Pyrenees Coast to Coast

It is perfect for keen road cyclists who like the idea of a coast to coast challenge but don’t want to take part in the pressurised Raid Pyrenean (the famous West to East ride that must be completed within 100 straight hours and includes sections on very busy dual carriageways). Please note, however, that this is still a “challenging” ride! It is a memorable, bucket-list type of tour from which you will get a great sense of achievement and lifelong happy memories, and not necessarily a “stop and smell the roses” kind of bike touring holiday.

Unlike fixed based tours, you will also enjoy the changes in culture, scenery and climate that you will experience as you journey through the regions of the Pyr√©n√©es-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyr√©n√©es, Haute-Garonne, Ari√®ge and Pyr√©n√©es-Orientales. The ride tries to avoid the busier French roads and as well as the hill climbs it enjoys many sections alongside fast-flowing rivers, through steep-sided gorges and beautiful vineyards.

Starting with a dip in the Atlantic Ocean, day one provides a gentle warm up to the rest of the week as we gradually head into the foothills of the Pyrenees. The following six days includes some of the most well-known mountain passes of the Pyrenees that feature frequently in the Tour de France including the Col d’Aubisque, Col de Soulor, Col de Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin, Col de Peyresourdes, Col de Portet d’Aspet and Col de Pailheres.

We will be cycling between 50 to 135km per day with between 1000m and 2700m of ascent. Making an early start each morning gives us plenty of time to each cycle at our own pace up the climbs and spend time enjoying the scenery, stopping for espressos and pastries and taking the time to make the most of the numerous photo opportunities en-route. Although many of the climbs are challenging our support van will wait at convenient points along the route to provide any assistance you might require. The main aims of each day are to have a great time, laugh a lot and make it to the hotel before sunset.