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Tours > Guided Cycling Tours > Crossing The Pyrenees

French Pyrenees Cycling Tour

NEW for 2011 - New route, new self guided program, and more Cols to climb! This tour is a bit more expensive but more comprehensive, and more rewarding.

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!

For Tour de France Tours in the Pyrenees, see this link.

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 locations are fantastic country inns in the charming towns of the mountains. Start in Argeles sur Gazost - just near Hautacam, Aubisque, Luz, and Tourmalet! The tour moves on to Luchon, St Girons, and Foix. For another bigger challenge, see our award winning guided tour Crossing The Pyrenees.

WATCH a client video of his trip to this region.


Maps & Profiles

Day-2 Day-3 Day-4 Day-5

PYRENEES_French_Loop Aubisque-Hautacam

PYRENEES_French_Loop Tourmalet

PYRENEES_French_Argelès Gazost-Bganeres de Luchon Moderate

PYRENEES_French_Bagneres de Luchon-St Girons short
Day-6      

PYRENEES_French_St Girons-Foix short

      

Itinerary

Click on a day to see that days itinerary.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7

Day 1: Arrival Day Arrival is most easy by first coming to Toulouse where trains to Lourdes are possible. Arriving in Lourdes by train and then a short taxi 12km to your accommodation in Argeles sur Gazost. 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’Aubisque & Hautacam from the hotel you don't have far to go before you start up these two famous routes of the Tour. The Aubisque and Soulor average over 7% with a good part over 8%. Returning back you have the option to go on to ride Hautacam. A 13km climb of about 8% brings you up to 1520m (4560 feet), a popular ski resort. Approximately 60km roundtrip and about 4 hours of climbing! Back at your charming hotel tonight and gastronomic dinner included! (B,D)

Day 3: Le Col du Tourmalet via Bagneres de Bigorre and up past St Marie de Campan and La Mongie. With a long descent arrive at Luz St Sauveur and return to the hotel in Argeles for a very long day of cycling. (100km) Dinner and last night in Argeles. (B,D).

Day 4: Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourdre at about 110km and 3300 meters elevation gain, this is a hard day over some classic climbs of the Tour de France. Finish in the charming town of Bagneres de Luchon. The long ascent of the Tourmalet is 18km at 8%! Dinner and hotel in Luchon. (B,D)

Day 5: 2 Ride options today - longer or shorter. Both options include the Cols Mente and Portet d'Aspet. The hardest points on the climbs go over 12%. Finish in St Girons and a good 2 star hotel with dinner included. (B,D) 75-145km ride options.

Day 6: From St Girons to Foix - a long and challenging day over some big climbs! Again over 3300 meters in climbing including the Col de Port and Col des Caougnous. A long and short ride option exist again to reach Foix. Once in Foix, you are back to a larger town with more sites and services. On your own for dinner tonight and to celebrate as you wish! (suggestions provided) (B) 74km-115km riding.

Day 7: Departure after breakfast – on your own; taxi to the Foix train station for connections in Toulouse. (B) Additional days are possible and additional ride days can be arranged.


What's Included

Trip includes: Orientation meeting on arrival, 6 nights lodging in excellent 3 star and one 2 star hotel, breakfast daily, 5 dinners, all luggge transfers. multilingual technical assistance with our local France office, emergency support, detailed road book with maps and cue sheets as well as local regional info and suggestions for visits and lunches, all TVA taxes are also included. Transfer to/from Toulouse is not included but can easily be done by train.

Tour Rates

Price: 1190 Euros per person - subject to room availability.
Single Supplement: 145 euros, Solo supplement 599 euros.
Rental Bike:200 Euros + shipping
larger groups please inquire

 

Photos & Videos

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Bike Information

Bike: Our Look bikes - 200 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.

Bike rentals are available on a first come, first served basis. Click on our Rental Page link to know more.

General Tour Info

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights

For individuals and small groups - a flexible program for advanced cycling levels (Self Guided)

Dates: On request from Mid-May until October 1.

Accommodation: all 3 star hotels and one 2 star hotel.

Meals: breakfast and dinner daily as noted. (drinks not included)

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.

Tour Map