Crossing The Pyrenees
Itinerary Virtual Tour Tour Map
TRAVERSEE DES PYRENEES - CROSSING THE PYRENEES
NEW TOUR FOR 2010 - National Geographic Adventure Award Winner: Best Trips of 2010!
For those people who always wanted to be an explorer in their childhood fantasies - this trip is a great simulation and a modern expedition for modern amateur cyclists! In the spirit of the old explorers, we bring this trip to the strong and determined cyclists out there who seek a challenge. The Pyrenees Mountain chain, that natural border between France and Spain which remains 'sauvage' - natural and true to traditions, is the barrier to be crossed. Crossed in this case on your bicycle.
Starting on the Atlantic Coast in the glitzy casino town of Biarritz, you quickly leave the glitz behind and dive into the back country of the Pyrenees. Small villages, small and quiet roads, traditional craftspeople and an older way of life dominate the landscape here. As they say in French; "La France Profonde" - The True Back Country of France! Riding along at a speed that allows you to absorb the majesty of this region will take you mind off the climbing you need to do almost every day before reach the Mediterranean coast at Collioure. After 8 days of riding you can dip your toes in the Med on the other side of the mountains and relish no small victory of one of nature's most imposing mountain barriers in one of Europe's most undeveloped regions. Welcome to the club!
Cycling Classics is offering guided and self guided programs for 2010. About these picturesque peaks. WATCH a client video of his trip to this region.
For guided trips, we propose a custom guided tour option where we are offering guided trips for a few as 4 persons and up to groups as large as 14 - these can go any date that the group wishes to start.
We also will set aside several open booking departures in 2010 shown on the right column. Anyone can book into and join those dates. These departures will be based on a minimum of 6 participants.
Finally, a self guided option is also available on this itinerary. This is the most flexible program independent and experienced cyclists. (Self Guided) See different inclusions below and different rates below on the right. For a shorter self guided Pyrenees option, see our 4 Night Pyrenees tour.
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 8 DAY 9DAY 10
Day 1:Arrival in Biarritz in the southwest of France. Here is where the epic begins! You have to go into the surf to baptise yourself in the cool Atlantic before you turn inland. Biarritz just happens to be a very dynamic city and fun place to spend your first night before you head into the back country. Orientation, bike setup, and dinner included tonight. (D)
Day 2: Biarritz to St Jean Pied de Port The first ride day is supposed to be slightly moderate in order to shake off any jet lag and adapt to the terrain. This is a 75km ride over rolling countryside into the start of some moderate climbs. St Jean is a key stop on the famous St James Way or St Jacques de Compostelle. It serves as a good point to stop for the day. Meals included according to guided/self guided options.
Day 3: St Jean to Arette AThe climbing begins in earnest today with an 80km ride and about 2000 meters of elevation gain. Includes a ride along the Spanish border and the cols of Haltza and Burdincurutcheta. Charming hotel awaits in Arette, and meals according to tour option.
Day 4: Arette to Argeles sur Gazost A bit longer today at 105 km, you will summit the Col de L'Aubisque and Col de Soulor of Tour de France fame. The Aubisque from this direction is about 16km long with an average grade over 7% and good part of it above 8%. The Soulor follows and then you have a rolling ride into Argeles Sur Gazost and a nice 3 star hotel. For something different, you can go visit Lourdes with any free time. Meals included according to tour.
Day 5: Argeles to Bagneres de Luchon A lot of climbing today; this ride is 115 km with 3370 meters of elevation gain including the most famous col in the Pyrenees - the Tourmalet. After that you come down and go over the Aspin and then Col de Peyresourde. From Luz the Tourmalet is 18km long at almost 8% and going up to 2115 meters. The last kilometer is over 10%. Continue on down to the very charming town of Bagneres de Luchon. Meals included according to tour.
