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Riding the best single track from Coast to Coast in the PyreneesRef CYA4

Experience the ultimate enduro adventure as we traverse the stunning landscapes of the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Over the course of 9 exhilarating days, we’ll seamlessly blend vehicle transfers with thrilling mountain bike runs, exploring the best single-track trails the Pyrenees have to offer. Ride through the lush, rounded hills of the Basque Country, navigate the rugged peaks and deep valleys of the high Pyrenees, discover the tranquil wooded mountains and hidden villages of the Ariège, and take in the sweeping views and expansive ridges of the Catalan Pyrenees, wrapped in the Mediterranean vibe of the Eastern Pyrenees. Join us for a journey in true endurissimo style!

Guided tour: from 2095€ - Details Duration : 9 days | Level : Customer satisfaction :
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+33 458 140 435 A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.
Book this tour

Physical level :  

Your profile:
Fairly sporty and fit, mountain biking regularly at least half the year (once a week minimum).
Tour profile:
Distance: 35 to 55 km per day depending on the route profile. Altitude gain: 1500 metres maximum accumulated over the day.

Technical level :  

Type of terrain:
Singletrack with small drops or obstacles that can't be avoided, with some very steep sections.
Your technical ability:
You can pilot your bike with precision and safety, control your braking, know how to tackle steep, technical sections, choose an ideal trajectory at very slow speed, ride over small obstacles, and know your limits on technical terrain.

Highlights

  • A diverse and breathtaking mountain scenery, with plenty of panoramic views in the different parts of the Pyrenees
  • Ride through the beautiful 'living' mountains, where you’ll encounter herds of horses, sheep, and cows
  • 2 to 3 times more downhill than uphill, ensuring a thrilling ride on finest single-track trails
  • Delightful local delicacies to please your palate

Description

  • Tour formula:

    Guided + support vehicle for transfers

  • Accommodation:

    Guest houses and mountain lodges

  • Luggage transport:

    Included. You carry only your daypack

  • Next departures:

    View dates

Comments

  • For private tours, please feel free to ask us for a quote.

Day to day

Day to day

Distances and climbing

With our support vehicle, we enjoy remarkable flexibility throughout each day's stages. Routes can be tailored based on the group's skill level, trail conditions, and weather. Below, you'll find approximate mileages and altitude gains as a guideline. Daily distances range from 35 to 50 kilometers, featuring a maximum of 1,000 meters of climbing and 1,500 to 3,000 meters of descent.

Day 1: Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Arrival in Saint-Jean-de-Luz by late afternoon (transfer with our guide and driver from Port Vendres or Chambéry available, please contact us for details). Before or after dining at the restaurant, we’ll conduct a quick bike check by the ocean. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2 : Saint-Jean-de-Luz - Esterençuby

After a 45-minute transfer to the Spanish Basque Country near Puerto de Ostondo, we find ourselves immersed in the lush, rounded mountains characteristic of this region. From the first pedal strokes, we’ll spot herds of cattle—horses, cows, and sheep scattered across the pastures. Following a gentle climb, we’ll hit our first single track, following a stunning ridge where the Atlantic Ocean glimmers to the west. As we ride on, we’ll gradually move through ferns and into the woods, ultimately reaching the charming Pas de Roland with its striking red rock gorges. This scenic path leads us gently into the village of Itxassou, known for its picturesque white houses adorned with Basque-red shutters.

Transfer for about 40 minutes to the base of Jara. After a 30-minute climb on the bikes, we’ll reach a picturesque promontory that offers 360° views of the Basque Country. From here, a delightful flowy single track awaits us on the northern slope, leading us first through alpine meadows and then into lush ferns.

Last, 30-minute transfer to the base of Haltzamendi, a peak favored by paragliders. Pedalling up along a small, winding road allows us to watch paragliders soaring overhead. From the summit, we’re treated to stunning views of the western Pyrenees and the surrounding Basque mountains. The descent is magnificent, following the ridge and weaving between erratic boulders, sculpted over time. The trail beautifully alternates between technical challenges and flowy sections—a true hidden gem!

Final transfer of around 30 minutes to our accommodation, nestled in a serene valley where a charming stream meanders by.

