Road bike France
A road bike classic that takes in all the great cols of the French PyreneesRef CR15
During the famous Tour de France bike race, the riders cross the two biggest mountain ranges in France: The Alps and the Pyrenees. This tour offers the chance to ride the length of the Pyrenees from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Our route alternates between mythical cols (famous for their numerous Tour de France battles) and lesser known passes, in order to discover the many facets of the Pyrenees range. Discover the huge variety of vegetation from the Pyrénées Orientales to the Pyrénées Occidentales: the Mediterranean vegetation of the Albères, the dense forests of the Ariège, the jagged peaks of the Hautes-Pyrénées, the lush green mountains of the Basque country... All on France’s superb mountain roads!
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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.
Bookthis tour
In the event that there are official travel or mobility restrictions in France or in your country of origin at the booked tour dates (official travel warning, quarantine upon return, closed borders) which make it impossible for you to undertake the trip, we offer to defer your booking to a later date at no extra charge. If no suitable date can be found, we offer a full reimbursement.
Physical level :
Physical level :
Highlights
- A legendary route with two different itinerary levels to choose from.
- Climbing the "high Pyrenean passes": the Tourmalet,the Aubisque...
- Fantastic panoramic views of the entire mountain range.
- A perfect mix of famous cols and lesser known quiet mountain passes.
Description
Comments
- This trip exists in 2 versions: V2=2 wheels / V3=3 wheels. Each day you can choose between two different itineraries (V2 or V3), with varying distances and profiles.
- Special offers available for private groups. Please contact us for a quote.
Levels
Each day you choose one of two different routes with varying distances and altitude gain (2 and 3 wheels).
Choose each day
Each day you choose between different routes with varying distances and altitude gain (from level 1 to level 3).
Day 1: Collioure - Prades
Itinerary start: Rendezvous with the organisation team is on day 1 at 9am at Collioure SNCF railway station. On request we can book the previous nights accommodation for you in Collioure.
Passes of the day:
- Col de la Brousse, 860 m (level 3 only)
- Col Xatard, 752 m
- Col de Palomère, 1036 m
Highlights:
- The charming fishing port of Collioure and its castle
- The quiet winding roads of the Albères foothills
- Warm up the legs on small passes, amongst the fragrant southern Mediterranean vegetation
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 wheels: approx. 107 km / approx. 2000 m
- 3 wheels: approx. 130 km / approx. 2400 m
Day 2: Prades - Ax les Thermes
Passes of the day:
- Col de Jau, 1506 m
- Col de Garavel, 1256 m
- Col de Moulis, 1099 m
- Port de Pailhères, 2001 m (level 3 only)
- Col de Chioula, 1431 m (level 3 only)
- Col des Sept Frères, 1253 m (level 2 only)
- Col de Marmare, 1361m (level 2 only)
Highlights:
- Visit of Mosset, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France
- The forests of the Col de Jau
- The climb to the Port de Pailhères, one of the best climbs of the week (level 3)
- Panoramic views of the Ariège Valley from the Col de Chioula (level 3)
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 wheels: approx. 110 km / approx. 2900 m
- 3 wheels: approx. 110 km / approx. 3400 m
Day 3: Ax les Thermes - Saint Lary
Passes of the day:
- Pas de Souloumbrie, 911 m
- Col de Port, 1250 m (level 2 only)
- Col des Caugnous, 947 m (level 2 only)
- Port de Lers, 1517 m (level 3 only)
- Col de l'Agnes, 1570 m (level 3 only)
- Col de la Core, 1395 m (level 3 only)
Highlights:
- Breathtaking landscape of the Col de l'Agnes and the Etang de Lers
- Beautiful panoramic views in the descent from the Col de la Core
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 wheels: approx. 125 km / approx. 2000 m
- 3 wheels: approx. 150 km / approx. 3100 m
Day 4: Saint Lary - Germ
Passes of the day:
- Col de Portet d'Aspet, 1069 m
- Col de Menté, 1369 m
- Col du Portillon, 1293 m (level 3 only)
- Col de Peyresourde, 1569 m
Highlights:
- Three legendary Tour de France cols!
- The scenery of the Col de Menté
- The pretty village of Saint Béat
- The monument to Fabio Casartelli at the foot of the Col de Portet d'Aspet
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 wheels: approx. 72 km / approx. 2400 m
- 3 wheels: approx. 91 km / approx. 3100 m
Day 5: Germ - Luz Saint Sauveur
Passes of the day:
- Col d'Aspin, 1489 m
- Col du Tourmalet, 2115 m
- Port de Boucharo, 2270 m (optional level 3)
Highlights:
- The legendary Col du Tourmalet and the views of the surrounding peaks
- The Cirque de Gavarnie (level 3)
- The high mountains of the Port de Boucharo (level 3)
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 wheels: approx. 78 km / approx. 2200 m
- 3 wheels: approx. 135 km / approx. 3600 m
Day 6: Luz Saint Sauveur - Oloron Sainte Marie
Passes of the day:
- Col des Bordères, 1156 m
- Col du Soulor, 1474 m
- Col d'Aubisque, 1709 m
- Col du Porteigt, 880 m
- Col de Marie-Blanque, 1035 m
Highlights:
- The climb in a side valley up the Col des Bordères
- The road between the Soulor Pass and Aubisque, perhaps the most beautiful road in the Pyrenees!
- Breathtaking panoramic views of the Cirque de Gourette from the Col d'Aubsique
- The intriguing former spa town of Eaux Bonnes
- The alpine meadows during the ascent of the Col de Marie Blanque
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 and 3 wheels : approx. 113 km / approx. 2500 m
Day 7: Oloron Sainte Marie - Esterençuby
Passes of the day:
- Col de Labays, 1351 m (level 3 only)
- Col de Soudet, 1540 m (level 3 only)
- Col de Bagargui, 1319 m
- Col d'Arthé, 937 m
Highlights:
- A very nice warm-up in Haut Béarn before attacking the famous Baguargui pass.
- The ascent of the Lourdios Gorges (level 3 only)
- The Col de Bagargui, steepest climb of the week!
- The picturesque lake and chalets of Iraty: ideal for a short break!
- Breathtaking landscapes and views of the Atlantic before plunging to Esterencuby
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 wheels: approx. 80 km / approx. 2000 m
- 2 wheels +: approx. 125 km / approx. 3400 m
- 3 wheels: approx. 155 km / approx. 4100 m
Day 8: Esterençuby - Saint Jean de Luz
Passes of the day:
- Col d'Ispeguy, 672 m
- Puerto de Otxondo, 570 m
- Col de Saint Ignace, 169 m
- Col d'Ibardin, 370 m (optional level 3 only)
Highlights:
- The ramparts and citadel of Saint-Jean-Pied Port, the ancient capital of Basse-Navarre.
- A hand-picked traverse of the Pays Basque, put together by a local (thanks Hervé for your recommendations!)
- Of course, the arrival at the Atlantic Ocean!
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 wheels: approx. 85 km / approx. 1200 m
- 3 wheels: approx. 105 km / approx. 1600 m
Itinerary end: The tour ends in Saint Jean de Luz at around 2 pm. On request we can book the following night's accommodation for you in Saint Jean de Luz or organise a transfer to Toulouse/Biarritz airports, or back to Collioure.
Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.
