 2nd Cable car to the summit in winter
Pic du Midi Observatory
The observatory is the most popular attraction on the summit, and it is renowned for its work in astronomy and atmospheric science. It has made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, particularly in mapping the moon. NASA used some of its lunar images to help plan the Apollo missions.
Visitors can enter to watch a 20-minute show featuring a sequence of shots taken with professional instruments, allowing you to explore the cosmos and uncover the secrets of an astronomical observatory.
The Observatory Dome is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are €6 per person and are not included in the cable car ticket price. You can purchase tickets when you arrive or online in advance.
The Planetarium
The Planetarium is a modern attraction to the building on the summit. Inside are four immersive shows offering insights into the cosmos, which are shown daily.
The Legend of the Pic is 17 minutes long, the Movie We Are Stars is 26 minutes long, the Animated Show (in French) is 45 minutes long, and the Movie the Sky Navigator is 32 minutes long. Here is the link to check screening times.
The Planetarium is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tickets are €6 per person and are not included in the cable car ticket price. You can purchase tickets when you arrive or online in advance.
The tower on the summit
The Experience Area
Take a walk around the Experience area, the highest museum in Europe, and learn about the history of Pic du Midi and how it was constructed. Through modules, interactive experiences and photos, you can also see and learn about the people and scientists in the area. There are three main areas: the scientific area, the world of the International Dark Sky Reserve, and the Gallery of Wonders.
There’s no need to stress if French isn’t your forte! Plenty of information is available in Spanish and English. The Experiences area is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and lasts about one hour. Entrance to the exhibit area is included in the cable car ticket price.
Walk the Pontoon in the Sky
If you have a head for heights and want an adventure, check out the Pontoon (Sky Bridge). It extends over a precipice, giving an impressive 360 view of the surrounding landscape and mountains.
The Pontoon is a 10m metal narrow walkway suspended at 2877m over nothing but thin air with a glass floor at the end to give you that extra thrill. They say they are trying to achieve the desired effect of flying, and it is best to focus on the horizon to beat vertigo. It is FREE to walk on and will provide some fantastic photo opportunities.
I admit I was too scared to go out to the end of the Pontoon as it was windy and made me feel dizzy. Make sure to wear your thermals underwear to keep warm as it gets cold and windy on the sky bridge.
Pontoon Sky Bridge
Eating on the Summit
You have two options for eating on the summit: a snack bar and a restaurant. Both use seasonal local products from the area, and all the food is made on the mountain. If you plan on bringing your own food, just be aware that there are no picnic areas to sit, as they are not permitted. They want to reduce the impact of waste on the environment.
The observatory snack bar
The observatory snack bar is open daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm, and it sells a variety of fast foods, snacks, and drinks. There is a good-sized seating area, and you don’t have to book a table.
Restaurant Pic du Midi
The Pic du Midi restaurant is open daily from 11:45 am to 2:30 pm for anyone visiting the observatory attraction. The restaurant provides a set menu for both adults and children with several choices. In summer, when the weather is warmer, you can sit outside on the terrace for a meal.
Reservations can be made upon arrival at the summit. However, it is recommended that you book in advance to secure a table. At night, the restaurant is only open to guests who have booked the evening program.
Beware that if you have a drink, the ratio is three times greater at Pic than at sea level. If you have a glass of wine, it will be like you are having 3.
Pic du Midi Hotel
Staying at the Pic du Midi Hotel is an unforgettable experience. Being up so high, guests will feel like they are sleeping amongst the stars. An overnight stay at the Hotel includes a return cable car, welcome cocktails, access to the observatory, an exclusive stargazing experience, sunrise or sunset view from the terrace, and a traditional 3-course meal.
15 bedrooms sleep up to 27 people, with some of the rooms sharing sanitary facilities. The rooms were once used by scientists who studied the solar system. They have large windows that provide stunning views of the Pyrénées.
You can spend the night here all year round; however, reservations are compulsory. Overnight stays at the are currently fully booked until December 2025.
