PYRENEES COAST TO COAST

Take on 15 cols in 6 days on this iconic route

Dates

15th - 22nd September 2024

 

(Minimum numbers of 10)

Price

£1,675 per person

 

(Single supplement of £375)

Experience level

This is our most challenging trip with daily distances of c.70-90 miles and 2,500+ metres of climbing

The Pyrenees is one of Europe's top cycling destinations, used annually in the Tour de France and providing some of the most exhilarating viewing of the whole Tour! The mountains here are tough, but the scenery is spectacular and it has a sense of calm that we feel sets it apart from the Alps. 

 

We'll take you on a journey across this stunning landscape, from the Atlantic Coast over to the Mediterranean, with a total of 15 cols to tackle in between! The scenery does not relent for the whole trip as we take on the formidable Cols du Tourmalet, Aubisque, Peyresourde and Aspin as well as cycling through some of the more remote and quieter roads.

 

We will typically be covering between 70 to 90 miles per day with varying amounts of climbing to be done! WIth a total of 700km and over 14,000m to cover, this is no mean feat, but the satisfaction of conquering these iconic climbs and enjoying some stunning scenery will be worth every pedal stroke!

 

Read more here about what our previous clients had to say.

 

Stage 1: Hendaye to Oloron Sainte Marie (135km, 1,995m)
We'll leave the bustling coastal town of Hendaye behind and having ridden along the Atlantic shores for a few miles, we'll turn inland towards the stunning Pyrenees. Early on we'll be passing through lots of pretty Basque settlements made famous by their uniform white and burgundy houses. Our first climb of note, the Col de St Ignace comes just after leaving the wonderful village of
Ascain, followed by the Col De Pinodieta and finally, the biggest test of the day, the Col d'Osquich. Interspersed on these climbs are rolling hills that will make this day seem tougher than its comparable elevation gain may suggest - with one final little tester to get to the wonderful town of Oloron St Marie for our evening stop over.

Stage 2: Oloron Sainte Marie to Saint Marie de Campan (140km, 3,600m)
A relatively gentle initial 20 miles will warm us up nicely for the iconic climbs of the Col D'Aubisque and Col de Tourmelet (with the smaller Col de Souler and lunch in between!). A wonderful descent off the Tourmalet will take us into our stop over for the evening in Saint Marie de Campan! With a total ascent of 4000 metres for the day, a restful night in this peaceful part of the world will be more than welcome!

Stage 3: Saint Marie de Campan to Aspet (105km, 2,000m)
The stunning scenery and ever changing views of the Pyrenees continues today as we head for the gorgeous ascent of the Col D'Aspin. We'll begin our ascent within a few minutes of being on the bikes, and this will be soon followed by the equally
stunning Col De Peyresourde!


After lunch you will be rewarded with what is considered the most scenic descent of the whole trip as we head into Bagneres-de-Luchon. However, the day is not quite done - we still have the lesser well known climbs of the Col Des Ares and Col de Buret before  a relatively easy last 10km into the Town of Aspet

Stage 4: Aspet to Tarascon sur - Ariege (102km, 1,650m)

Once again we'll be climbing nice and early today! We kick things off with an ascent of the Col de Portet D'Aspet before a breath taking 25 km descent to St Girons. After this we'll start climbing again before hitting the mighty the Col de Port, a gorgeous, winding climb, followed by a great descent all the way down into the settlement of Tarascon.

Stage 5: Tarascon sur - Ariege to Prades (125km, 2,450m)
We'll begin today's stage along the relatively flat valley road with some undulating rolling lumps and false flats. A great warm up before then turning off and up the almighty Col de Pailheres. A technical descent followed by a climb up and away from the Arieges to the Pyrenees Oriantelles will lead us to our final challenge of the day, the Col de Creu. Luckily you'll be rewarded with a superb 40km descent to our resting spot for the evening in the very Mediterranean feeling town of Prades.

Stage 6: Prades to Collioure (80km, 1,000m)
We can almost smell the seaside as we climb back on our bikes again today for the last push! The initial part of the day sees us descend further down and away from the Pyrenees Catalanes before hitting one last climb (we couldn't resist!). A technical yet wonderful descent then follows as you work your way to the Mediterranean coast for well earned celebrations and a rest  - what an achievement!!!

Package includes:

 

- Transport from Bilbao airport to our first hotel and back to Barcelona at the end of the tour (based on group arrival / departure)

- 7 nights hotel accommodation including breakfast

- Dinner on each night of the tour

- Lunch and refreshments on each riding day
 
- Welcome briefing and daily route briefings

- GPX files for route guidance

- Support & guidance of a ride sweeper

- Support vehicle

- Luggage transfer 
 
Not included: Transport to and from the tour, Travel insurance, Tourist tax

 

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