PYRENEES
Ride details
Please note – the below information is a guide and may be subject to change.
Shorter rides are available on each day with details released closer to the time. Please contact us if you have any queries.
5 nights
4 days cycling
207 miles
32464 ft
approx. £1350
Day 3
TdF 2018 Stage 17
Arreau - Col de Peyresourde - 007 Airport - Col d'Azet - Col de Portet - Arreau
Distance - 61 miles (98km)
Climbing - 10193 ft (3106m)
Day 4
Arreau - Col d'Aspin - Col du Tourmalet - Horquette Ancizan - Arreau
Distance - 56 miles (91km)
Climbing - 9440 ft (2877m)
Tour information
Here’s our guide to your Pyrenees trip of a lifetime. As with all of our trips, we have options to take on a shorter, less hilly routes which we can adjust for you and advise at the beginning of each day. Our aim is to make you feel as confident and comfortable as possible and get everyone up each pass with as much ease as possible.
Day 1
Flight to Tolouse
Travel to Arreau vicinity
Rental bike pick up and check in
Day 2
Arreau - Lac de Cap de Long - Lac Aumar - Arreau
Distance - 49 miles (78.5km)
Climbing - 6678 ft (2035m)
After arrival and settling in on the first day the beauty of the route to Lac de Cap de Long is a great way to start the 4 days of cycling in the Hautes Pyrenees.
After passing through St Lary Soulan, where there’s a number of climbs to ascend, we take the D929 for nearly 23 km at 5.9% average gradient and up to 2161m. Believe us when we say this is worth the effort. The TdF hasn’t been through here due to this part of the Pyrenees being a National Park and Reserve, with tranquility, waterfalls and flora and fauna in abundance.
After a steady start between 3 and 5% we turn right at the town of Fabian and head up the narrower roads and fluctuating gradients towards the lake at the top with the largest reservoir in the Pyrenees. Passing through the switchbacks of the Lacets des Myrtylles the vista opens out as you see the dam in the distance and the finish point. All in all there couldn’t be a better way to start the week off, with the option to visit Lac d’Aumur or Aubert which are even higher.
Day 3
Arreau - Col de Peyresourde - 007 Airport - Col d'Azet - Col de Portet - Arreau
Distance - 61 miles (98km)
Climbing - 10193 ft (3106m)
A real treat for day 2 on the bike and the chance to relive a TdF stage 17 from 2018 which was a 65 km dash from Bagneres de Luchon to Portet . After climbing the Col de Peyresourde and a cafe stop, the stage begins in earnest. We turn round and take the left turn to Peyregoudes and the 007 airport that was in the film Tomorrow Never Dies.
From here the descent takes us 3/4 the way back down Peyresoude and we turn left to pick up the Col d’Azet at Genos. Only a short one this at 7.4 km but a real stunner. At the top of the pass you can see where you’ve just come from and where you're going to, both inspiring and daunting at the same time. The descent takes us into St Lary and then the route to Col de Portet which peaks at 2215 m. This one is headed for legendary status in TdF history, only used once but destined to test the pros in the coming years. There is no let up in gradient, but the views more than make up for it as we reach the summit and look back to the Aure valley below and the Azet in the distance. A rapid downhill and a casual ride back to Arreau finish off a stunning day .
Day 4
Arreau - Col d'Aspin - Col du Tourmalet - Horquette Ancizan - Arreau
Distance - 56 miles (91km)
Climbing - 9440 ft (2877m)
The days just seem to get better. Today sees us conquer two of the tours greatest climbs in Col d’Aspin and Col du Tourmalet. Aspin starts half a km from Arreau and winds it way up the mountain side giving you terrific views of the town below and the valley beyond. Not particularly long and even gradients this is a real joy to climb and is a good lead up to the Tourmalet. From the town of Campan, Tourmalet is around 17 km long, starts off with relatively low gradients below 5%, but like all passes there has to be a point where it starts to bite. With around 10 km to go you notice a rise and then it’s push past the ski village of La Mongie and the truly stunning vistas that a pass most used in a Grand Tour offers.
