Recommendations for Tours of the Pyrenees

ShavenLegs

I'm not long back from a week in the Alps with a group of 18 mates and we're starting to think about our next trip. I've never ridden in the Pyrenees before and quite fancied the idea of it. Does anyone have any recommendations of what to include in an itinerary of 5-7 days of riding? Would like to include as many big climbs as we can, and wondered if there are any good routes from coast to coast.

Scrumple

Just done it. If you base near stage nine's finish at Bagneres you are on the doorstep of the Aspin and Tourmalet.
Inbetween is the Hourquette.

Not far off is the Peyresourde and hautacam.

We also did the Aubisque via Lourdes which was the longest day at 94 miles.

There is the Luz Ardiden too but it is maybe a drive out to fit it all in.

I can recommend a fantastic B and B in Trebons which is up the road. I stayed at a friends place nearby but six of our group used the B and B who can also pick you up at he airport (used ryan air to Lourdes) with bike boxes going in a trailer.

Got all the routes on garmin GPS if needed. We included some wonderful rolling recovery days with fourth cat climbs and views to die for.

rc856

What do you have in mind for budget or mileage?
I've stayed with www.velopeloton.com before and it was great.
Could see Luz Ardiden from where we were staying and Tourmalet wasn't far away.

MichaelW

You need to think about how you get there. Flights from Stansted go to Perpignan.
Did you want a fixed base or travelling tour or a mix.
There is good camping with facilities all over the area.
Most people ride the Raid Pyrenean route, usually head-down, arse up to make the required time for your badge. There are plenty of alternate climbs to explore in a more leisurely manner and you can also pick and mix the climbs for a shorter route.
Ax-le-Thermes is a regular stopover point and Massat is a nice little town. If need some quality off-bike entertainment, check out the cave paintings at Tarascon.

ShavenLegs

Thanks All. Will take note of your tips when we start planning.

mrc1

Don't want to jump in with a sales pitch particularly if you are looking for a self organised trip, but if you want a hassle free option then give me a shout as the Pyrenees (be it a Raid/coast to coast/fixed base tour) is what we specialise in.

Peak Times

You really should spend some time in or around Bagneres de Luchon. The Tours very first mountain stage started here back in 1910 and it is a regular in the Tours itinerary. Lots to choose from - with a great town to keep you happy in the evenings.

Doorstep cols include:

Portillon, Peyresourde, Port du Bales, Ares, Mente, Portet d'Aspet,

The climb to Superbagneres is not to be missed as is the Hospice de France. The Aspin, Louron-Azet, and Hourquette d'Ancizan are all in striking distance.

Basically so much to choose from - and with easy access from either Lourdes (60 mins) or Toulouse (90 mins) airports.

itboffin

mrc1 wrote:

Don't want to jump in with a sales pitch particularly if you are looking for a self organised trip, but if you want a hassle free option then give me a shout as the Pyrenees (be it a Raid/coast to coast/fixed base tour) is what we specialise in.

We had the same idea after our 2010 trip to the alps and although we dragged our feet sorting it out, Rob & Laura aka @mrc1 did us proud in the Pyrenees in 2012, an amazing week right in the middle of the most iconic climbs of the region all rideable from the door.

Do it you wont regret it