21
PDI
8.9 mi
DISTANCE
3,284 ft
GAINED
6.9 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Superbagnères climbs 14.3 km (8.9 mi) and 1,001 m (3,284 ft) at an average grade of 6.9%, from 802 m (2,630 ft) above Bagnères-de-Luchon to the ski resort at 1,784 m (5,853 ft) in the French Pyrenees, near the Spanish border. It ranks #891 on our list of the world's hardest climbs. Starting from the center of Luchon (630 m / 2,067 ft) adds roughly 4 km (2.5 mi), for about 18.5 km (11.5 mi) in all.
The Tour de France has finished here seven times, from 1961 to 2025, always at the resort because the road dead-ends at the top. Winners include Imerio Massignan (1961), Federico Bahamontes (1962), José Manuel Fuente (1971), Greg LeMond (1986, in his duel with teammate Bernard Hinault), Philippa York (then Robert Millar, 1989) and Thymen Arensman (2025). The 2025 return, after 36 years away, followed the completion of the new Pont de Ravi at the base of the climb in December 2023.
The climb is irregular: gentle early on, then 9-10% stretches in the upper half. The reward is a high plateau with views toward Aneto, the Pyrenees' highest peak at 3,404 m (11,168 ft).
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Superbagnères averages 6.9% over 14.3 km (8.9 mi) on our route. The steepest 0.5 km (0.3 mi) averages 12.4%, the steepest 1 km (0.6 mi) 10.4%, the steepest 2 km (1.2 mi) 9.1%, the steepest 5 km (3.1 mi) 8.3% and the steepest 10 km (6.2 mi) 7.5%.
The profile is uneven. The opening kilometer is gentle, at about 3%, and the road then settles into 6-7% for several kilometers before easing around the 6 km (3.7 mi) mark. From roughly 7 km (4.3 mi) the climb stiffens to 9-10% for much of the next 4 km (2.5 mi), with a final steep pitch near 13 km (8.1 mi) before the resort. Hold something back for the upper half, where the hardest sections sit.
Roadway: The road is paved from Luchon to the resort, where it dead-ends. The Tour de France's return in 2025 followed the opening of the new Pont de Ravi near the base of the climb, which replaced two historic stone bridges that could not handle the race's support vehicles. Because the road serves a ski resort, snow and ice can be an issue outside the summer riding season.
Traffic: Moderate. The road carries resort and sightseeing traffic, especially in summer, but because it dead-ends at the resort there is no through traffic.
Parking: Most riders start from Bagnères-de-Luchon (630 m / 2,067 ft); our route begins roughly 4 km (2.5 mi) above the town center, and our Montauban-de-Luchon page has more on parking in Luchon. In summer the Crémaillère Express gondola runs from Luchon to the resort, an easy way for non-riding companions to meet you at the top. In 2026 it ran on weekends in June, daily from 3 July to 30 August and on the first three weekends of September.
Provisions: Stock up in Luchon before you start and carry enough water for the climb. The resort at the top is a seasonal operation, so do not count on services being open.
Gear: The upper slopes sit near 1,800 m (5,906 ft) and can be cool, misty and windy even when Luchon is warm - the 2025 Tour stage here finished in mist - so pack a windproof layer for the descent. A compact crankset suits the 9-10% stretches in the upper half.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Superbagnères dates to the early 20th century, when a rack-and-pinion railway carried guests up from Luchon, and its Grand Hôtel, built in 1922 with 100 rooms, still dominates the resort. The Crémaillère Express gondola, named after that old railway, now runs from Luchon and takes about 10 minutes to reach the plateau.
Superbagnères is one of several Tour climbs around Luchon: our Hospice de France page covers the road up the valley toward the Spanish border and its double-digit gradients, and Col de Peyresourde and Port de Balès are both close. Luchon's Lapébie cyclosportive, held in September, has featured a finish at Superbagnères. You can see other climbs nearby, or build a custom route from here, with our Routes in the Area tool.
For those looking to stay in the area we would recommend the Pyrenees Cycling Lodge. Located in the beautiful medieval village of Saint Savin and hosted by Mark & Niamh, the Lodge is run by cyclists for cyclists. It is a great location for any cycling adventure in the Pyrenees with several renowned climbs within 100 km (62.1 mi) of the property and 6 Tour de France climbs within 15 km (9.3 mi). Visit their website or contact them directly at pyreneescyclinglodge@gmail.com .
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carlinguernsey
This is a good test from Bagneres de Luchon, one of the better cycling hubs in the Pyrenees. On a sunny day, the views from the upper parts of the road and the top are great! For an extra challenge, you can add the road to Hospice de France with some double digit gradients. Many other Tour de France climbs are easily reachable from Bagneres de Luchon.
