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A road bike classic that takes in all the great cols of the French Pyrenees from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.Ref 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!

Tour with assistance vehicle: from 1455€ - Details Duration : 8 days | Level : Customer satisfaction :
- 27 reviews
+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:

    You road bike year round, at least once a week on average.

  • Tour profile:

    80 to 110 km per day depending on the route profile.
Physical level :  

  • Your profile:

    You train, have a good level of fitness, and regularly ride over 100 km in a day.

  • Tour profile:

    100 to 150 km per day depending on the route profile.

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

  • Tour formula:

    Tour with support vehicle and driver

  • Accommodation:

    2* & 3* hotels and guesthouses

  • Luggage transport:

    Included. You carry only your daypack

  • Next departures:

    View dates

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.
  • Ride the Big Challenge: Complete the entire tour of the Pyrenees in 16 cycling days! Cycle from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean across the (Spanish Pyrenees, ref. CR64), then return via our Great French Pyrenees Traversee from West to East (CR16). Interested? Contact us for more details!

Physical level

Physical level

Choose each day

Each day you choose one of two different routes with varying distances and altitude gain (2 and 3 wheels).

Detailed itinerary

Detailed itinerary

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.

The tour starts in Collioure, a small medieval town on the Roussillon coast, nestled in a natural bay by the foothills of the Pyrenees. We leave the historic old town of Collioure over the first steep ramps and then roll into the first kilometres of the crossing. We quickly change from the densely built-up coast to the quieter hinterland. We reach the first difficulty with the climb to the Col de Xatard, which we reach via an idyllic mountain road. A little later, we reach the Col Palomère, the first highlight of this tour, which offers great panoramas of the surrounding massifs of the Canigou and the Serra de l'Albera. Overnight stay in Prades, after a long and fantastic descent.

Optionally, you can warm up by climbing the Col de la Brousse (860 m).

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:

  • Level 2: approx. 115 km / approx. 1600 m
  • Level 3: approx. 130 km / approx. 2350 m
Day 2: Prades - Ax les Thermes

Today we say goodbye to the Mediterranean. The landscape becomes more alpine with the first real challenge with the Col de Pailhères. From the hotel, we head straight into the first long climb, up north to the Col de Jau. After the cooling descent in the forest, we quickly find ourselves in a steep ramp of the climb to Col de Garavel, which then quickly recedes. From the Col de Garavel, we descend into the gorge of the river Aude, where the 15 km climb to the Col de Pailhères begins at km 60. Especially in the upper sections, this resembles an alpine pass, over a great combination of hairpin bends we reach the summit and its great panorama at more than 2000 m. Then we descend to our accommodation in Ax-les-Thermes. If you haven't had enough yet, you can make a detour to the Col de Chioula.

Optionally, an easier variant leads you via Col de Marmare.

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:

  • Level 2: approx. 110 km / approx. 2900 m
  • Level 3: approx. 115 km / approx. 3300 m
Day 3: Ax les Thermes - Saint Lary

Today's long stage (125 km) from Ax-les-Thermes to Saint Lary leads us at the beginning on a side road high above the beautiful valley of the Ariège to Tarascon. There we branch off into the Saurat valley, which leads us up to the Col de Port with its alpine pastures at 1250 m above sea level. From here, it is a total of 35 km downhill to the small town of Saint Girons, along the idyllic river Arac. Massat and Saint Girons invite you to take a break with their beautiful terraces. The day ends with the ascent of the Taul to Saint Lary, along the Lez, on a steadily ascending route. In early evening we reach the beautiful village of Saint Lary and enjoy the tranquillity of the mountains. The famous Col de Portet d'Aspet awaits us the next morning.

More difficult variants are possible via the Port de Lers (1517 m), the Col de l'Agnes (1570 m) and the Col de la Core (1395 m).

