The Grand Tourmalet ski resort connects La Mongie (1800m) and Barèges (1250m) to form one of the largest ski resorts on the French side of the Pyrenees. Over 100 km of ski runs will keep beginners, intermediates, and freeriders more than entertained. The purpose-built resort doesn’t leave much to the imagination in terms of style. But if you can look beyond its 1970s architecture then you’re in for a real budget-friendly treat. But you don’t have to be a skier or boarder to enjoy the views. You can access the Pic du Midi observatory via a cable car from the centre of the town. From here you can see the Pyrenees National Park in all its glory as you tower above the clouds. Any Tour de France fans here? You might recognise the Col du Tourmalet at the centre of the resort. One of the highest paved mountain passes in the French Pyrenees, which was made famous by this legendary endurance race.