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Tours > Guided Cycling Tours > Crossing The Pyrenees

Crossing The Pyrenees

TRAVERSEE DES PYRENEES - CROSSING THE PYRENEES

National Geographic Adventure Award Winner: Best Trip Award Winner !

NGA Award Best Trips 2010Now that it is 2012 - the trip is even better! 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 only tours for 2012. We have 2 departures planned for individuals to book into, or any group of 6 or more up to 14 can request a custom start date. About these picturesque peaks. WATCH a client video of his trip to this region. 2012 Open Booking Dates: June 2-11 and September 8-17

For guided trips, anyone can book into and join those dates. These departures will be based on a minimum of 6 participants. (Option: Pyrenees Tour de France Tours)

Finally, if you want a self guided trip, we offer a shorter trip that covers a section of this itinerary. See the details of the trip at Pyrenees Self Guided and to know more about what a Self Guided trip offers, click here.


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 9 DAY 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.


What's Included

Guided Trips include: all lodging (4 nights in 2 star, 4 nights in 3 star, 1 night 4 star Relais & Chateaux) with en suite bathrooms, 7 dinners, 9 lunches, all breakfasts, 1 professional licensed bilingual guide for up to 6 participants, professional support vehicles with roof mounted bike carrier or enclosed trailer, route books, all transportation from arrival meeting until departure transfer, pre and post trip travel assistance, water and snacks during the rides, .

 

Tour Rates

4 persons 2480 euros
6 persons 2150 euros
larger groups please inquire
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.

GUIDED TRIP PRICING: 2150 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.


Photos & Videos

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

Bike Information

Bike Rent: Our Look carbon bikes - 225 euros for the duration. Bike box shipping is required if participants bring their own bikes, the fee is 75 euros/box. For rental bikes, you bring your own pedals.

General Tour Info

Duration: 9 nights / 10 days - GUIDED

Region: Hautes-Pyrénées
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Dates: June 2-11 and September 8-17, 2012. Custom dates available for any groups of 6 or more, please inquire.

Accommodation: all hotel nights are in 2 or 3 or 4 star hotels or mountain inns; always with private bathrooms 'en suite'. 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 lunch every day, and 7 dinners included (drinks NOT included). Lunches are picnics eaten in the countryside along the route. Breakfasts are usually buffet style, and dinners are hardy and often local, traditional cuisine. You have 2 nights out on your own to do your own thing in some towns where there are options.

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 and rest stops.

Tour Map


NGA Award winning trip cycling across the pyrenees