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:

  • Level 2: approx. 125 km / approx. 2000 m
  • Level 3: approx. 150 km / approx. 3100 m
Day 4: Saint Lary - Germ

Today's shorter stage is packed with difficult passes and climbs. After breakfast, we set out directly from Saint-Lary on the ramps of the south side of the Col de Portet d'Aspet, which we reach after 5 km of climbing. Caution is advised on the descent where Fabio Casartelli had a fatal crash in the 15th stage of the Tour in 1995 (a monument to his memory has been built on the descent). The following climb takes us up to the Col de Menté, through almost alpine-looking mountains and villages. There are a number of ramps to overcome in the 12 km of irregular ascent. After the descent from the Col de Menté, a flat section follows, which leads us after about 20 km to the small town of Bagnères-de-Luchon, at the foot of the famous Col de Peyresourde, and which is the main difficulty of the day (1000 hm and 14 km ascent with a maximum gradient of 11.7 %). The combination of the final turns offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains; at the summit, the mountain world of the High Pyrenees opens up before us. We descend to Loudervieille, where we turn left towards the small mountain village of Germ. There, at an altitude of 1300 m, is our accommodation, which we reach after 3 km of ascent.

More difficult variant possible with inclusion of the Col du Portillon (1293 m).

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:

  • Level 2: approx. 90 km / approx. 2400 m
  • Level 3: approx. 110 km / approx. 3000 m
Day 5: Germ - Luz Saint Sauveur

Today is yet another royal stage. It starts with the descent to the small town of Arreau, which is situated at the foot of the Col d'Aspin. We start its 13 km long climb up to almost 1500 m in the morning freshness. The landscape on the ascent is straight out of a picture book. On the other side of the Col d'Aspin, after the descent, we reach the village of Saint Marie de Campan, where Eugène Christophe repaired his bike, damaged by a car accident, in a blacksmith's shop during the 1913 Tour de France after the descent from the Tourmalet. In Saint-Marie we also start our attack on the famous Col du Tourmalet, the king among Pyrenean passes. 17 km of ascent with an average gradient of 7.4 % are ahead of us. In the second half of the climb, we pass the ski resort of La Mongie. The last part of the climb offers a high-mountain atmosphere. Reaching the summit is a momentum in itself. After enjoying the summit, all that remains is to descend in great mountain scenery to the spa and thermal resort of Luz-Saint-Saveur, where we spend the night.

As an option, after arriving in Luz, you have the possibility of ascending to the rocky basin of Gavarnie and further to Port Boucharo/Col de Tentes at 2270m.

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:

  • Level 2: approx. 75 km / approx. 2100 m
  • Level 3: approx. 130 km / approx. 3600 m
Day 6: Luz Saint Sauveur - Oloron Sainte Marie

The last two full-day stages of our trip are a real challenge. Today we climb 4 more difficult passes. From Luz, we first head down the valley towards Argèles Gazost, which we reach via a side road. Here we start the ascent to the Col de Soulor and the Col d'Aubisque. However, we do not take the main route, but quickly turn into a beautiful side valley, which leads us over lonely roads and with fantastic views up to the Col des Bordères. After the descent to the village of Arrens-Marsous (National Park House), we then find ourselves on the ascent to Soulor. The view of the surrounding mountains is overwhelming. After 8 km we reach the Col de Soulor, and with a bit of luck we can spot griffon vultures circling in the air. This is probably the most beautiful section of the day, if not of the entire tour: the historic Corniche road between the Col de Soulor and the Col d'Aubisque, with the Cirque du Litor. Narrow and exposed in places, it is a real treat to the eye. Then we climb the last metres to the Col d'Aubisque. The descent follows via the villages of Eaux Bonnes and Laruns, and we reach the last difficulty of the day with the climb to the Col de Marie Blanque. After the last descent, we reach the valley of the Gave d'Aspe and thus the Béarn region. We ride out of the valley to the beautiful town of Oloron Sainte Marie, where we spend the night.

