Staying at LA NTV Training Center in Mont-Louis and preparing for a triathlon event? Font-Romeu and its surroundings are exceptional training grounds for triathletes. At 1600m altitude, every session (swimming, cycling or running) generates greater stimulus than at sea level. Here is our guide to organising your training from Mont-Louis.
Swimming: pools around Font-Romeu
This is usually the first question triathletes ask when they arrive at the centre: "Where can I go swimming?" Here are the three main options, with their schedules, prices and access details.
CREPS / CNEA Pool at Font-Romeu
This is the champions' pool, where elite athletes train daily. It is open to the general public on a specific schedule. It is the first option to consider for your altitude swimming sessions.
- Sundays 10am–1pm (outside school holidays)
- Entry fee: €4/adult • €3/child • 10-session card: €35 (adult) / €25 (child)
- Cash only (no card payments accepted)
- 25m indoor pool
- Address: Lycée Pierre de Coubertin, 66120 Font-Romeu
Puigcerdà Pool, Spain (25 min by car)
Just across the Spanish border, the Club Poliesportiu de Puigcerdà has a pool open to the public. This is the best alternative when the CREPS pool is not open, particularly on weekdays outside summer. Only 25 minutes from Mont-Louis, it is a regularly used option by triathletes at the centre.
View opening hours on the Puigcerdà website →Matemale Pool (reopening expected summer 2026)
The outdoor pool at Matemale, by the lake, is currently closed for renovation works. Its reopening is expected for summer 2026. When open, it is a 25m outdoor pool in an exceptional setting, at the foot of Lake Matemale at 1600m altitude. Keep an eye on it for the next season!
Cycling: best cycling routes
Mont-Louis and Font-Romeu sit at the heart of one of the most beautiful cycling areas in the Pyrenees. Within an hour of the centre's door, you'll find legendary Tour de France climbs, altitude roads up to 2400m, and loops around glacial lakes. Here is our selection of must-do rides.
Puigmal climb (2227m, from Sainte-Léocadie)
One of the highest roads in the Pyrénées-Orientales. From Sainte-Léocadie in the Cerdagne, the road climbs steadily to around 2227m at the foot of the Puigmal. The long climb par excellence, perfect for altitude endurance rides and threshold work on the climb. Just as good on foot as by bike. A quiet road in a wild setting with stunning views over the Cerdagne valley. A few minutes from Mont-Louis.
Three Nations Loop (France – Andorra – Spain)
One of the most iconic rides in the region. Leave Mont-Louis, climb the Col du Puymorens or d'Envalira to drop into Andorra, cross the principality, then come back down into Spain via La Seu d'Urgell. Return to France through Bourg-Madame or Puigcerdà and the Cerdagne valley. Allow 140 to 160 km and 2500m of elevation depending on the chosen route. The big ride of the camp, set aside a full day.
Col de Pailhères (2001m)
For those who love short, explosive climbs. 15 km of ascent with sections at 8-10% gradient. 1h drive from Mont-Louis, ideal for a serious power climbing session.
Running: best running spots
For running, Font-Romeu is simply a world reference. Between France's most famous altitude athletics track at the CREPS and the trails around Mont-Louis, you'll find everything you need to vary your sessions. Here are the three must-go spots.
Colette Besson Athletics Track at the CREPS (1800m)
This is THE altitude athletics track in France. Located at the CREPS in Font-Romeu at 1800m, it is named after Colette Besson, Olympic 400m champion.
Lake Matemale (1540m)
A local runners' classic for an easy altitude session. The loop around Lake Matemale is about 9 km with only 70m of elevation gain, on rolling terrain partly through the woods. Ideal for acclimatisation runs, easy long runs and progressive fartleks, in a beautiful lakeside setting. 15 min from Mont-Louis.
The Martin Desmidt Hill (hill reps, 1 km from the centre)
For your hill sessions, our favourite spot just 1 km from the centre. Around 250m of climbing on the cycle path, at 1650m altitude, with no cars. Perfect for rep blocks. The KOM is held by Martin Desmidt, specialist of 1500m (3'36") and 5000m (13'31"). More details in our dedicated article.
Practical tips for your triathlon camp
Bring cash for the CREPS pool
The CREPS pool does not accept card payments. Always bring cash before heading to swim. €4 per adult entry, a bit more if you want the 10-session card.
Check opening hours before you go
Pool opening hours change with the seasons and French school holidays. Check the Font-Romeu town hall website or call directly before heading out to avoid disappointment.
Adjust your intensity at altitude
At altitude, every session generates greater physiological stress than at sea level. Ease into training the first 3–4 days and let your body acclimatise before tackling key sessions.
Ready for your triathlon camp at altitude?
LA NTV Training Center in Mont-Louis is the ideal base: 15 minutes from the pools, mountain passes and trails of Font-Romeu. Sports accommodation from €19/night.
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