Cycling the Pyrenees Podcast | The Ultimate Podcast To Plan A Trip To The Pyreenee

For many cyclists, the Pyrenees are synonymous with the Tour de France. Legendary climbs such as the Col du Tourmalet, Hautacam and Col d'Aubisque have become part of cycling folklore, producing some of the sport's most memorable moments.

But what is it actually like to ride them?

In this episode of the Where We Ride Podcast, hosts Lee and Georgia are joined by Tom Monson to share their own experiences of riding the Pyrenees, discussing everything from famous climbs and hidden gems to local food, accommodation, weather and why many cyclists fall in love with the region after their first visit.

Rather than acting as another Pyrenees route guide, this conversation offers practical insights for riders wondering what makes the region so unique.

Why Do So Many Cyclists Choose the Pyrenees?

One of the biggest talking points throughout the episode is how different the Pyrenees feel compared to other famous mountain ranges.

While the Alps often attract huge crowds of cyclists and tourists, the Pyrenees offer a quieter, more authentic riding experience.

Lee describes the region as feeling far more local, with fewer riders on the roads, traditional villages and a genuine sense of isolation.

"You are really isolated and experiencing what I would suggest is the quintessential Pyrenean experience."

It's a reminder that sometimes the attraction isn't simply the climb itself, but the feeling of escaping somewhere altogether different.

What Is the Col du Tourmalet Really Like?

No discussion about the Pyrenees would be complete without talking about the Col du Tourmalet.

Rather than debating whether it's famous, the conversation focuses on what riders can actually expect when they tackle it.

Tom explains the differences between climbing from Luz-Saint-Sauveur and Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, while Lee reflects on riding the climb in changing mountain weather and descending through thick cloud.

One of the key takeaways is that the Tourmalet rewards patience.

Its long, steady gradients encourage riders to settle into a rhythm rather than constantly changing pace.

For many cyclists, that's exactly what makes it one of the most satisfying climbs in France.

Which Pyrenean Climbs Are the Hidden Gems?

While the Tourmalet dominates most conversations, Lee's favourite day on the bike actually involved a completely different combination of climbs.

He recalls linking together the Aubisque, Soulor and Spandelles, describing it as one of the best rides he has ever experienced.

"I think that might be my favourite day ever on the bike."

The Col de Spandelles receives particular praise for its peaceful forest roads, lack of traffic and feeling of complete solitude.

"It felt like I was the only person on the climb and I was there in the middle of July."

For riders looking beyond the famous Tour de France climbs, these quieter roads offer a very different experience.

Is Cycling in the Pyrenees Quieter Than the Alps?

A recurring theme throughout the episode is how uncrowded the Pyrenees can feel.

Despite featuring regularly in the Tour de France, Lee and Tom both comment that many climbs remain surprisingly peaceful throughout the summer.

Professional teams often train there, but recreational riders are spread across a huge network of mountain roads.

For cyclists who enjoy riding without constant traffic or large groups, that sense of space becomes one of the region's biggest attractions.

Where Should Cyclists Stay in the Pyrenees?

Rather than recommending hotels, the discussion centres around choosing the right base.

Lee and Tom compare Argelès-Gazost, Luz-Saint-Sauveur and Gavarnie, explaining how each offers different advantages depending on the rides you want to tackle.

One particularly useful insight concerns Argelès-Gazost.

Because many rides finish with a descent back into town, riders often end their biggest climbing days with an easier journey home.

It's exactly the kind of local knowledge that can make a week of riding much more enjoyable.

When Is the Best Time to Ride the Pyrenees?

The podcast also answers one of the most common questions riders ask before visiting.

Tom recommends June through September as the most reliable period for weather, while warning that conditions can change dramatically once you reach the higher mountain passes.

Lee shares his own experience of leaving the valley in warm sunshine before reaching cold rain near the summit of the Tourmalet.

The lesson is simple. Always prepare for mountain weather, regardless of the forecast at the bottom of the climb.

Why the Landscape Leaves Such an Impression

Although the climbs receive most of the attention, Georgia is struck by something else entirely. The forests. Throughout the conversation she repeatedly describes the dense woodland, rivers and lush scenery that make the Pyrenees feel completely different from many Alpine resorts.

"It was just gorgeous. You got these dense lush forests."

Lee agrees, suggesting that the villages feel far more traditional and less commercial than many purpose-built ski resorts.

Local Food Every Cyclist Should Try

No Where We Ride episode would be complete without discussing food.

Tom enthusiastically recommends two local favourites.

Tourte des Pyrénées, a traditional blueberry cake that became his go-to ride snack.

And gâteau à la broche, a distinctive layered cake slowly cooked on a rotating spit.

His verdict?

He may have eaten rather too much of both.

The discussion is a reminder that some of the best cycling memories are made off the bike as well as on it.

Final Thoughts

This episode isn't designed to tell you every climb you should ride or provide a detailed itinerary through the Pyrenees.

Instead, it answers the questions many cyclists have before they visit.

What does riding the Tourmalet really feel like?

Which climbs are unexpectedly brilliant?

Why do experienced riders keep returning?

And what makes the Pyrenees feel so different from the Alps?

If you're curious about the stories behind one of cycling's most iconic mountain regions, Lee, Georgia and Tom provide an honest and entertaining insight into a place that continues to capture the imagination of cyclists from around the world. Listen now on Apple or Spotify