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:

  • Level 2 and 3: approx. 110 km / approx. 2500 m
Day 7: Oloron Sainte Marie - Esterençuby

From Oloron Saint Marie, the level 2 route takes us slowly through the hilly Pyrenean foothills. The real difficulties of the day only begin on the climb to the village of Larrau after about 35 km. On the level 3 route, on the other hand, the action already starts beforehand: we crank up to the Col de Labbays, which is part of a string of several smaller passes. After some difficult ramps, we reach the top of the Col (beautiful view back to the foothills of the Pyrenees) and continue up towards Col de Soudet / Col de la Pierre St Martin. The dense forest quickly gives way to a barren karstic landscape that offering great views in the distance. A rapid descent follows on a narrow road into a picturesque valley, where we rejoin the level 2 route. After a short descent past Larrau, the road rears up after a bridge and we are on the ascent to the notorious Col Bagargui (watershed Atlantic/Mediterranean). In the middle part of the climb, we can expect average gradients of more than 12% over 3 long kilometres. However, we should not use up all our energy here, because there are still several small passes to go before we reach our accommodation in the Valley of the Nive. The ride over the Plateau d'Iraty and the descent into the valley in the late afternoon light are worth all the effort. Overnight stay at the hotel in Esterençuby.

Passes of the day:

  • Col de Labbays, 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:

  • Level 2: approx. 80 km / approx. 1800 m
  • Level 3: approx. 155 km / approx. 3100 m
Day 8: Esterençuby - Saint Jean de Luz

On to the last, short stage of our French Pyrenees crossing. Today, we reach the Atlantic Ocean around noon. We first descend the Valley of the Nive with anticipation and soon reach the famous pilgrimage town of Saint Jean Pied de Port on the Way of Saint James, old capital of the province of Navarre. After a few flat kilometres through the Basque country opening up before us, we reach Saint Etienne de Baigory, from where we begin the climb to Col d'Ispeguy. From the summit at 672 m we then descend into Spain for a short detour into the province of Navarre. After passing through several small villages, we reach the road that leads us to the second pass of the day, the Puerto de Otxondo. After crossing the border, we reach our destination by the Atlantic, Saint Jean de Luz, via quiet roads with little traffic. The last climb, the Col de Saint Ignace (169 m) guarantees moments of joy on the last kilometres.

Possible Level 3 variant: going around the Montagne de la Rhune, which leads us once again into the Spanish Basque country and has another difficulty with the Col d'Ibardin (370 m).

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:

  • Level 2: approx. 85 km / approx. 1300 m
  • Level 3: 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 airport, or back to Collioure.

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

Dates and price

Dates
Start date End date Duration Price
14/06/2026 21/06/2026 8 days 1455 €
21/06/2026 28/06/2026 8 days 1455 €
28/06/2026 05/07/2026 8 days 1455 €
05/07/2026 12/07/2026 8 days 1455 €
12/07/2026 19/07/2026 8 days 1455 €
19/07/2026 26/07/2026 8 days 1455 €
26/07/2026 02/08/2026 8 days 1455 €
02/08/2026 09/08/2026 8 days 1455 €
09/08/2026 16/08/2026 8 days 1455 €
16/08/2026 23/08/2026 8 days 1455 €
23/08/2026 30/08/2026 8 days 1455 €
30/08/2026 06/09/2026 8 days 1455 €
06/09/2026 13/09/2026 8 days 1455 €
13/09/2026 20/09/2026 8 days 1455 €

Costs and services

The price includes:
  • The assistance of a trip leader in support vehicle (breakdown assistance, daily luggage transport and catering)
  • 7 nights in 2* and 3* hotels in double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities
  • 7 hearty breakfasts
  • 7 picnic lunches prepared daily with fresh, regional products: high-energy salad (pasta, rice, lentil), cheese, cold cuts, fruit and muesli/cereal bars
  • 7 dinners (3 to 4 course menu)
  • Daily luggage transfers
  • Carefully designed itineraries on 2 levels of difficulty
  • Our navigation app for smartphones, a detailed road book with maps (digital format) and GPS tracks
What is not included:
  • International flights
  • Your transfer to the meeting place (see paragraph below)
  • Road bike rental
  • All services mentioned in extensions
  • Insurance, assistance
  • Drinks at the accommodation
  • Visits to museums, monuments and sites.
  • Additional travel related to change in the programme due to bad weather
  • All personal expenses
  • Everything not mentioned under  “the price includes".

