The yellow jersey of the French Grand Tour has often been decided during the climbs of the Pyrenees mountain passes. This mountain chain, natural border between France and Spain, is a beautiful scenic area with a variety of harsh contrast landscapes. It is a fantastic ski destination in winter and spa/resort destination at all seasons. The mountains are much lower than the Alpes, but just as steep if not steeper at times!
Cycling Classics worked out a flexible self-guided and fully supported program which allows you to ride at your own pace throughout these picturesque peaks.
Our base is the town of Argeles sur Gazost near Lourdes is perfect ride point to hit all these famous places. This attractive location, renowned since Roman times at the foot of the Pic du Midi, offers perfect possibilities for cycling vacations. On arrival you get a detailed briefing upon the cycle possibilities, the course and organization of your holiday.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Lourdes by train and then shuttle bus transfer to the accommodation in Argeles. You will have an orientation meeting with bike delivery and review of the cycling and route book materials, performed by our professional guide Alain. Free time is yours to visit this charming spa & resort town. Dinner included tonight. (D)
Day 2 | L’Hautacam
A 13kms (8.1miles) long climb of about 8% brings you up to 1.520m (4.560 feet), a popular ski resort – total distance from the hotel: 51 km; leaving some time back in Lourdes to visit, or go on for additional riding. (B,D)
Day 3 | Luz Arididen
A day for really strong cyclists is this ride to Luz Arididen. Luz Arididen is "hors categorie" as is the Tourmalet, and it is on this mountain that Lance Armstrong was accidentally pulled over on his bike to surge back and take the stage. 92 km. (B,D) Another ride option is to the Aubisque.
Day 4 | Le Col du Tourmalet
Today you will climb the popular long side from Luz to the summit of the Tourmalet - total distance from the hotel and back from the summit: 97km. It is possible to descent to La Mongie and return back up, or descend down by Bagnere de Bigorre for a very long day of cycling. (B,D).
Day 5 | Departure after breakfast – on your own; train to Toulouse suggested.
Price
705 Euros per person. (convert)
Single Supplement: TBD Euros
Rental Bike: 155 Eur (convert)
Details
For individuals and small groups - a flexible program for medium and experienced levels Self Guided
Region: Hautes-Pyrénées
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Dates: On request from May until October.
Accommodation:4 nights in a 3 star hotel in Argeles sur Gazost, a very charming hotel located in this historic spa town.
Meals: breakfast and dinner included daily (drinks NOT included)
Bike: Our Eddy Merckx bikes - 155 euros. See the link above left. You bring your pedals. Note that price includes bike delivery and pickup.
Tours: this bike holiday allows you to ride at your own pace– we propose you some climbs with an elevation between 556m (1.168ft) and 2.155m (6.465 ft) and average gradients of 8% - the total distances include warm-up and cool down time. In the local shops you can buy your picnic ingredients, or find restaurants in some nice stops along your routes and even on the summits of some of the climbs.
Trip includes:Orientation meeting - 4 nights lodging with breakfast and dinner daily in superior 3 star hotel, multilingual technical assistance, emergency support, road book, sports drinks and energy bars. Transfer to/from Argeles from Toulouse is not included but can easily be done by train with shuttle.
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