Road bike France
Coast to coast up the sierras, cols and best mountain roads of the sunny side of the PyreneesRef CR64
The Spanish side of the Pyrenees offers everything road cyclists are looking for: Exceptionally remote roads, strenuous mountain passes, a perfect scenery with beautiful lights and highlights such as the Mallos de Riglos. From Saint Jean de Luz in the French Basque country, this road cycling trip crosses the Spanish Pyrenees and their provinces of Aragon and Catalunya and takes you in 9 days to the lovely town of Collioure on the Mediterranean coast. The route is peppered with winding roads in the foothills of the Pyrenees as well as "real" puertos (cols), especially at the foot of the legendary Pyrenean peaks (Monte Perdido, Aneto, Puigmal,....). In contrast to the classic French Pyrenees Traversée, this crossing is a more accessible and slightly less challenging opportunity to discover the beauty of the Pyrenees. The landscapes are drier and rockier, the vegetation more mediterranean than in the French part; in the heart of the famous "Sierras", expect deep gorges and beautiful rocky crags to feast your eyes. On top of that, enjoy typical culinary delights and very good local cuisine after challenging days in the saddle.
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Physical level :
Highlights
- A beautiful itinerary with varied sceneries taking in the wide Pyrenean foothills and great mountain roads in the interior of the Pyrenees
- Dive into the typical culture of the Basque country, Aragon and Catalunya along the way
- The Castillo de Loarre, one of the most beautiful castles in Spain
- The unique rock formations of the Mallos de Riglos in the Huesca region
- Overnight stays and culinary delights in authentic and comfortable accommodations
Description
Comments
- Choose from two route options every day based on your physical condition, daily shape and preference
- For group offers please contact us directly
- Can be combined with the French Pyrenees Traversée: a 17-day road cycling adventure
Levels
Each day you choose one of two different routes with varying distances and altitude gain (2 and 3 wheels).
Day 1: Saint Jean de Luz - Auritz/Burguete
Itinerary start: Rendezvous with your tour leader and the group is on day 1 at 9am at Saint Jean de Luz SNCF railway station. On request we can book the previous nights accommodation for you in Saint Jean de Luz.
Passes of the day:
- Col de Saint Ignace, 169 m
- Puerto de Otxondo, 570 m
- Puerto de Artesiaga, 996 m
- Col d’Erro, 801 m
- Col de Mezkiritz, 922 m (level 2)
Highlights:
- The views back to the Atlantic from the Col de Saint Ignace
- The famous roads of the Basque Country and the many small but steep passes
- The climb up to Puerto de Artesiaga
- The beautiful stretch along the Rio Erro (level 3)
- The view of the Arga valley and Pamplona in the distance
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 wheels: approx. 105 km / approx. 2,400 m
- 3 wheels: approx. 125 km / approx. 2,900 m
Day 2: Auritz/Burguete – Hecho
Passes of the day:
- Col de Remendia, 1,040 m
- Puerto Las Coronas, 950 m
- Paso Zuriza, 1,290 m (level 3)
Highlights:
- Silently rolling along at the foot of the Irati Forest, the largest beech forest in Europe
- The valleys of Salazar and Roncal, which you enjoy along the rivers
- The winding descent to Burgui
- The very wild Zuriza pass on level 3, against the backdrop of the Pic d'Anie (2,504 m).
- The impressive mountain landscape of the Ansó valley
- The lively and decorated village of Hecho: every year the Festival of Modern Sculptures is organised here
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 wheels: approx. 110 km / approx. 1,500 m
- 3 wheels: approx. 110 km / approx. 1,800 m
Day 3: Hecho - Loarre
Passes of the day:
- Collao de la Loma de Aisa, 1,227 m
- Puerto de Oroel, 1,080 m (level 2)
Highlights:
- The deeply cut Hecho Valley: The cliffs are home to large colonies of vultures: griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures and bearded vultures can be found here.