Extra services

(Price per person)

Single room accommodation (7 nights) 395 € / 

Transfer St-Jean-de-Luz - Collioure at the end of the trip incl. bike and luggage 145 € / 

Transporting a rigid bike box or semi-rigide during the trip
(or semi-rigid bike bags, which are larger than typical hand luggage when folded: 56 cm × 45 cm × 25 cm)		 40 € / 

Vélorizons cycling jersey
(shipping not included)		 75 € / 

Extra nights in Collioure

Extra night in Collioure in 3* hotel, double room, including breakfast (high-season)
(high season from 15/06 to 15/09)		 85 € / 

Extra night in Collioure in 3* hotel, double room, including breakfast (low-season) 65 € / 

Extra night in Collioure in 3* hotel, single room, including breakfast (high-season)
(high season from 15/06 to 15/09)		 135 € / 

Extra night in Collioure in 3* hotel, single room, including breakfast (low-season) 115 € / 

Extra nights Saint Jean de Luz (return transfer not possible if extra night)

Extra night in St-Jean-de-Luz in 3* hotel, double room, including breakfast 95 € / 

Extra night in St-Jean-de-Luz in 3* hotel, single room, including breakfast 135 € / 

Massage

Massage in Luz Saint Sauveur on day 5 60 € / 

Road bike rental: see below

Other transfers: see below

Road bike rental

Rental road bike models:

Standard road bike
Carbon frame and fork, disc brakes, Shimano 105 R7000, 11-speed cassette (11-32), approx. 8kg, aluminium wheels, Wilier GTR or equivalent		 365 € / 

Premium road bike
Carbon frame and fork, disc brakes, Ultegra di2 r8170 groupset or equivalent, 12 speeds, 50/34 crankset and 11/30 cassette, approx. 7kg, carbon wheels, Wilier Zero SL or equivalent		 495 € / 

Electric road bike
Carbon frame and fork, 250 Wh battery (+ additional 210Wh battery), aluminium wheels, Shimano 105 groupset, 11 speeds, 50/34 crankset and 11/32 cassette, approx. 13 kg, Look E-765 Optimum model or equivalent. 		605 € / 

Rental bike equipment (for all models):

  • Repair kit included
  • 2 bottle holders (except size 47 bicycles on which only one can be placed)
  • Helmets and water bottles: not included
  • Pedals: Our rental bikes come without pedals. You can either bring your own pedals or specify your needs; we can install 3 types of pedals at no extra charge: Look KEO, Shimano SPD-SL or Shimano SPD.

Please indicate your choice of model and pedals as well as your height (if possible also frame size and inseam) when filling out your booking form.

You will receive your chosen model from the tour leader on the first day of your tour. He will carry out an inventory of the bike with you, as well as a second inventory at the end of the tour.

Bike “consumables" (tyres, tubes, brake pads, cables) are included in the rental price. Only parts and components that are broken due to a crash and/or misuse will be charged. In the event of bike loss or theft, a fixed fee will be charged (2200 € for the Standard model, 3590 € for the Premium and Electric models and 5700 € for the Super light model).

Return transfer St-Jean-de-Luz - Collioure on day 8

Our support vehicle provides 8 seats for the return from Saint Jean de Luz to Collioure after stage 8, including bikes.

The vehicle leaves Saint Jean de Luz at 2 pm on the last day of the tour. Arrival in Collioure around 9 pm if traffic is good.

Price: see above

Airport transfers are available upon request (for example Montpellier, Perpignan, Toulouse).

Return transfer to Foix

From 2024, we have a logistics base in Foix. You can therefore choose to drive to Foix with your vehicle, leave it in a (free) car park that we will indicate to you, and opt for a Foix -> Collioure transfer or a St Jean de Luz - Foix transfer with the assistance vehicle. We transport your bike in excellent safety conditions, on a special bike trailer or on the vehicle's roof rack.

Return transfer Foix 135 € / 

Important notes

Departure of the shuttle from Foix: on the first day of cycling, at 6 a.m.    

Return of the shuttle to Foix: day 8, around 5 p.m. (services subject to availability)

We would be grateful if you could make your wishes clear when you register.

