Pic du Midi de Bigorre
At an altitude of 2,877 metres, the Pic du Midi offers one of the most beautiful views of the Pyrenees. This place, with its exceptional purity and transparency, was for a long time reserved for scientists at the observatory which houses the summit. It is now accessible to the public all year round by cable car, which takes about 15 minutes to reach the top of the mountain.
Visitors have access to 750 square metres of terraces with panoramic views that allow them to enjoy the landscape to the full. The landscape from the Pic du Midi stretches across 300 kilometres of Pyrenean peaks, from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic and over the plateaux of the Grand Sud-Ouest.
Altitude: 2872m
Situation:
French Pyrenees, at the watershed of the Gripp and Lesponne valleys.
When to go:
From the beginning of June to the end of October, although it is recommended to avoid the peak tourist season.
Difficulties of the route:
Low difficulty, it only consists of walking from Bareges and along the Oncet lake (3h30).
Complicated sections:
- Not described.
Recommended equipment:
- Suitable boots and walking poles.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen.
– Ice axe and crampons in winter conditions
The Observatory
At the end of the 19th century, work began on the construction of a meteorological observatory. On the back of mules, and only during the few months when the mountain is not covered with snow, the pioneers of this initiative managed to install the observatory on the summit, which has been part of important astronomical events. For example, Nasa used the facilities to observe the moon.
However, it was not until the 1990s that it was decided to make the areas available for tourism, allowing visitors not only to enjoy the marvellous views but also to discover more about the Earth in the museum space of the Pic du Midi, the highest in Europe.
Visiting the Pic du Midi
This privileged space in the Pyrenees has been classified as an "International Starry Sky Reserve" due to the transparency of the air. It can be visited both day and night, all year round.
In the mornings, weather conditions are usually favourable, so it is advisable to go early in the morning to make the most of the views. If it is winter, the landscape is constantly changing due to the snow conditions.
In both winter and summer, travellers are advised to be aware of the weather conditions as far as clothing is concerned. However, even in summer, the altitude of the mountain requires warm clothing.
Another option offered by the Pic du Midi is night visits. With a prior reservation, visitors can sleep at the summit and enjoy the programmes offered in the area. If you don't want to stay overnight, you can also enjoy the night-time activities specially prepared for visitors.
Practical information
The cable car is open all year round. Opening and return times vary according to the seasons.
The cable car ride lasts 15 minutes and departs every 15 minutes. The visit is estimated to last approximately two hours.
Once at the summit, visitors have terraces to enjoy the views, a museum dedicated to the construction of the observatory, a shop and a bar-restaurant offering traditional Pyrenean food.
Most of the facilities are fully accessible for people with disabilities. The cable car, terraces, museum, restaurant and toilets are adapted for wheelchair access.