Run 1: distance : 17km / altitude gain (D+) 250m / descent (D-) 800m
Run 2: distance: 9km / D+ 200m / D- 700m
Run 3: distance : 14km / D+ 800m / D- 900m

Day 3: Esterençuby - Laruns

After a scenic 35-minute drive along a charming mountain road, we arrive near the Burdincurutcheta Pass. The breathtaking views make you feel as if you're at the edge of the world, with verdant mountains speckled with rocks and herds of cattle roaming freely, all framed by the ocean in the background. Following a contemplative warm-up on a winding, panoramic route, we’ll embark on a brief 5 to 10-minute hike-a-bike to access a stunning single track.At times, we find ourselves on a balcony or perched on the ridge's edge, navigating the jagged rocks that rise majestically from the mountains. This nearly endless ridge features breathtaking sections through small canyons, interspersed with a few invigorating climbs. True to tradition, we conclude with a delightful single track weaving through the ferns.

We’ll transfer for about 45 minutes to Col d'Ugatze, situated at the base of the Pic des Escaliers. As we ascend, you'll feel immersed in the high Pyrenees—where peaks rise higher, valleys run deeper, and slopes steepen significantly. Our adventure begins on a stunning balcony track that quickly shifts to a more technical route, weaving between manageable segments and slightly challenging sections. We'll arrive at a suspended plateau where potoks, a unique Basque pony breed, graze peacefully, set against the striking backdrop of the Pic d'Annie and its mineral ridge. After this refreshing break, we’ll descend 700 meters into the Utturothxerreka Valley, where a charming village square awaits us for a well-deserved drink!

Final transfer of 1 hour 15 minutes to our accommodation in Laruns.

Run 1: distance: 29km / D+ 600m / D- 1500m
Run 2: distance: 25km / D+ 250m / D- 1200m

Day 4: Laruns - Col d'Aubisque - Col du Tourmalet - Germ

The day starts with a 30-minute transfer to the Col d'Aubisque. From there, we’ll climb a single track leading us to a panoramic ridge where we can take in the breathtaking views of the impressive Pic de Ger. After crossing a small, remote pass, we’ll tackle a steep descent that requires careful reading—this is the wild Pyrenees at its best!

We then transfer to the famous Col du Tourmalet (1h10), where the atmosphere shifts to high mountains—vertical, mineral, and raw. Our adventure begins with a scenic climb on a track that winds through a cirque, leading us to a beautiful lake nestled at the foot of the scree. Following this, another stunning descent awaits, alternating between grassy and stony sections as we explore an idyllic valley dominated by jagged rock faces. Along the way, we’ll encounter stone alpine chalets, remnants of the shepherds' life from days gone by. Eventually, we’ll arrive at the river in the Gripp Valley.

Final, 1-hour transfer to the small mountain village of Germ.

Run 1: distance: 18km / D+ 400m / D- 1250m
Run 2: distance: 11km / D+ 250m / D- 1150m

Day 5: Germ - Col de Peyresourde - Seix

This morning, we’ll set off to explore one of the most stunning trails in the Peyragudes bike park. We’ll gain altitude by ascending a single track before diving into the "Skyvall", featuring its steep, winding bends that are sure to energize us!

Short 15-minute transfer to the Col de Peyresourde, where breathtaking scenery awaits. Our bike day begins gently on a charming, bucolic road that winds through a picturesque village typical of the upper Luchon Valley. After a brief 10-minute hike-a-bike, we’ll reach a long, panoramic balcony trail that opens up to a playful, flowy descent—a true delight! Enjoy stunning views overlooking the rooftops of Bagnères-de-Luchon.

The following long transfer of 1 hour 45 minutes is perfect for a siesta after a busy morning. Our next run starts deep in Ariège, at the small Col de Catchaudégué, where we’ll be surrounded by the forest atmosphere of the region. After a short climb, we’ll enjoy views of beautiful valleys adorned with isolated houses. Our final descent brings us to the charming village of Seix, where we’ll spend the night.

Run 1: distance: 10km / D+ 300m / D- 700m
Run 2: distance: 26km / D+ 550m / D- 1500m
Run 3: distance: 8km / D+ 100m / D- 500m

Day 6: Seix - Col de Chioula - Arcous

Transfer to the vicinity of Col de Port (45 minutes). Under the watchful gaze of the Pic des Trois Seigneurs, we’ll ride the hidden single tracks of the Saurat Valley until we reach the Ariège valley.