Massage

We offer a "massage" option on this tour, in partnership with local masseurs.

On the evening of day 2 (Ax-les-Thèrmes) and day 5 (Luz Saint Sauveur), make the most of a half-hour cycling specific recuperation massage.

Subject to limited availability. Please indicate your choice (day 2 and/or day 5) when completing the online booking form.

Vélorizons cycling jersey

A cycling jersey to our taste.

A timeless road cycling jersey produced in France, inspired by our team and our road cycling trips. High quality, made in France by a Savoy company and with a feel-good character for long days in the saddle. Offered at a great price.

Features

- High-quality SIRTECH + LYCRA textiles
- 3 pockets, one with a central zip + 1 side pocket
- Full front zip
- Half-high cycling collar
- Short raglan sleeves in Lycra with seamless ends
- Gripper at the hem

Available sizes (EU sizing): XXS bis XL
Cut: Slim fit, unisex
Price: see above

Order and further information by e-Mail or ask our leaders while on tour.

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.

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.

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

Daily schedule

During riding you carry only your day pack. All your luggage is transported each day by the support vehicle.

After breakfast, the support vehicle driver will pack your luggage in the van, distribute cereal/energy bars, and announce the time slot for lunch. The driver can also hand out picnics to any participants who do not wish to stop at the designated picnic lunch stop.

Once all the participants have passed the picnic stop, the driver transports your luggage directly to the following nights accommodation, before returning to wait at the foot of the last climb of the day. He is then available to help any members of the group in difficulty or who encounter a mechanical problem. You'll usually meet the van driver several times during the day, offering the opportunity to fill up with water, change clothing, etc.

Each participant is free to ride at his or her own pace, using the road book and GPS route to navigate during the day. However, the driver is equipped with a mobile phone, and can be reached at any time during the day if a particpant encounters a problem. The driver is also available throughout the trip to provide information and advice.

Getting there

By train: From Paris Gare de Lyon train station to Collioure train station (about 7h by TGV train).
https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

By plane:

  • From Perpignan airport: join the Perpignan train station then head to Collioure train station.

By car:
Route planner: en.mappy.com
Where to park in Collioure ?
Collioure has several parking lots adapted to long term parking, which are located in the direct periphery of the city center. We advise you the Cap Dourat parking lot (count about 40 euros for 8 days, rate 2022 given as an indication). You have to go to the Glacis parking lot (city center) with your car registration certificate, to buy the necessary subscription for the Cap Dourat parking lot.

Coming back:

You can return to Collioure by taking the train from St Jean de Luz (about 8h) : https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

Route navigation

You will receive an email 2 weeks before departure, containing all the information necessary for your upcoming tour, including the following navigation tools:

Our dedicated smartphone app

Follow your route with comfort and ease! Thanks to the Velorizons navigation app, download the full trip itinerary to your smartphone, view route maps and profiles, access the list of booked accommodation, services and useful contacts, and use the integrated route guidance (visual and vocal) for navigation.

►See the mobile app presentation video

To benefit fully from the app navigation system, we strongly recommend attaching your smartphone to the bicycle handlebar using a dedicated mount. An example can be viewed here.

Velorizons app compatibility
Operating systemAndroidAppleWindows PhoneBlackberry
CompatibilityVersion 8.0 minimumiOS 8.0 minimum. iPhone compatible, iPad compatible if GPS equippedNon compatibleNon compatible
A detailed Road Book

Your tour road book will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The road book contains:

  • Full colour maps with highlighted routes,
  • Step-by-step route description,
  • Route profiles
GPS tracks

Tour GPS tracks will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The tracks are in .gpx format, compatible with all GPS devices/apps.

Food

This trip is fully catered (breakfast, lunch and dinner included). We pay very careful attention to the quality and the variety of your meals. Fresh and local products will be served wherever possible. This trip is also an opportunity to discover the local gastronomy and regional products - l'art de la table!

Please note: If you have any food intolerances, please inform us in the comments field on the booking form.

