French Pyrenees – June 2024

THE CLASSIC PYRENEES RIDE  – Atlantic to Med.

This is a unique cycling tour that will take you all the way from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean with challenging classic climbs and scenery that changes daily.

We used to do this tour along the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, but this tour is along the French side of the Pyrenees so we can take in some of the classic TDF climbs, AND experience a variety of scenery, cultures, local hospitality and regional food. This is a truly classic road cycling journey and is surely a ‘bucket list’ ride for ‘sportive’ riders and cycling enthusiasts alike.

This is probably one our most challenging tours. Comfortable hotels, good food and vehicle support, however, make it accessible. With a total of around 57,000 ft of climbing, this is not a holiday for the faint hearted. However, spreading the riding over 6 days makes it more of a pleasant experience, with time to rest and recover each day. We follow a mixture of main roads and back roads with our bike route always trying to choose the quietest option.

We include the Col du Tourmalet and the Col d’Aubisque, amongst others………

This is a supported tour – at the start of the day, when the group sets off biking, your kit bag will be loaded into the support vehicle and transported to the next overnight halt.  The van will meet you to feed and water you, but you are free to cycle at your own pace, with the support vehicle never far away. We must stress that apart from the emergency tool kit and spares that you would take on any day ride, you will not be required to carry any luggage. Stunning scenery, atmospheric overnight accommodation and a magnificent route make this an unforgettable cycling holiday experience. Average 70 miles per day. This is a trip for keen road cyclists who enjoy the challenge of climbs and descents day after day. You need to be very fit !!

THE ROUTE
Starting at Bayonne, just south of east of Biarritz, we climb high into the Basque countryside, then along the French side of the Pyrenees.

• DISTANCE – Approximately 400 miles
• BIKES – Ride your own bike ! Your bike collected from you, then delivered back to you after the tour (This incurs an extra cost of £55 each way if based in England and Wales. For Scotland, contact us for a quote).
• FULLY SUPPORTED TOUR, with 6 days cycling, averaging approximately 65 miles a day. 7 nights accommodation. Cycling leader plus support vehicle carrying luggage.
• ACTIVITY LEVEL – 9/10 – challenging. Plenty of great climbs and SUPERB downhills.

• FLIGHT – Fly into Biarritz Saturday 15th June. Fly out of Perpignan Saturday 22nd June (or later).