The Pyrenees are on of the ultimate tests for anyone serious about biking . Here are three of the best cycling tours in the Pyrenees.
(Photo: Tourrader.com)
Anyone with even a passing interest of cycle racing will associate the Pyrenees – France’s other big mountain range – with epic battles on the likes of the Col du Tourmalet and Col d’Aubisque. But how about experiencing this 500km strip of peaks between France and Spain in real life? There are a range of cycling tours to be had in the Pyrenees, on gravel, road and mountain bikes, all offering a different taste of adventure. If you are up for it the Pyrenees is one of the best cycling playgrounds on Earth – and a holiday you’ll remember forever.
Classic Climbs of the Pyrenees
Climbing the Pyrenees on a road bike is on the bucket list of almost every serious cyclist. This six-day tour is a bit more strenuous than many bike trips, tackling the big names climbs of this mountain range one by one. That means that once your legs are warmed up by the first two easy-ish days, you’ll be taking on the Port de Bales on day three, Peyresourde day four and Col d’Aspin and the Tourmalet on day five. If you thought it was time for a rest, think again. The final day sees you tackling the Col du Soulour and Aubisque. Everything is covered on this trip, from meals to a guide to full support. From €2.999.
Book at Tourradar.com
Spanish Camino By Bike: The Pyrenees To Leon
The Camino de Santiago may be better known as an ancient pilgrimage route tackled with hiking boots, but this centuries-old journey can now be done by bike. The trip takes 10 days, taking you through Leon, Akerreta and Roncesvalles, over more than 400km. This is a self-guided private tour that includes accommodation in hotels, breakfasts and on most days, dinner. Along the way you’ll see some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Pyrenees, as well as unique monuments and typical villages of northern Spain. After all that riding there will also be a chance to experience Spanish gastronomy, including traditional regional cuisine and excellent wines. From EUR 1.720.
Book at Bookmundi.com
The Pyrenees tour, the great european mtb adventure
This incredible ten-day trip starts in Barcelona and ends in Toulouse – that means riding across the width of the Pyrenees. This is all about mountain paths and singletracks, linking beautiful valleys and romantic and medieval towns of the Catalonian and French Pyrenees. It’s a rugged, adventury trip, combining nice and calm rides with very demanding uphills and downhills, and taking in everything from dramatic mountain vistas to beguiling pine forests. All breakfasts and dinners are included and a van transfer at beginning and end to cut out the boring bits. POA.
Book at Tourradar.com