From Barèges, the road enters the Escoubous Valley where a stream winds through stony meadows. After La Gaubie Bridge (don’t miss the botanical gardens), the road winds up to the pass (alt. 2,115m), where there is a remarkable panorama. The way down goes past lawns that contrast with the gullied landscape on the way up. The pyramids of the La Mongie-Tourmalet residential complex are a precursor of La Mongie ski resort, where you take the cable car for the Pic du Midi.