Raid Pyrenees Cycling Tours

Day 1

Arrival in Biarritz.

Customized pick up at your arrival location can be arranged. Introduction to the Bike Basque staff, go over the schedule, route, safety as you traverse the Pyrenees, and respond to any questions left unanswered. Gift bags that include a Bike Basque cycling jersey, water bottles and road book will be distributed to each guest, and for those who have chosen to rent a bike from Bike Basque, we will assist in setting it up to your specs.

Hotel : Kemaris***

Day 2

Biarritz – Barcus – 129 km

This first day of cycling in the Pyrenees is designed to be a “mise en jambe”, the chance to get the legs turning as you are introduced to Pyrenean climbs ahead of you, nothing too hard, but nothing too easy either.

Difficulties :

-Puerto de Oxtondo (9.3 km at 5.1 %)

-Col d’Ispeguy (5.7 km at 5.1 %)

-Col d’Osquich (4.3 km at 5.9 %)

Hotel : Chez Chillo***

Day 3

Barcus – St.Savin – 105 km

Today, as you traverse the Pyrenees, you will be ascending the difficult “Marie Blanque” on your way to the first of the legendary climbs, the magnificent “Col d’Aubisque”, the site of many glorious cycling battles forever engraved in Tour de France history.

Difficulties :

-Col de Marie Blanque (9.2 km at 7.8 %)

-Col d’Aubisque (16.8 km at 6.9 %)

-Col du Soulor (2.1 km at 5.2 %)

Hotel : Le Viscos****

Day 4

St.Savin – Arreau – 93 km

Get ready to climb the legendary Tourmalet, the very first col ever added to the Tour de France in 1910. Before this date, the mountains were not part of the race. It is also the mountain pass that has been included in the Grande Boucle more times than any other. The second challenge of the day will be the Aspin which will grace you with its spectacular lush mountain setting and serene atmosphere.

Difficulties :

-Col du Tourmalet (18.4 km at 7.5 %)

-Aspin, (5,4 km at 7 %)

Hotel: Angleterre***

Day 5

Arreau – Saint-Girons – 109 km

The day begins with the difficult and rugged Col d’Azet before facing another legend, the Peyresourde. Often used in the Tour de France due to its geographical position when crossing the Pyrenees, it links Bagnères-sur-Luchon, a city rich in cycling history, to Arreau. Then the difficult col de Mente, and the final challenge of the day brings you over the short but steep Portet d’Aspet, toward the finish in Saint-Girons.

Difficulties :

-Peyresourde (8.3 km at 8 %)

-Mente (9 km at 9 %)

-Portet d’Aspet (4 km at 9.5 %)

Hotel: Domaine de Beauregard***

Day 6

Saint-Girons – Ax-les-Thermes – 100 km

A beautiful and charming day in the Ariège has been planned for you. The Col de Port is a moderate climb with a few steep sections, but well worth the effort as the view at the top is stunning. It is always possible to make your ride longer by tackling the Plateau de Beille before getting to Ax-les-Thermes. It is up to you.

Difficulties :

-Col de Port (12.3 km at 5 %)

-Pas de Soulombrie (3,9km at 7,7%)

-Col de la Marmare (4,5km at 5%)

Hotel: Le Chalet***

Day 7

Ax-les-Thermes – Port Vendres – 160 km

Your last adventure of this cycling holiday in the Pyrenees gets right down to business with the difficult Port de Pailheres. All your hard work will be compensated by the breathtaking, undisturbed nature of a more arid landscape that accompanies you on the road to Port-Vendres, overlooking the med.

Difficulties :

-Port de Pailhéres (18.4 km at 7 %)

-Col du Garavel (3 + 4 km at 6 %)

-Col de Jau (10.5 km at 6 %)

Hotel: Les Jardins Du Cedre***