We’ll then transfer to the Col du Chioula, where we’ll tackle two runs on some of the area’s most beautiful single tracks. Ascending amidst beech forests and pastures, we’ll enjoy stunning views of the Puig Carlit range, the highest peak in the Eastern Pyrenees at 2,921 meters. The descents are both playful and panoramic, offering a great riding experience!

Run 1: distance: 18km / D+ 300m / D- 900m
Run 2: distance: 11km / D+ 150m / D- 900m
Run 3: distance: 6km / D+ 150m / D- 500m

Day 7: Arcous - Capcir - Valmanya

We’ll transfer for 1 hour 15 minutes to the heart of the Capcir region, affectionately known as "Little Canada" due to its harsh winter climate and abundant snow cover, perfect for outdoor activities. Here, you'll find a patchwork of wide valleys, peaks, forests, clearings, and lakes. After warming up on a fire road, we’ll tackle a magnificent single track through a charming pine forest, leading to an exhilarating 1,400-meter descent! There’s something for every style and skill level—hairpin turns, rocky sections, earthy paths, and flowy trails await.

We then transfer to the Coll de Jou (30 minutes). After a first steep climb, we’ll ride a series of beautiful single tracks above the Têt Valley. The rocky terrain is both challenging and stunning, offering fabulous riding! Final transfer (45 mins) to Valmanya, where we spend the night in this small, isolated village.

Run 1: distance: 17km / D+ 250m / D- 1500m
Run 2: distance: 11km / D+ 200m / D- 1100m

Day 8: Valmanya - Massif des Albères - Port Vendres (Mediterranean)

This morning, 15-minute transfer to the Col de Palomère. After an uphill climb on a track, we’ll access a fantastic single track that winds through balconies and undergrowth, following the path of an old railway line once used by iron ore mines operational until the 1930s. The initial part of the descent is smooth, followed by a very technical and challenging stretch over granite boulders and slabs.

Second transfer for 1 hour to the Col d'Ullat, nestled in the heart of the Albères massif. After enjoying a bucolic picnic, we’ll embark on our final run of the trip. A brief climb leads us to the ridge, where the Med Sea appears on the horizon. The 360° views of Spain, the Canigou, the plain of Perpignan, and the Mediterranean are simply breathtaking.

With this panorama as a backdrop, we ride along a beautiful single track on the ridge, alternating between shaded beech tree passages and open pastures. The vegetation gradually transitions to a more Mediterranean flair as we descend toward the coast. The final stretch is a long, heavenly balcony trail followed by a playful segment on gravel. We’ll arrive at the port, where we’ll celebrate the end of our trip with a refreshing splash in the sea! The Atlantic Ocean seems so far away—what a remarkable adventure! Overnight stay in a gîte in Port Vendres.

Day 9: Port Vendres

End of services after breakfast in Port Vendres.

Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.

Dates and price

Dates
From   20/09/2026    to   27/09/20268 days2095 €Available

Costs and services guided tour

The price includes:
  • Fully-certified French MTB guide (English-speaking)
  • Van with bike trailer for the transfers
  • 8 nights in auberges, gîtes d'étape (mountain lodges) and mountain huts in shared bedrooms/dormitories
  • 8 breakfasts
  • 8 dinners (multi-course dinners)
  • 7 picnic lunches on the riding days
  • Daily baggage transfers
What is not included:
  • International flights
  • Your transfer to the meeting place
  • Enduro mountain bike rental
  • All services mentioned in extensions
  • Insurance, rescue and recovery costs
  • Drinks at the accommodations
  • Visits to museums, monuments and sites not covered by the programme
  • Additional travel related to changes in the programme due to bad weather
  • All personal expenses
  • Everything not mentioned under  “the price includes".

Mountain bike rental

We can provide enduro mountain bike rentalfor this trip.

MTB full suspension enduro bike (including delivery)
Scott Genius, suspension travel front/rear 160/150 mm, or equivalent		 545 € / 

Please remember to indicate your height and preferred bike size in the registration form.

Private groups / Custom tours

You are a group of friends, a family, a company or a cycling club and you would like to organise a private cycling tour on the dates of your choice. This option is available for guided and self-guided tours.

  • If you are interested in one of the tours presented on our website, we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in your group.
  • If you are interested in a custom version of one of our tours, with specific requirements (tour duration, accommodation type, vehicle assistance, airport transfers, bike rental, etc.), we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in the group and the group's specific requirements.

