While Col du Tourmalet is the talk of the town in La Vallée des Gaves region, it’s no match for Col des Tentes. Straight out of Gavernie, the switchbacks come thick and fast, just as we love them. They continue up through the forest to Station de Ski, where the landscape opens up in a giant plain of solitude.
Since Col des Tentes is a dead-end climb, you will only get outnumbered by sheep and cows on your way up. They will, however, let you know that you’re in their territory as they walk, eat and sleep all over the road.
It’s a fantastic climb, ending in an anti-climax at a soulless parking lot.