Pyrenees Coast to Coast

Starting from the Atlantic Ocean, we cycle east to the Mediterranean Sea. Perfect for keen road cyclists ready for a Coast to Coast challenge but without the pressure of doing the Raid Pyrennean. This is still a challenging ride though, which you wlll be rightly proud to have achieved!

Starting with a dip in the Atlantic, the route passes through distinct and varying regions of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Garonne, Ariège and Pyrénées-Orientales. We try to avoid busier French roads and as well as the climbs, it enjoys many sections alongside fast-flowing rivers, through steep-sided gorges and beautiful vineyards. The following six days includes some of the most well-known mountain passes that feature frequently in the Tour de France; including the Cols d’Aubisque, de Soulor, de Tourmalet, d’Aspin, de Peyresourdes, de Portet d’Aspet and de Pailheres.

We will be cycling between 50 to 135km per day with between 1000m and 2700m of ascent meaning that we tend to set off promptly each morning. This leaves plenty of time not to rush the climbs, to take photos, and (of course) to stop and eat cake!

Highlights

• The cols are a-calling…conquering some of the most iconic Cols of the Pyrenees.
• A bucket list kind of a trip, travelling coast-to-coast, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean sea.
• Varied terrain: so long as up and down are variants of each other!! Challenging climbs, breathtaking descents and gentle valley roads through stunning Pyrenean scenes.
• Quieter roads than the Alps: Quiet, cyclist-friendly roads through picturesque French villages and towns with abundant flower baskets.
• French food! French bread and cheese! Salamis. Wine. And delicious pastries too!
• Dipping your toes in the ocean and the sea! At least the Med will be warmer than the Atlantic…

Hilly terrain on tarmac (conditions can vary).