  • Continental breakfasts taken at the accommodation  
  • Simple cereal/muesli bars and dried fruit are distributed in the morning before the start of the stage. You must bring your own specific energy bars and isodrinks, if desired.
  • Hearty dinners (3 to 4 courses, with local dishes)

For lunch, our tour leader will offer you a picnic stop along the route. Our picnics combine a rich salad based on carbohydrates and fresh vegetables with cold meats and cheese, fresh fruit and bread (wherever possible from local producers) as well as sweet and savoury snacks. If you do not want to stop for lunch, we can offer the following options:

  • Our tour leader provides you with a picnic to carry along in a small backpack or a handlebar bag. It contains an individual salad (carbohydrate and vegetable based salad), cold meats, cheese and fruits
  • "Racing food" for weight weenies and those "allergic" to backpacks: energy bars, dried fruit
  • Feel free to stop and eat when and where you want (restaurant, bakery, grocery store...)

Car sharing

If you sign up for a guided tour, we offer you the opportunity to see if you can carpool with other participants to get to the point of departure. To do this, go to "Car sharing" in our website. By entering the complete reference and the date of departure of the tour (available on the registration confirmation that we have sent you), you have access to route details and emails of other participants who wish to carpool.

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.

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.

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 high-speed and regional 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.

Personal Gear & Packing List

Luggage

All your belongings should be divided into two bags: a backpack and a travel bag.

1/ Backpack or Small Bag (to be kept in the support vehicle or on the bike)

This is the bag you use every day while cycling. It is kept in the support vehicle (accessible during the lunch stop or carried along on the bike (frame, seat or handlebar bag). This bag should not be too large (up to 15 litres).

It will contain: snack food, camera, waterproof and extra clothing, sunglasses, etc.

2/ Travel bag

This bag will be transported by vehicle from one accommodation to the next. It should contain all the items you won’t need during the day. You can expect to find it at your accommodation in the evening (generally not accessible during lunch).

Packing list
For your head
  • A cap or other head protection against the sun
  • A hat or sweat band
  • A bike helmet
For your upper body
  • Two or more cycling jerseys (or technical t-shirts made of synthetic or natural breathable fabrics)
  • A warm and long cycling jersey or shirt; alternatively: arm warmers
  • A sweatsheart and t-shirts (for the evenings)
  • A wind & waterproof jacket
  • A pair of cycling gloves
For your legs
  • Two or more good quality bib shorts with seat pad (chamois)
  • A pair of long and warm cycling tights or leg warmers
  • A casual short (for the evenings)
  • A swimsuit
For your feet
  • A pair of cycling shoes
  • A pair of shoes suitable for the evening
  • Sandals (not compulsory, but nice for warm evenings...)
  • Cycling socks
For your bike
  • Adapted gearing: if in doubt ask us our your local cycle dealer
  • Bike lights with batteries (or charger)
  • 2 spare tubes
  • Puncture repair kit or tubeless repair kit
  • Spare brake pads (except if you start with new pads)
  • Chain lube
  • A small pump
  • A multi tool
Other
  • 2 bike bottles 75 cl (or camelbak)
  • A toiletry kit and towel
  • A bike lock (not compulsory)
  • A small individual pharmacy: sunscreen (face and lips); band aids + double skin (Compeed); Immodium; pain killers, earplugs, other personal medication.

Self-guided formula

    Average tour rating:

    4.9/5 - 27 Reviews
    Anders C. | Participant rating:
    "Fantastic trip, thanks to a great route, decent hotels and good food, our great guide Jonathan, who perfectly balanced being organized and relaxed, made an extra effort to bring us something local for every lunch and made everyone feel included."
    Matthew K. | Participant rating:
    ""
    Mike B. | Participant rating:
    "The tour was an amazing experience which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, it was extremely arduous and is a significant undertaking."
    Alan D. | Participant rating:
    "A great, well organised tour. Pierre Remy was great and made what could have been a difficult 8 days - unknown terrain, our non-existent French and the itinerary that sometimes had us near our limits - enjoyable. Thanks Pierre! "
    Alan T. | Participant rating:
    "Fantastic value for money, hire bikes were excellent. Great mix of people"
    Other reviews:
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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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