Tour des Géants
An epic ultra-trail race in Italy's Aosta Valley or a monument celebrating Tour de France history in Pau, France.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Race season in Aosta Valley
Tour des Géants
Best Time
Race season in Aosta Valley
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An epic ultra-trail race in Italy's Aosta Valley or a monument celebrating Tour de France history in Pau, France.
"A great place to see and honor the winning heroes of the Tour de France."
👟 Train for the Extreme
If participating, rigorous training is essential for this 330km endurance challenge.
🗺️ Know Your 'Géants'
Distinguish between the Italian trail race and the French monument.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Epic Trail Race
A grueling 330km ultra-trail race through Aosta Valley, Italy, testing the limits of human endurance.
Ruitor Waterfalls
Aosta Valley, Italy
Witness the thundering power of nature with these spectacular waterfalls along the race route.
Pau's Tour de France Monument
Pau, France
An outdoor exhibit celebrating Tour de France history and its legendary winners.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Endurance Challenge
Location Varies: Trail vs. Monument
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Train for the Extreme
If participating, rigorous training is essential for this 330km endurance challenge.
🗺️ Know Your 'Géants'
Distinguish between the Italian trail race and the French monument.
💡 Embrace the Atmosphere
Experience the eerie night atmosphere and field of lights at the Pau monument.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The Aosta Valley route offers stunning views of villages and glaciers.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Train for the Extreme
If participating, rigorous training is essential for this 330km endurance challenge.
🗺️ Know Your 'Géants'
Distinguish between the Italian trail race and the French monument.
💡 Embrace the Atmosphere
Experience the eerie night atmosphere and field of lights at the Pau monument.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The Aosta Valley route offers stunning views of villages and glaciers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Tour des Géants monument in Pau is appreciated for its historical tribute to Tour de France winners and its unique night atmosphere. While the Aosta Valley race is an extreme endurance event, its stunning scenery is a major draw. Some find the Pau monument to be a bit niche, but it's a charming stop for cycling fans.
"A great place to see and honor the winning heroes of the Tour de France.
The location is beautiful. Do not miss to go down from the upper city with that nice 'climbing train' nearby. Charming!"
Andreas de Tangonautics
"Outdoors exhibit on the history of the Tour de France. A few interesting historical facts, but I mostly appreciated the eerie night atmosphere and the field of lights."
Kallisto Poli
"If you are a big fan of Tour de France this is the place where you will find something interesting about each year of tournament and about each winner. So if you are passing Pau it is worth stopping by to see it."
Bianca Ana Badea
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The race starts and ends in Courmayeur, Aosta Valley, Italy. Travelers typically fly into Turin or Milan airports and then take a train or bus to Aosta, followed by a local bus to Courmayeur.
The monument is located in Pau, France. You can reach Pau by train from major French cities or by flying into Pau Pyrénées Airport (PUF).
While the race covers vast distances, some aid stations and checkpoints might be accessible via local buses or taxis, but planning is crucial.
Driving to Courmayeur is possible, but parking can be challenging during the race week due to the influx of participants and support crews.
The monument is an outdoor exhibit. It's best explored on foot. Consider using the nearby 'climbing train' for a charming ascent from the lower city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Spectating at various points along the race course is generally free, but access to specific aid stations or finish areas might be restricted.
No, the outdoor exhibit in Pau is free to visit and explore at your own pace.
Registration for the Tor des Géants is highly competitive and usually opens well in advance. Check the official race website for application periods and requirements.
Yes, besides the main 330km Tor des Géants, there are often shorter distances like the TOR30, offering a more accessible challenge.
As an outdoor exhibit, the monument is accessible 24/7, though the 'eerie night atmosphere' is best experienced after dark.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The race traverses challenging alpine terrain, including steep ascents, descents, rocky paths, glaciers, and high mountain passes.
Aid stations provide essential food, water, and medical support for runners. They are often lively hubs of activity.
Highlights include the Ruitor waterfalls, stunning mountain villages, and panoramic glacier views.
It's a charming historic funicular that connects the lower and upper parts of Pau, offering a unique way to experience the city.
Yes, spectators can cheer on runners at various points, especially near aid stations and the start/finish line in Courmayeur.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture dramatic mountain landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls, and the determination of the runners. Early morning or late afternoon light is often spectacular.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a tripod if you want to capture the night atmosphere effectively.
Yes, there are designated paths and viewpoints offering excellent perspectives of the powerful Ruitor waterfalls.
Spectators are welcome to take photos, but always be mindful of the runners' space and focus.
While accessible anytime, the 'eerie night atmosphere' and 'field of lights' make nighttime photography particularly striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Aosta Valley race, however, is an extreme sporting event and not suitable for families to participate in. Spectators might find limited, accessible viewpoints, but the sheer scale and remoteness of much of the course make it challenging for families with young children to follow.
🚴 Cyclists & Tour de France Fans
For the ultra-endurance cyclist, the Tor des Géants race in Aosta Valley, Italy, represents the pinnacle of achievement. While participation requires immense dedication and qualification, witnessing the event or following specific stages can be inspiring. The dramatic alpine scenery along the route is also a significant draw for any cycling enthusiast.
+1⛰️ Adventure & Nature Enthusiasts
+1Even if not participating, exploring the accessible parts of the Aosta Valley during the race period offers incredible hiking and sightseeing opportunities. The sheer scale of the event and the surrounding mountains provide a sense of awe and adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tor des Géants: An Ultra-Endurance Feat
+1The race winds through breathtaking alpine scenery, passing iconic landmarks such as the Ruitor waterfalls and numerous charming mountain villages. Runners navigate challenging trails, glaciers, and high mountain passes, often in extreme weather conditions. The sheer scale of the event attracts elite athletes from around the globe, all vying to conquer this legendary challenge.
+1For those considering participation, extensive training, meticulous planning, and a deep understanding of ultra-endurance principles are paramount. The experience is often described as transformative, pushing individuals to their absolute limits and beyond.
+1Pau's Tour des Géants: A Cyclist's Tribute
The exhibit features an 'outdoor display' that highlights key moments and celebrates each winner of the tournament. Visitors can learn interesting historical facts and appreciate the achievements of legendary cyclists. The 'field of lights' and the 'eerie night atmosphere' are particularly noted as memorable aspects of the experience, making it a worthwhile stop for fans.
Adding to the charm, the nearby 'climbing train' provides a delightful and historic mode of transport, connecting the upper and lower parts of Pau. This makes the monument easily accessible and enhances the overall exploration of the city.
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