French Pyrenees Cycling Tour
Itinerary Virtual Tour Tour Map
The yellow jersey of the Tour de France has often been decided during the climbs of the Pyrenees mountain passes. This mountain chain, a natural border between France and Spain, is a beautiful scenic area with a variety of harsh contrast landscapes. It is a fantastic ski destination in winter and spa/resort destination at all seasons. The mountains are much lower than the Alpes, but just as steep if not steeper at times!
Cycling Classics worked out a flexible self-guided and fully supported program which allows you to ride at your own pace throughout these picturesque peaks. This self guided program can go anytime from Mid May to mid September. You can bring your own bike or rent one of ours. The location is a fantastic 3 star hotel in the charming town of Argeles sur Gazost - just near Hautacam, Aubisque, Luz, and Tourmalet! For a longer self guided Pyrenees experience, see our award winning Crossing The Pyrenees Tour.
WATCH a client video of his trip to this region.
Itinerary
Click on a day to see that days itinerary.
DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5
Day 1: Arrival Day Arrival in Lourdes by train and then shuttle bus transfer to the accommodation in Argeles. You will have an orientation meeting with your hotel host and phone review with our office. We will cover the cycling and route book materials, and help you get started right. Free time is yours to visit this charming spa & resort town. Dinner included tonight. (D)
Day 2: L’Hautacam A 13kms (8.1miles) long climb of about 8% brings you up to 1.520m (4.560 feet), a popular ski resort – total distance from the hotel: 32 km; leaving some time back in Lourdes to visit, or go on for additional riding. Add on rides include Col de l'Aubisque (7.5% avg) & Soulor (8% avg) +60km roundtrip and about 4 hours of climbing! Back at your charming hotel tonight and gastronomic dinner included! (B,D)
Day 3: Luz ArididenArididen is "hors categorie" as is the Tourmalet, and it is on this mountain that Lance Armstrong was accidentally pulled over on his bike to surge back and take the stage, some years ago. 62 km. (B,D) Another ride option is to the Gavarnie on the Spanish border, or climb up to Cautarets for a quiet ride behind the pics of Luz Ardiden. + 60km. Back to Argeles and another comfortable evening and dinner! (B,D)
Day 4: Le Col du TourmaletToday you will climb the popular long side from Luz to the summit of the Tourmalet - total distance from the hotel and back from the summit: 67km. It is possible to descend to La Mongie and return back up, or descend down by Bagnere de Bigorre for a very long day of cycling. (100km) Back for a last night in Argeles. (B,D).
Day 5: Departure after breakfast – on your own; taxi to Lourdes and then train to Toulouse suggested. (B) Additional days are possible and additional ride days can be arranged.
Virtual Tour
See more of this region by clicking below for the virtual tour
Tour Map
Tours Details
For individuals and small groups - a flexible program for medium and experienced levels (Self Guided)
Region: Hautes-Pyrénées
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Dates: On request from May until October.
Accommodation: 4 nights in a 3 star hotel in Argeles sur Gazost, a very charming hotel located in this historic spa town.
Meals: breakfast and dinner included daily (drinks not included)
Bike: Our Look bikes - 170 euros plus shipping costs of 110 euros for up to 2 bikes. See the Rental Page for details. You bring your pedals. Note that price includes bike delivery and pickup and is valid rate with tour.
Tours: this bike holiday allows you to ride at your own pace– we propose you some climbs with an elevation between 556m (1.168ft) and 2.155m (6.465 ft) and average gradients of 8% - the total distances include warm-up and cool down time. In the local shops you can buy your picnic ingredients, or find restaurants in some nice stops along your routes and even on the summits of some of the climbs. With some advance notice, the hotel will also prepare a picnic lunch.
Trip includes: Orientation meeting - 4 nights lodging with breakfast and dinner daily in superior 3 star hotel, multilingual technical assistance, emergency support, road book. Transfer to/from Argeles from Toulouse is not included but can easily be done by train with shuttle.
Note: room rates vary; price is based on superieur category room.
| Price: 595 Euros per person* - subject to room availability. Single Supplement: 90 euros, Solo supplement 195 euros. Rental Bike: 170 Euros + shipping |
