Restaurant du Tourmalet Christine Vignolles - Tel. 05.62.91.94.02 If there is a mythical place retracing the history of cycling during the Tour de France, it's got to be here. Anchored on the col of the famous Tourmalet since 1948, it is an obligatory passage for all lovers of the "petite reine". Just to get there is an achievement that every cyclist would like under his belt, whether professional or amateur. Come and eat or refresh yourself and relive the past through the photographs and press cuttings yellowed by time, stories of cyclists gone by, such as Bahamontès, Bobet, Anquetil, Antonin Magne or even Octave Lapiez whose bicycle thrones the bar. Here, the history of the bicycle is told, with that of skiing and the Pic du Midi with an access on foot all the way to it's terrace. Christine welcomes you summer and winter, when many skiers enjoy her famous Garbure soup, Tartiflette cheese and potatoes, grilled local lamb with garlic "Bruschetta", or even a Tourmalet crème brûlée. Spread out on a deckchair, you can enjoy the view of the Barège valley and Toy Country, whilst eating your skier's lunch of eggs, larded potatoes or homemade tarts. In the winter, reserve and try out snow scooters, the accompanied "torchlit descent", after having a typical Pyrenean evening in the Col du Tourmalet Restaurant with it's handpainted tables and green curtains... What an atmosphere ! And why not try an aperitif New Year's Eve between 17h and 19h... a good reason to prepare oneself for the evening ahead. Don't hesitate to ask Christine. Our Favourite For the hostess and her warm Pyrenean welcome in "cultivated" surroundings where everybody feels comfortable, with souvenirs, and of course, the charm and friendliness she offers to her customers. Christine has a good sense of humour, as proof, when her neighbour, the famous giant, is put in place, she doesn't hesitate to climb on the bicycle. Be careful, though, don't try this at home folks !       History tells that on 21 July 1910, the Tour de France traversed the Pyrénées for the first time, a race Luchon-Bayonne 326 kms in length with 7 cols. It lasted 14 hours and 10 minutes. Octave Lapize who was in the lead at the Col d'Aspin was joined by Gustave Garrigou in the district know as La Séoube (before Ste Marie de Campan). They inaugurated the Tourmalet legend where the crowds arrived using whatever method available (on foot, bicycle, horseback). There were about 40 cars at the top, even some Spanish. The legend commences, it's Octave Lapize who crosses the Tourmalet 300 m in front of Garrigou, who won a bonus for not touching the ground with his foot. How to get there Where to find Tourmalet on the map A Sportsman at the Tourmalet .... Adrien Théaux, son of the restaurant owners situated on the largest ski area in the French Pyrénées, learnt to ski in the Tourmalet resort as a child. After having won COQ D'OR, CHAMPION DE FRANCE MINIME, and CADET, today he is a member of the FRENCH TEAM.