What to wear & bring to the summit
The weather can change rapidly at an altitude of 2,877 meters (9,439 feet) on the summit. Here’s a helpful list of what you should wear and bring to ensure an enjoyable visit:
What to wear
Layers are Key. Temperatures can be significantly cooler at high altitudes, even in summer. Wear layers (Base and middle layer) to adapt to changing conditions. I wear the icebreaker brand for layers as they are 100% wool and lightweight
Windproof and waterproof jackets are essential for unpredictable high-altitude mountain weather.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy walking shoes with a good grip. This is especially important if you want to explore nearby trails. I wore ski boots because it was cold, and they kept my feet warm when I was outside, seeing the sites.
Essential accessories to bring to the summit
- Day Backpack for carrying your belongings and accessories. Keep all your essential accessories organised and in one place.
- Take a Water Bottle to keep hydrated, as altitude increases your dehydration rate. Preferably, use a reusable water bottle that is good for the environment.
- Hat or Beanie for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
- Warm gloves for the cooler and winter months.
- Sunglasses protect against intense UV rays at high altitudes all year round.
- Sunscreen and High SPF Lip Balm for protection against UV rays at high altitudes.
Toulouse Airport
Toulouse International Airport is the best airport for getting to Pic Du Midi and Grand Tourmalet Ski Resort. It is roughly a 2-hour drive from Toulouse to La Mongie. Lourdes/Tarbes Airport is closer, but it is only a small airport, and there is not a large range of flights available.
British Airways and EasyJet offer direct flights to Toulouse International Airport from London. Get a priority pass to access the Gatwick and Heathrow Airport lounges.
Transfer from Toulouse Airport
Take a transfer or hire a car from Toulouse Airport to Grand Tourmalet Ski Resort, as there are no direct trains. Otherwise, catch a train to Tarbes Train Station and then a bus from there to Bagnères and La Mongie.
If you come from Lourdes/Tarbes Airport, it is roughly an hour’s drive to Grand Tourmalet. The drive will be a mix of highways and winding roads.
Provided by the tourism office – Dominique VIET Photos Grands Sites 001
Additional Tips
- Pic du Midi Weather: Mountain conditions can change rapidly. Checking the weather and staying informed about the forecast is essential for your safety and enjoyment. Le Pic du Midi will close the cable cars if the weather is unpredictable. Here is the live Pic du Midi webcam
- Specific ski passes for the Grand Tourmalet ski area include free access to the Pic du Midi cable car. Thus, if you are skiing in La Mogie, you can go up the mountain at no additional cost.
- Altitude Awareness: Altitude affects people differently. Bring any necessary medications and pace yourself, as the altitude can affect breathing and energy levels.
- The tours and talks are mainly in French, so double-check online or speak to them.
Here are some additional French articles you might find interesting
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Have you been to Pic du Midi or any other of the French pyrénées ski resorts before? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
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Disclaimer: I was a guest of the Hautes Pyrenees and Grand Tourmalet; these views are based on my experience.
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Wow wow wow this looks incredible!!! I’ve never heard of this place, but now I absolutely must go! Thank you for sharing!!
This was such a beautiful place and I definitely was in awe. You can go here all year around
Those views of the mountains from the Pic du Midi in the French Pyrenees is amazing. I am not the biggest fan of the cold but I would love to stand on the pontoon outside seeing the views. Also, I am sure the sunset is amazing but I bet the night sky on a clear night would make me feel like I am sitting in space itself.
You can go here all year round and enjoy it in the summer 🙂 That way you don’t have to worry about the cold!!
I don’t like to be cold, so I’ve never considered visiting the Pyrenees, but now I’m thinking about it! I think my kids would love to ride the cable cars. And the sunrise/sunset view seems heavenly! What a great way to see the Pyrenees!
It is open all year round so you can definitely go up there in the summer and not worry about the cold. It was really pretty up there.
Looks like a spectacular place to visit! I’ve never visited the Pyrenees but would love to go. The food looks delicious! I bet spending a whole night there is magical.
