Road bike Spain

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 the lovely town of Collioure on the Mediterranean coast, this road cycling trip crosses the Spanish Pyrenees and their provinces of Aragon and Catalunya and takes you in 9 days to Saint Jean de Luz in the French Basque country. 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.

Tour with assistance vehicle: from 1395€ - Details Duration : 8 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.
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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
  • Ride the Big Challenge: Complete the entire tour of the Pyrenees in 16 cycling days! Cycle from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean along the Spanish side (this trip), then return via our Great French Pyrenees Traverse from West to East (CR16). Interested? Contact us for more details!

Levels

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

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Collioure - Ripoll

Itinerary start: Rendezvous with your tour leader and the group 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:

  • Coll d'Ares, 1513m

Highlights:

  • The Coll d'Ares marks our passage to Spain.
  • The beautiful valleys of the Preste.
  • The old roads, the old bridge and the hanging houses of Camprodon.
  • The village of Ripoll, located at the confluence of the Ter and Freser rivers.

Distance and altitude gain:

  • 3 wheels: approx. 120 km / approx. 2,200 m
Day 2: Ripoll - Gosol

Passes of the day:

  • Col de Merolla, 1090m
  • Col de Pradell, 1732m (level 3)

Highlights:

  • The famous mountain range of the Serra de Cadi.
  • Arrival in the mountain village of Gosol

Distance and altitude gain:

  • 2 wheels: approx. 65 km / approx. 1,500 m
  • 3 wheels: approx. 65 km / approx. 2,000 m
Day 3: Gosol - Sort

Passes of the day:

  • Col del Canto, 1725m

Highlights:

  • The ascent to the Col del Canto at the foot of the Torre de l'Orri, 2439 m.
  • The valley of the Noguera Pallaresa, centre of many international kayak competitions.

Distance and altitude gain:

  • 2 wheels: approx. 100 km / approx. 1,900 m
  • Optional loop from Sort via the villages of Olp, Pujal, Montardit: approx. 22 km and 560m.
Day 4: Sort - Pont de Suert

Passes of the day:

  • Puerto de Perves, 1350m

Highlights:

  • The ascent to the Puerto de Perves and the descent via the Col de Llevata and Puerto de Viu.
  • The red cliffs of the Col de Montcortès.
  • Arrival at Pont de Suert above the lake of Escalès.

Distance and altitude gain:

  • 2 & 3 wheels: approx. 60 km / approx. 1,350 m
Day 5: Pont de Suert - Ainsa

Passes of the day:

  • Coll de Espinas
  • Coll de Fadas, 1470m
  • Puerto de Bonansa, 1,366 m
  • Puerto de Foradada, 1,020 m

Highlights:

  • A mountain stage with wonderful views of the Maladeta massif and the Pico d'Aneto.
  • The impressive gorges of Congosto de Ventamill
  • The historical centre of Ainsa

Distance and altitude gain:

  • 2 wheels: approx. 80 km / approx. 1,350 m
Day 6: Ainsa - Isaba

Passes of the day:

  • Puerto del Serrablo, 1301m

Highlights:

  • The ascent to the Viejo de San Juan de la Pena monastery.

Distance and altitude gain:

  • 2 wheels: approx. 105 km / approx. 1,880 m

Transfer to Isaba at the end of the stage (approx. 1 hour).

Day 7: Isaba - Roncesvalles

Passes of the day:

  • Collada de Arrieros
  • Col de Laza, 1,106m

Highlights:

  • The first small roads of the Basque Country and the many small passes
  • Arrival in Roncesvalles, a famous stage of the Way of St James

Distance and altitude gain:

  • 2 & 3 wheels: approx. 60 km / approx. 1,200 m
Day 8: Roncesvalles - Saint Jean de Luz

Passes of the day:

  • Puerto de Artesiaga, 996 m
  • Collado de Urkiaga, 916 m.
  • Puerto de Otxondo, 570 m
  • Col de Saint Ignace, 170 m

Highlights:

  • The ascent to the Puerto de Artesiaga
  • The valleys of Aldudes and Baztan
  • The views of the Atlantic from the Col de Saint Ignace
  • Saint Jean de Luz: Arrival at the Atlantic, Bravo !

Distance and altitude gain:

  • 2 & 3 wheels: approx. 105 km / approx. 1,450 m

Itinerary end: The tour ends in Saint Jean de Luz around midday. On request we can book the following night's accommodation for you in Saint Jean de Luz or organise a transfer to Perpignan/Montpellier/Lyon airports.

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

Dates and price

Dates
Start date End date Duration Price
27/09/2025 05/10/2025 8 days 1395 €

Costs and services

he price includes:
  • Trip leader in support vehicle
  • 7 nights in comfortable guest houses and hotels in double rooms (DR) with en-suite facilities
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 8 picnic lunches
  • 7 dinners (3 to 4 course menu)
  • Daily baggage transfers
  • Carefully designed itineraries on 2 levels of difficulty
  • Our navigation app for smartphones, a detailed road book including maps (digital format) and GPS tracks
What is not included:
  • International flights
  • Your transfer to the meeting place (see paragraph below)
  • 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".

Supplementary services:

(prices per person)

Single room accommodation (7 nights) 290 € / 

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 Saint Jean de Luz (start)

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

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 € / 

Extra nights in Collioure (end)

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

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

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 € / 

Road bike rental: see below

Transfers: upon request

Road bike rental

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
415 € / 

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
555 € / 

E-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.
680 € / 

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).

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 Montparnasse train station to St Jean de Luz train station (about 4h30 by TGV train).
https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

By plane:

From Bayonne airport: join the Bayonne train station then head to St Jean de Luz train station.

By car:
Route planner: en.mappy.com

Coming back:

You can return to St Jean de Luz by taking the train from Collioure (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

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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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