Day 6: Luchon to Oust Another day of 115km with 2900 meters of elevation gain. Somewhat less know but not to be taken lightly are the cols de Mente and Portet d'Aspet. Going this direction the route gets the hardest part of the Portet d'Aspet - up to 12.8% and average near 9.5%. Finish in the quiet town of Oust surrounded by nothing but big mountains. Meals included according to tour.
Day 7: Oust to Ax Les Thermes A rather punishing day at 125km and 3140 meters of elevation gain, the route covers the Col de Port and Col des Caougnous. Rejoin some civilization today passing through several village and staying in the thermal hot springs village of Ax. This is a great place to relax after a hard day on the bike. Meals according to tour.
Day 8: Ax to Prades The mountains aren't yet behind you as you continue toward the Spanish border today and a long route of 106 km with still 2350 meters of elevation gain. Arriving in Prades the big mountains are now behind you. Meals according to tour.
Day 9: Prades to Collioure Rolling countryside, including some rich wine country greets you today for a final stretch to the Med. The route is still 125 km with 1150 meters of total gain, but it will feel easy. At Collioure you must visit the beach and cleanse with the waters of the Mediterrean which annoint you the conqueror of the Pyrenees. Celebrate tonight and enjoy picturesque Collioure; your expedition has reached its goal. Meals included according to tour.
Day 10: Departure after breakfast – guided trips include a transfer to Perpignan train station.
Virtual Tour
See more of this region by clicking below for the virtual tour
Tour Map
Tours Details
Region: Hautes-Pyrénées
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Dates: Private Groups of 4 or more persons requesting custom dates, and Self Guided Requests - available any date from Mid May until October. Self guided trip request can be for any date subject to hotel availability.
Guided Trip Dates for 2010 open booking for anyone : June 13-23, August 19-29, September 19-29 or upon request for groups of 4 or more.
Accommodation: all hotel nights are in 2 or 3 star hotels or mountain inns; always with private bathrooms 'en suite'. There are no options for upgrade except in Biarritz. Breakfast and dinner is served at each hotel and every hotel is chosen for cycling support, cleanliness, friendliness, quality, and cuisine adapted for cyclists, and of course charm. The hotels are sometimes simple, usually small, and always welcoming. Contact us for details.
Meals: breakfast and dinner included daily (drinks NOT included). On the guided trips we include picnic lunches to break up the rides. Breakfasts are usually buffet style, and dinners are hardy and often local, traditional cuisine. Self guided trips do not include lunches, but you can find places along the way to replenish.
Bike Rent: Our Look carbon bikes - 225 euros on the guided version. Add 110 euros to ship up to 2 Look bikes on the self guided version.. You bring your pedals. If you bring your own bike on a self guided option, there is a 175 euro supplement to transfer a bike box from start point to end point.
Tour level: this tour is only recommended for experienced cyclists. Fitness is important, but being able to spend 4-6 hours in the saddle each day is key. Speed is not a matter, but your ability to climb is important. This is a climbing trip; there are not easy options around. Guided trips offer vehicle support whereas self guided trips offer no vehicle support during the rides.
Guided Trips include: all lodging in 2 and 3 star hotels all with en suite bathrooms, all meals, professional licensed bilingual guides, professional support vehicles with roof mounted bike carriers or enclosed trailers, route books, all transportation from arrival meeting until departure transfer, pre and post trip travel assistance.
GUIDED TRIP PRICING: 2295 euros/person based on double occupancy. We price based on 6 participants. Prices can change with more or less participants. 1 guide & 1 van for up to 8 persons. Additional vans and guides can be added as needed.
Self Guided Trips include: all lodging in 2 and 3 star hotels all with en suite bathroooms, breakfast and dinner daily, emergency assistance by telephone to our France office, all luggage transfers from hotel to hotel, route book with maps and notes, arrival orientation by phone, pre and post trip travel assistance.
SELF GUIDED PRICING: 1355 euros/person based on double occupancy with minimum 4 persons. Note: luggage transfers drive the cost of the self guided option much higher than a typical trip. With the distances required, one transfer of luggage costs on average 150 euros.