French Pyrenees Cycling Tour (trip)
French Pyrenees Cycling Tour
- Toulouse Airport, France
- Active & Adventure
| from €1,190* per person | 7 Days | May, June, August-October |
| Boutique accommodations | Exertion level: 4 | |
| Operator: Pure Adventures | 24 people max | |
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 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
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Locations visited/nearby
France, Europe
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, Pure Adventures:
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Reviewer: Andy C.
'The trip was great! I lived in France for 5 years and took many great trips around Europe, but this may well have been the most memorable!'
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Reviewer: B. Van Hook
The trip exceeded my expectations in just about every way. It was awesome and challenging to be alone on a bike in a foreign country. I would recommend it to anyone with a sense of adventure who is in good health.
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Reviewer: Heidi Ray
located in
CO
USA
Costa Brava Explorer - This is a WONDERFUL tour. Bo was amazing and helpful, as were his directions and additional information in the hand-outs of things to see and recommended stops and restaurants. I will recommend Pure Adventures to my bicyclist friends, and will certainly return to you for our next European bicycle adventure!
Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
- Self-guided (includes hotels, maps, luggage transfer, etc but no guide).
Itinerary
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.
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