We offer several alternatives to cyclists looking for more in their holiday than the classic Club Bearnais 100 hour traverse of the Pyrenees provides. Each route has been chosen to maximize the experience of cycling across this natural border between France and Spain.
Our proposed crossings are suited to different levels of ability and vary in both pace and distance. Your journey through the Pyrenees can be arranged with overnight stops at selected camp sites or stays in hotel accommodation.
The Raids we run go from Atlantic ocean to Mediterranean sea to take advantage of the prevailing westerly wind and the steadily improving climate when heading from west to east. It can be noticed that our Raid Pyrenees route favors on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees initially.
This is for two very good reasons: Firstly, experience has shown us that the build up to the large famous French cols should be gradual, and secondly, the weather is generally better on the Spanish side of the Pyrenean chain in the far west.
Your Itinerary
Arrival Day: Arrivals from Toulouse airport transferred to Aulus-les-Bains where we assemble bikes and test ride locally. Stay overnight in Aulus-les-Bains.
Transfer Day: Transfer from Aulus to the Atlantic coast (4hrs). Stay overnight near Hendaye.
Day 1: 140km
- Starting near Hendaye at Saint-Jean-de-Luz, following the D4 to Sare then Dancharia on the Spanish border, Puerto Otxondo, 570m (*)
- In Spain, continuing on the N121B to Erratzu then back into France, Ispeguy, 672m (*)
- St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Spain at Arniguy then at Auritz following the NA202 to Garaiva and staying in Ochagavia Puerto Ibañeta, 1,057m (*)
Day 2: 115km
- Following the NA140 eastwards, Alto Laza, 1,129m (*)
- descend into Isaba then head north to France, Portillo Eraice, 1,578m
- Belagua and into France, Pierre-St-Martin, 1,760m (**)
- on the D441, Labays, 1,351m
- then the D442, Bouuzou, 1,009m
- until arriving in Osse-en-Aspe, Houratate, 1,109m
- then north on the N134 to Escot and over to Bielle ending in Laruns, Marie-Blanque, 1,035m (***)
Day 3: 130km
- A hard day starting on the D918 to Eaux-Bonnes and up, Aubisque 1,709m (***)
- soon afterwards, Soulor, 1,474m (*)
- descend into Argelès-Gazost head south to Luz-St-Sauveur and up, Tourmalet, 2,115m (****)
- descend into Ste-Marie-de-Campan then over into Arrea, Aspin, 1,489m (**)
Day 4: 143km
- Taking the D618 out of Arreau, Peyresourde, 1,569m (***)
- into the sizable Bagneres de Luchon and back into Spain, Portillon , 1,293m (***)
- descend into Bossost and back to France at St-Béat take the D44, Mente, 1,349m (****)
- then the D618 over the fated, Portet-d'Aspet, 1,069m (***)
- descend into Castillon en Couserans then over to Seix and on to the VeloLoco base at Aulus-les-Bains, Core, 1,395m (**)
Day 5: 127km
- From our base in Aulus-les-Bains climb, Agnes, 1,580m (***)
- climb again, before descending into Vicdessos along the valley towards Tarascon, Port de Lers, 1,517m (**)
- Tarascon take the D20 to avoid the Andorran traffic, Pas de Soulombrie, 911m (**)
- on the D613 to Belcaire and Espezel then the D107 into Axat, Marmare, 1,361m (*)
Day 6: 150km
- Long climb towards Mediterranean region, Col de Jau, 1,513m (***)
- On the D14 through Catllar, Eus, Marquixanes past Vinca to Bouleternure, Fourtou & Xatard (optional), 646m (*)
- Llauro, Vives, Le Boulou (by the A9) Sorède, Collioure and finally Banyuls. Stay near Banyuls and have farewell dinner. Tour de la Madeloc, 470m (**)
Departure Day: Transfers from Banyuls to Perpignan / Carcassonne and Toulouse airports.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
6 Day Road Crossing trip is 9 days total (8 nights)
- Sat. 30 May - Sun. 8 June
- Sat. 27 Sept - Sun. 5 Oct
1495 Euros - The prices shown for the hotel option are per person based on two sharing a room.
Price Includes:
- all evening meals
- breakfasts
695 Euros - The price shown above is per person. and excludes the costs of accommodation and meals. We make reservations in your name in each hotel (or campsite) and you settle the bill on departure each day. We will try to reserve your preferred room type and provide approximate costs for each night of the trip before departure.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Spain
Bicycle Touring
Ecotourism
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