Pyrenees Cycling

Our base in the mountain village of Barèges is a cyclist's dream! Situated on the classic "Tour de France" route, Barèges sits below the legendary "Col du Tourmalet" - one of the most memorable Pyrenean climbs of the Tour.

From the pretty village of Ste. Mairie de Campan (en-route from the Vallee d'Aure and the Col d'Aspin), ascend past traditional mountain farms and steep wooded hillsides to the ski station of La Mongie, at the foot of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, then to the col at 2115m. Take in the spectacular views, North to the towering Pic du Midi and the observatory, East into the valley of La Mongie, South to the Pic d'Espade and the wild toothed-ridges of the Quatre Termes massif, and West to the Bastan valley and the village of Barèges.

The descent to the village is an incredible 865m, but it doesn't stop there. Another exhilarating drop of around 400m takes you to the historic tourist town of Luz-St Sauveur, well known for its thermal baths, fortified Templars church and massive ice-creams.

Custom cycling holidays on classic mountain routes - Col de Tourmalet, Col d'Aspin, Col d'Aubisque, Col de Soulor, Col de Peyresourde and the challenging ski roads to Hautacam, Luz Ardiden and Gavarnie. Tick off the climbs, but also experience the unspoilt scenery, food, culture and pretty mountain villages of the Pyrenees.

We offer road support for groups of up to eight, based from our recently renovated village house.

00 33 5 62 92 16 39

Itinerary / Highlights

From Luz there are three further fantastic Pyrenees cycling routes.

Climb South to the incredible "Cirque de Gavarnie" at the Spanish frontier, West on the Luz-Ardiden ski road past lovely stone villages and ancient watermills, or descend North through the narrow Pierrefitte gorge beside the roaring "Gave de Pau" river.

On your way to the magnificent spa town of Argeles-Gazost there is an optional ascent to the Hautacam ski station.

This is a challenging climb through pretty perched villages and with panoramic views into the Argeles basin. From Argeles the Tour route continues into the beautiful "Val d'Azun", with its rolling pasture and flower-filled villages.

The climb takes you 7km at an average gradient of 8%, to the "Col de Soulor" at 1474m. From the col you can re-descend to the town of Argeles, via the "Col de Spandelles" and the wild Bergons valley, or continue by the "Col d'Aubisque" via the ski station of Gourette into the neighbouring department of Béarn.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

A recently-renovated village house in the traditional mountain village of Bareges. The house has a large equipment room/workshop area, sauna, lounge with wood burning stove, games/reading corner, well-stocked bar, CD player and computer with DVD player. The large dining room seats 14. Patio and garden with mountain views. Six lovely twin bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and original exposed beams and carpentry.