Fly into Lourdes, Tarbes or Toulouse and you will be picked up and transferred to Argelès-Gazost. Situated in the heart of the Valley of the Great Sites, this is the perfect base for a cycling holiday with access to all the major climbs including the Tourmalet, Hautacam, Aubisque, Soulor and d’Aspin.
Collect your bicycle today, take in the surroundings and relax in your hotel before the riding begins tomorrow. If you have time when you arrive, head out on the bike and get a taste for the Pyrenees.
Today will be the perfect introductory day to cycling in the Pyrenees. Following a delicious breakfast at your hotel, jump on the bike and head south towards Estaing. The ride will follow a gradual, but not very steep, incline as you ride up to the famous Lac d’Estaing. Take a minute to stop by the lake, a popular tourist spot, before continuing your ride.
Depending on how far you’re looking to cycle, you may choose to descend back into Argeles Gazost. Alternatively, for those seeking a bit of a challenge, we recommend detouring towards the commune of Aucun where an incredible climb awaits. Climb to the Col de Couraduque (1367m) and enjoy the expansive views through the valley. From here you’ll descend back into Argeles Gazost following a perfect introductory day of cycling in the Pyrenees.
The Pyrenees boasts a selection of famous climbs, many of which have featured on the Tour de France. One of our favourites begins with a gradual ascent to Souler. This scenic 16km ride from Argeles Gazost is a great warm up before you continue on to the famous Col d’Aubisque. Featured heavily on the Tour de France, this is one of the most notable climbs in France and you will understand why today.
Take in the breathtaking views as you descend before a thrilling descent back into Argeles-Gazost.
The beauty of this area is you don’t have to spend everyday climbing. If you’d prefer an easier ride today, you could ride through the valley following the old railway line, now a cycle path, to Lourdes for a religious pilgrimage. All of our holidays are fully flexible and a selection of GPX routes are provided for each destination allowing you to choose where you ride each day.
Rise early and enjoy another great breakfast at the hotel in preparation for what will be one of the most memorable days on the bike you’ll ever have.
Ridden more than any other pass in the Tour de France (87 at the last count), Col du Tourmalet is as iconic a climb as you will find. Connecting the Bagneres de Bigoree valley to the ‘Pays Toy’ the Tourmalet pass offers stunning scenery and an unforgettable day in the saddle. Whether it’s the knowledge that so many cycling legends have ridden here before you or simply acknowledging the sheer magnificence of the mountain, there is something about riding the Tourmalet that lasts with you forever.
Our favourite way to ride the Tourmalet involves climbing the Col d’Aspin prior to ascending the 2115m mountain. This route follows the first 144km of Stage 19 of the 2018 Tour de France, allowing you to really feel like a pro.
If this is your last day, a transfer will be arranged to take you back to the airport from your hotel this evening. We do, however, recommend staying longer as there is so much more to explore in the Pyrenees including incredible rides to the Hautacam and Luz Ardiden.
Famous cols, idyllic valley rides as well and beautiful scenery everywhere you turn, the Pyrenees offers the perfect playground for a cycling holiday. After a long day in the saddle relax in beautiful 19th century thermal baths in the heart of Argeles-Gazost or head to Lourdes, known worldwide for the Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes, or the Domain, a major Catholic pilgrimage site.
