The D918 runs to the north of the Pyrenees, crossing a series of valleys and spurs. Today it gives access to a range of recreation; hiking, cycling, fishing, rafting and skiing. In earlier centuries it was the route of armies and pilgrims.
We first meet the D918 in St Jean Pied du Port. It runs through Issor that our BandB overlooks, and it provides some of the most famous and scenic stages for the annual Tour du France.
Col du Soulor, D918, Pyrenees 1474M, and Col d'Aubisque, 1709M.
A high mountain passes in the Pyrenees in France, on road D918, linking Argelès-Gazost with Arthez-d’Asson
Col du Tourmalet, the big daddy of them all! The most often included climb in the TDF.
Only 13.6kM and 1062M for the forth and final climb of the day.
By the morning two days before the stage all the spots on Hautcam up to the finish were taken by large campers. Most on Col du Tourmalet also.
We arrived and parked by the Gave du Pau on the morning of the race and had a picnic lunch; fromage et pain! We then walked the 2 kM up to our selected spot.
The excited and well natured multi-national crowd were entertained by the caravan throwing out sponsor's products prior to the arrival of the riders.
TDF STAGE 18, 24 July 2014. Down from the Col du Tourmalet, and about to start Hautcam.
The symbol of the pilgrims ways over many of the high passes. One of Lenore's friends and per husband did the Camino du Santiago last year. So far we have not been encouraged to follow.
The beret is the typical Basque head dress.
In the Basque region of France the Basque language is also displayed on official signs. In this case in Eastern Basque, it follows the French. In the west it often took precedence. Note the high use of z, x and k compared to French.
Sheep, goats and cattle roam free on the higher pastures in summer, often with bells around their necks.
The sheep are milked for cheese production which is sold from farm gates and in local markets.
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