I would of loved to have spent the night there and we would of if it was not for the weather. Maybe next time
Loving this, had no idea you could stay overnight, and that opportunity to enjoy those spectacular views for longer than the usual short visits to mountain tops. Just magical, and I love cable cars too!
I’m completely bowled over by this post! I too am a little nervous in the cable cars, but I’d suck it up to see the incredible sights of Pic du Midi! Those photos are stunning, and I think I’d even try that new attraction, if just for a few seconds of course! I really want to go here, will pin this for the future x
The views from up there was amazing and was pretty bowled over too
Wow is all I can say. This place looks incredible! I have to add it to my list. I love anything to do with space and astronomy, so this is a dream come true. I love the fact you can stay there too, what a magical experience that must be. I can only imagine what the stars look like from up there! Thank you so much for sharing this gem.
I was really impressed with the views from there, I never realised that it looked like that either. James Bond
The Pic du Midi looks incredible! I had no idea there were views like this in the Pyrenees. I would really like to try the Pontoon in the Sky even if it is scary. I can’t believe it’s free. And I read French, so I’d be able to handle the signs that hadn’t been translated.
Neither did I but I do now and I am so glad that I got to go as it was stunning for sure
You had me at the Star Museum. What a great idea to examine the universe from a space so close to it. I’ve only been to the Pyrenees once (and that to Andorra, mostly because the weather was too bad to turn round on the road…), and it wasn’t nearly as clear as it is in your pictures. The Pontoon would absolutely be a no for me, but I imagine it’s a fantastic experience.
I have been to Andorra to ski but that was a few years ago, however, I was super impressed with the French side as well.
It is a totally magnificent, icy view that is breathtaking. You are so lucky to spend your vacation here. The Star Museum adds the fabulousness of your experience.
Yes it was definitely beautiful there for sure. I would love to see what it looks like in summer
This looks incredible! I would definitely want to stay overnight. I don’t think a whole day would be enough to bask in those beautiful mountain range vistas!
A day up there is definitely enough as only a part of the area is open to the general public. It is an amazing place though and highly recommends it.
Dear lord those views!! We spent some time in France this winter, but we were in the middle of cities. I gotta tell you, I think I might’ve preferred the mountains 🙂
I spend a lot of time in France too, in fact I am flying there today. However, it was the first time that I had visited the Pyrenees and I just loved it. Definitely add it to your list.
Is this the setting of one of the James Bond movies?? It totally looks like it.
I wish that it was but no unfortunately.
I once took a spontaneous road trip here from Turin, where I live, and made the mistake of going when Italy was justtt about warming up after the coldest part of winter – long story short, ended up on top of a mountain ABSOLUTELY FREEZING, thought my nose might drop off. Love the look of the new pontoon though, that wasn’t there when I went!!
Don’t worry I was super cold but I have a heated jacket and I kept going back inside to warm up. Most of those pictures though are from inside the windows
The pictures are amazing and made me think about planning a trip to this place especialy during winter. Thanks for sharing. Great post.
You don’t have to go here just in winter, as it is open all year around. I would love to see the views in Summer
I’m definitely more of a beach gal myself but man oh man those views at the Pic du Midi in the French Pyrenees are INCREDIBLE! Especially the sunset reflecting on the snow, wow. If I ever find myself shivering in the Pyrenees I’ll definitely have to check this out myself.
You can come here in the summer if you didn’t like the winter. Definitely, recommend it if you ever get the chance
This looks amazing. The prices are much less than I realized and a chance to go up that tower and the ‘Pontoon’, stand at the end and open my arms Titanic style… Well, maybe not, but this is certainly an inspirational post of a place I’d never heard of before and is now on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing
I never thought about it being a titanic style but you are so correct 🙂
Wow, I can’t get over those views! Visiting the French Pyrenees is so high on my list. Did you feel like you were just on top of the world?!
It is a stunning place and I highly recommend going there if you ever get the chance.