- The Mallos de Riglos: The orange monolith rocks, famous not only among climbers, are several hundred metres high and provide an impressive backdrop to the village of Riglos.
- The village of Riglos is well worth seeing (optional return trip)
- The Castillo de Loarre (we spent the night to its feet) is one of the most beautiful castles in Spain. We recommend a visit.
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 wheels: approx. 135 km / approx. 1,800 m
- 3 wheels: approx. 160 km / approx. 2,300 m
Day 4: Loarre - Boltana
Passes of the day:
- Puerto de Monrepos, 1280 m
- Puerto de Serrablo, 1291 m
Highlights:
- The beautiful medieval villages at the foot of the Sierra de Caballera, such as Bolea.
- The desert-like scenery of the Sierra de Guara: human life is rare here!
- The panorama of the Monte Perdido National Park and Ordesa
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 & 3 wheels: approx. 130 km / approx. 1,500 m
Day 5: Boltana - Ainsa - Pont de Suert
Passes of the day:
- Collado de Eripol, 860 m (level 3)
- Coll del Forrada, 1,020 m
- Puerto de Bonansa, 1,380 m
Highlights:
- A beautiful ride into the heart of the Sierra de Ballabrida, with its small winding mountain roads, in the midst of a magnificent mountain environment
- The historical centre of Ainsa (level 2)
- Via the Collado de Eripol we discover the eastern side of the Sierra de Guara (level 3)
- The many ancient mountain villages made of stone
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 wheels: approx. 85 km / approx. 1,600 m
- 3 wheels: approx. 125 km / approx. 2,500 m
Day 6: Pont de Suert - Adrall
Passes of the day:
- Col de Viu, 1330 m (level 2)
- Puerto de Perves, 1350 m
- Col de Montcortès (level 2)
- Port de Canto, 1725 m
- Coll de la Baseta, 1720 m (level 3)
Highlights:
- The climbs of the Viu Pass and Puerto de Perves
- The red rock formations of the Montcortès Pass
- The valley of Noguera Pallaresa, venue of many international kayak competitions.
- The climb to the Coll del Canto at the foot of the elegant Tour de l'Orri, 2,439 m
- The climb to the Coll de la Baseta and the Hermitage of San Joan de l'Erm (level 3).
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 wheels: approx. 115 km / approx. 2,100 m
- 3 wheels: approx. 180 km / approx. 3,000 m
Day 7: Adrall – Berga
Passes of the day:
Highlights:
- The gorges of the Neves de Segre
- The cliffs and gorges of the Sierra de Port del Comte
- The long, energy-sapping climb to the Coll de Jou: almost 1,000 metres of altitude at the foot of the Cadi Natural Park
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 & 3 wheels: approx. 100 km / approx. 2,000 m
Day 8: Berga - Camprodon
Passes of the day:
- Coll de Canes, 1,120 m
- Coll de Coubet, 1,010 m
- Coll de Capsacosta, 870 m (level 2)
Highlights:
- The village of Ripoll, located at the confluence of the Ter and Freser rivers, is said to be the cradle of Catalonia
- The forgotten Capsacosta pass: short but intense...
- The wild route that connects Castellfollit de la Roca with Camprodon (level 3)
- The village centre, the bridge and the "hanging houses" of Camprodon
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 wheels: approx. 100 km / approx. 2,200 m
- 3 wheels: approx. 125 km / approx. 2,800 m
Day 9: Camprodon - Collioure
Passes of the day:
Highlights:
- The Col d'Ares marks our return to France
- The beautiful valleys of the Preste
- Arrival on the Mediterranean coast in Collioure and its historic port. Congratulations!
Distance and altitude gain:
- 2 & 3 wheels: approx. 105 km / approx. 1,300 m
Itinerary end: The tour ends in Collioure at around 2 pm. On request we can book the following night's accommodation for you in Collioure or organise a transfer to Perpignan/Montpellier/Lyon airports.
Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.
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