Published by Lyn on 23 July 2013
Lac d'Oncet – the route to Pic du Midi (the old road above Col du Tourmalet).
Photo: will_cyclist
Tourism authorisites have announced that the High Pyrenees is once again open for business following the heavy rains of early summer that saw flooding devastate many towns and villages.
The floods, which hit areas around Lourdes, left towns – including the village of Barège – isolated. However, the entire area is now open, with the last of the villages and the road to the Col du Tourmalet now welcoming visitors again. The Pic du Midi, the Gavarnie Circus, Col du Tourmalet, Cauterets and the Pont d’Espagne, and the holy sites of Lourdes are now operating, although there are still a few restrictions on opening hours and dates for some sites. See the official tourism website for more details.
Many cycling businesses and cycle friendly hotels and B&Bs in the region have been hit hard by a loss of early season bookings. You can aid the recover by riding in the Pyrenees – see our article dedicated to cycling in the High Pyrenees, and also our Where to stay section to find cycling accommodation in the Pyrenees.