After respite at the top it’s a fast downhill with a stop at La Mongie if needed, passing back through Campan and then a right hand turn just before Col d’Aspin to pick up the Horquette Ancizan. Length is 17 km from Campan at an average of 4.2%, quite undulating, giving you a real chance to enjoy the surroundings of the best side of this beauty. A sweeping finish down the other side and back into Arreau.
Day 5
Arreau - Pla d'Adet - Col d'Azet - Arreau
Distance - 41 miles (66km)
Climbing - 6153 ft (1875m)
Our final riding day is just short of 41 miles and 6153 feet of climbing taking in Pla d’Adet from St Lary, then back down and up the other side of the Azet form the other day. Respite at the top then down into Genos and Loudenveille back to Arreau. A fitting way to end taking in 2 or 3 mountain passes (depends on what’s left in the tank), 2 different valleys and all that comes with it from the vista in the Hautes Pyrenees.
Day 6
Check out of accomodation
Transfer back to airport
Flight back to UK
Cycle Seekers tours include...
Flights/Transfers
Cycle Seekers Tour Jersey
2-3* Accommodation
Bike Hire
Continental breakfast
On bike lunch
Dinner
Photos/Drone Footage
Support vehicle
On board physio
Cycle Seekers tours DO NOT include...
Alcoholic Drinks
Bike/Travel insurance
Spending money
More information
Our unique cycle trips allow you to travel out with us to the destination , giving total piece of mind from start to finish . We’ll make sure everything that’s included is catered for , from the moment we meet till the time comes for you to unfortunately leave us. With 4 years of experience behind us at 3 separate locations we have the knowledge to cater for all that is required on these memorable trips.
Transfers
Transfer from airport to accommodation will be via private car with driver or minibus, dependant on numbers. We will endeavour to make this as quick and easy as possible.
Accommodation
Hotels/Airbnb are chosen for their quality and location to the major climbs/routes of the area, further information on where we stay is provided closer to tour date. Prices are based on 2 people sharing or Airbnb, single occupancy has an additional cost.
Meals
Continental breakfast, on route lunch and dinner will be provided. Lunch will be either via the support vehicle and or a stop at a cafe on route. Dinner will be taken out at a local restaurant allowing you to get a total experience of your surroundings and sample the local cuisine.
Bike Hire
We recommend hiring when abroad. This for 2 reasons, ease of travel and transfer at both ends of the trip and prevents any damage to your existing bike. From experience,local bike rentals are of excellent quality and close by to assist with any end of ride problems.
The hotels we use all have adequate bike storage to keep them safe after use each day .
Support vehicle
Photos
A support vehicle will be available on all days, positioning themselves appropriately to provide fluid and snacks to keep you going and also take those much looked at photos and footage for you. An end of tour photo/video package can be provided at an extra cost.
Routes
Each day will be a different route, providing a real mental and physical challenge. Some days will be longer than others, but there is generally the option to rest up or take the solace of the support vehicle if needed. A good level of fitness is essential at high altitude. There is the opportunity to hire an electric bike at an extra cost. All this is achieved in a non pressured , fun/team environment with the goal of reaching the summits on each day!
Clothing
Suitable clothing is essential. We will provide more information in the lead up to the trip. Most days will be in the mid twenties , but bear in mind you could see drops in temperatures of 10 - 15 degrees from the bottom to the top of a mountain pass . The downhills can be cold at speed, additional clothing can be put in the support vehicle for your peace of mind.
Physical Support
We will have onboard physio(s) who can provide post ride therapy, massages, rubs etc at an extra cost. It is our priority to keep you on the bike at all times so getting the full experience from your time with us.
The hotels we use all have adequate bike storage to keep them safe after use each day.
Potential trips in 2021...
Based on their own experiences of tackling the toughest climbs that the Cotswolds and Europe have to offer, our team organise everything to make sure your trip is as hassle free as possible to ensure your only focus is cycling.
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