For more information or to receive a quote, please contact us by phone at +33 458 140 435  or by email at info@france-bike-trips.com.

Booking procedure / Cancellation

How to book

In order to make a booking please fill in the online booking form on the "booking" page of your chosen tour. At the end of the booking process you will be transferred to our bank's secure payment page in order to pay a 30 % deposit.

Last minute booking

All self-guided bookings made within 21 days of tour departure will incur a surcharge of 15 € per person.

Expert advice
  • Unsure which tour to book?
  • Interested in a custom version of one of our tours?
  • Not sure if a particular tour is suitable for your riding style?

A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm (French time) by phone - +33 458 140 435 or by mail - info@france-bike-trips.com.

Tour confirmation

In order to confirm our guided tours, we need to reach a minimum number of participants (usually 5 persons are necessary). Therefore booking a guided tour does not necessarily mean the tour is confirmed. In the unlikely event that we are unable to confirm your chosen tour, we will offer you the opportunity (no less than 21 days before departure) of switching to another (confirmed) tour, or receiving a full refund.

Self-guided or custom tours: We confirm bookings of self-guided tours and custom tours directly after booking.

In both cases, please await our final booking confirmation before making any travel arrangements.

Balance payment

Tour balance payment must be made no less than 30 days before tour departure. Your travel documents will be sent to you once we have received your balance payment. Road books and maps will be sent to you 3 weeks before departure.

Cancellation

In the event that you are obliged to cancel your tour France Bike Trips will reimburse the entire sum paid for the tour, minus the following cancellation charges:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 5 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 60 and 31 days before departure: 15 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 30 and 21 days: 30 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 20 and 14 days: 50 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 13 and 7 days: 70 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Less than 7 days before departure: 100 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium

Full details of our sales conditions are available here

Travel insurance

It is important to be correctly insured when embarking on a cycling holiday. We recommend checking the details of your travel insurance (if you have one) and, if necessary, subscribing to our contract below. Please note that France Bike Trips is simply an intermediary between you and the insurance company.

You can choose between these travel insurance contracts while completing your booking form:

  • I subscribe to the "comprehensive multi-risk" insurance cover (4.5%), minimum premium of 15 €:
    This contract covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage, holiday interruption and cancellation. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "cancellation only" insurance cover (2.5%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers cancellation only. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "repatriation & assistance" insurance cover (1.6%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage and holiday interruption. To see the full contract, click here.

Recommendation:
If you choose to take out a travel insurance policy with another insurance company, please check that the search and rescue coverage is suitable: area covered, expenses included, risks covered (as an indication, a minimum cover of 15 000 € is recommended). Please note that credit card insurance rarely offers this type of coverage.

Enduro mtb tours

For those looking to make the most of the singletrack trails and the descents, but without too much climbing. Our enduro tours offer:

  • two to three times more downhill than uphill,
  • between one and three daily uplifts (by vehicle or cable-car).

We offer two "Enduro" trip formulas:

  • "Enduro Base Camp": A centre-based tour with the same accommodation for the whole trip, and plenty of opportunity to discover the wealth of local singletrack. Example: our Dios Enduro Tour
  • "Enduro Tour": An itinerant (point to point) tour staying in different accommodation each night, leaving you to discover a new area and new trails each day. Example: our Enduro Tour of Mont Blanc

Groupe size and guiding

For guided trips we limit the size of our groups from 5 (min) to 12 (max) persons in order to ensure security and conviviality.

You will be guided by English-speaking French mountain bike guides.

Getting there

For travel in France, see

 - The SNCF website: www.sncf-connect.com

- Road calculations: www.mappy.com or www.viamichelin.fr

By car :

Parking: In most cases, you can leave your car in free car parks near train stations or meeting points.

Accommodation

We favour comfortable accommodation with warm hospitality. For more details, please see the "Costs and services" section.

For private groups and self-guided tours it is possible to choose alternative accommodation (upgrade) depending on availability.

Food

"L'art de la table"

We pay very careful attention to the quality and the variety of your meals.  Fresh and local produce will be served wherever possible.

