Short description
Our Introduction to the Pyrenees is a great way to discover the best of these iconic mountains, without the hassle of frequently changing hotel. We stay in one delightful hotel near to Argèles Gazost and a second one in Saint-Lary-Soulan. The rides start and finish at the hotel every day.
During the week you will climb the Tourmalet, the Aubisque, the Soulor, Aspin, Hautacam, Peyresourde (and many others). If you do all the climbs during the week you will ride a total of 500km and climb about 15,000m+. Shorter/longer options are available on most days for those who would like to do more or less. You will be supported all the way by the experienced Alpine Cols team riding with you and a support vehicle never far away.
Is this week for you?
It’s not a week for beginner cyclists, but you do not need to be either fast or young. Similar trips have been completed by many men and women in their sixties and even seventies. The main quality required is endurance and the ability to ride for at least 4 hours per day for 6 days.
We will have our own masseurs to help with recovery. The rides are fully guided and at your own pace, and you will be able to ride with people of a similar speed. All our guides are qualified cycling coaches. You can thus receive plenty of tips and feedback on your cycling, with suggestions for pacing, descending, nutrition and of course recovery.
The support vehicle is nearby if you need support, and you are welcome to jump aboard if you are too tired to complete the day’s ride. The trip is absolutely non-competitive. There will be plenty of time to take photographs or to stop for a coffee, if you so wish.
The itinerary
Day 1
Col du Soulor, Col d’Aubisque, col de Spandelles (90km, 2,540m).
We begin the week with the climb to the col d’Aubisque, via the col du Soulor and the stunning Cirque du Litor. The road here is cut into the flank of the mountain all the way round the bowl: just magnificent!
We will enjoy a coffee at the summit café before retracing our steps to the col du Soulor and then descending it to the north.
Soon after Ferrières we link up with the road to the col de Spandelles, an exceptional climb that will be used by the Tour de France for the first time in 2022. You can skip this part of the ride if preferred.
The descent from the col de Spandelles brings us directly back to Arglèes-Gazost, from where it is a short ride to our hotel.
Day 2
Col des Bordères, col de Couraduque, Hautacam (87km, 2,580m)
We begin with a nice easy warm-up on the climb to the col des Bordères. After a short descent we cross the valley and continue to the col de Couraduque, where you can enjoy a well-earned coffee at the summit café.
We will then enjoy a longer descent on a fast road before crossing another valley and making the climb to Hautacam, one of the toughest summit finishes at the Tour de France. It’s a classic Pyrenean climb, with a constantly varying pitch.
The ride back to the hotel is a short formality.
Day 3
Col du Tourmalet, col d'Aspin (85km, 2,490m).
Today we leave our base in Pierrifitte for a new hotel in Saint-Lary-Soulan. On the way we climb the iconic col du Tourmalet, the climb that has been the most frequently used by the Tour de France. The longest and most alpine of the Pyrenean climbs, you will soon see why it merits its mythical status!
There’s a long descent on the other side, through the village of Sainte Marie de Campan where we turn right and head for the col d’Aspin. Tired legs may make this feel harder than it really is, but we have a wonderful new hotel to look forward to and an easier ride tomorrow.
Day 4
Cap de Long, Lac d'Aumar (58km, 1,820m).
After three days of hard riding we think you deserve an easier day. We leave the main road after the first 9 km, and from here there’s almost no traffic on the beautiful road up to the dam at Cap de Long.
Coming back down from the dam, we circle the Lac d’Oredon and climb another 350m to the Lac d’Aumar, from where we can see other high mountain lakes.
This is a true visual treat with all the majesty of the Pyrenees, and hardly any signs of civilisation.
Day 5
Col d'Aspin, Hourquette d'Ancizan, col de Portet (92km, 3,000m).
We begin by returning to the col d’Aspin and climbing it this time from the east. A short descent brings us to the turn off for the Hourquette d’Ancizan, another picturesque climb that couldn’t be anywhere but the Pyrenees.
The descent brings us back on the valley road to Saint-Lary-Soulan. The climb to the col de Portet follows the old road to Pla d’Adet for most of the way, before branching off and becoming much wilder as it winds up the treeless slopes on the new road to a windswept summit. It was visited for the first time by the Tour de France in 2018, and then again in 2021.
Day 6
Col d'Azet, col de Peyresourde (both sides) (88km, 2,520m)
Today’s ride takes us to Bagnères de Luchon. We go there via the col d’Azet and the col de Peyresourde, another Tour de France regular with 51 passages, the most recent in 2021.
Our last ride of the week, this is one to enjoy. We will stop for lunch in Bagnères de Luchon, a charming and historic town which had its heyday in the early 20th century.
One final climb back over the col de Peyresourde - 13 km and nearly 900m of climbing, so don’t eat too much – and it’s back to Saint-Lary for a final gourmet dinner at our hotel.
Key information
- Highlights
- Whats included
- What's not included
- On-the-bike guiding, coaching on request
- Iconic Tour de France climbs
- Excellent food: all meals included (breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner)
- On-the-road support vehicle with free energy drinks and snacks
- Mechanical assistance
- Photographs and videos taken during the week (digital copies)
- Airport transfers (Toulouse and Lourdes airports)
- Official Tour Operator, registered and approved in France
- Full financial protection (International Passenger Protection Ltd.)
- Bicycle hire (optional extra)
- Massage (optional extra)
- Outstanding, characterful 3* hotels with secure bike storage
- Small groups, matched by level. Ride at your own pace.
- Full board accommodation in 3* hotels with all meals
- Drinks with the meals including wine or beer with the evening meal
- On-the-road support vehicle with free energy drinks and snacks
- Expert coaching, on and off the bike (if desired)
- Photographs and videos taken during the week (digital copies)
- Full financial protection (International Passenger Protection Ltd.)
- Your travel to the region
- Bicycle hire (available as an optional extra)
- Massage (available as an optional extra)
- Drinks at the bar or from the hotel mini-bar
Food & drink
All meals are included. From convivial buffet breakfasts to relaxed dinners in the cosy dining room, French gastronomy takes pride of place and the meals are a real highlight of the day.