  • Continental breakfasts taken at the accommodation
  • Cold picnics for lunch (mixed salad, bread, cold meats, cheese and fruit). Each participant carries his picnic in his daypack
  • Cereal bars and dried fruit during the day
  • Hearty dinners (3 to 4 courses, with local dishes)

Bike and plane / train

If you decide to bring your own bike, be aware that transporting a bike by plane or train is no longer an issue. However a few simple guidelines help to optimise the transport and avoid potential damages that could occur.
Your bike must be transported in a designated bike bag (standard size 120x90cm). This maximal size allows you to travel with your bike as "hand luggage" in any TGV and SNCF trains.
It is very important that you protect your bike in the bag. After having deflated the tires, removed the wheels (by removing the quick release mechanisms), pedals and rear derailleur (which is left hanging on the chain), we recommend you wrap your bike inside the bag in a sheet of dense foam (thickness of 3 to 5 cm). A piece of cardboard or rigid plastic positioned between the foam and the inside of the cover can be beneficial to provide more rigidity.

Once folded up the bike bag will take up very little space and will be transported by the assistance vehicle during your tour.

Bike bags are available directly from France Bike Trips at a cost of 70 euros, plus postage.

Baggage

During the day you carry only a daypack for additional clothing, water, food, camera, etc. The rest of your baggage is transferred each day to the following nights accommodation.

Health

We strongly recommend having a medical check-up before your holiday.

Our / Your state of mind

- A "group" tour: If you join a guided tour, you will be part of a group for several days. This is a superb opportunity to meet new people and share some magical moments. However, a group tour requires that each person show friendliness, openness and mutual respect for their fellow travellers.

- An "adventure" tour: despite the most careful preparation, adventure tours can present unforeseen events. Accepting these risks will help you enjoy your trip to the full, in the knowledge that your guide, our local partners and the entire France Bike Trips team will offer you the most suitable solutions to any given situation.

Your equipment

A full suspension bike is highly recommended for our "all mountain/enduro" trips.

Material provided by France Bike Trips:
  • A group first aid kit
  • A repair kit and tools
Personal equipment to bring:
Luggage

All your luggage must fit in two bags: a daypack and a travel bag.

1/ Daypack

This is the bag you will keep with you each day whilst riding. This bag should not be too large (up to 30 litres).

It will contain: a picnic lunch, camera, waterproof, extra clothing, sunglasses...

Each day, your guide will advise you on what to bring in your bag according to the route and the weather.

2/ Travel bag

This is the bag that will be transported from one accommodation to the next by vehicle. It should contain all the belongings you will not use during the day.

Please note: Your luggage transported from one accommodation to the next must fit in a single bag and must not exceed 20kg maximum - or less if stated otherwise in the included services).

List of equipment to pack:
For your head
  • A cap or other head protection against the sun
  • A hat or headband
  • A mountain bike helmet (COMPULSORY).
For your upper body
  • Two cycling jerseys (made of synthetic or natural breathable fabrics)
  • A warm shirt or a sweatshirt
  • A fleece
  • A waterproof jacket
  • Optional: elbow pads
For your legs
  • Two good quality cycling shorts with chamois
  • Trousers
  • Casual short
  • A swimsuit
  • Optional: knee and shin pads
For your feet
  • Mountain bike shoes (“multi-activity / outdoor” type with grippy soles or clipless biking shoes)
  • Sports socks
  • Sandals (not compulsory, but nice during breaks...).
For your mountain bike

If you rent your MTB from France Bike Trips, this material is not necessary.

  • If you have tires with tubes: 2 spare tubes + puncture repair kit
  • If you have tubeless tires: sealant, a tube with presta valve (just in case), a spare tire
  • If you have V-brakes: 2 sets of replacement brake pads
  • If you have disc brakes: 2 sets of replacement pads
  • A rear derailleur cable + 1 rear brake cable
  • Chain lube
  • A pump
  • A high pressure pump for your suspension  (optional, your guide will have one).
  • VERY IMPORTANT: A spare derailleur hanger  (only if your rear derailleur is not integral to the frame).
Various
  • A pair of MTB gloves
  • A bike lock
  • A head torch with batteries
  • A pair of spare laces
  • A toiletry kit and towel
  • 2 bike bottles 75 cl (or camelbak)
  • A pocket knife
  • Some plastic bags to protect your equipment
  • A needle and thread
  • A small individual pharmacy: sunscreen (face and lips); band aids + double skin; Immodium; pain killers, earplugs, other personal medication.

Self-guided formula

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    A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.


    Phone number: +33 458 140 435

    Contact us

    A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.

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