Experience a week of cycling adventures in Southwest France and Pyrenees
Embark on a week of road cycling across Pyrénées Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées, Gers, and Landes, delving into the heart of French countryside and culture. Each day presents an opportunity to pedal through historic mountain passes like Tourmalet and Aubisque, reminiscent of the feats of Tour de France legends. Alongside these iconic routes, immerse yourself in the region's rich oenology and gastronomy, with stops in the renowned vineyards of Jurançon and Madiran, offering a tantalizing blend of local flavors and breathtaking landscapes.
As you journey through picturesque villages and natural wonders, such as the UNESCO-listed Cirque de Gavarnie, you'll find yourself enchanted by the beauty and diversity of the Pyrenean landscape. Whether conquering the highest peaks or indulging in gourmet dining experiences at charming estates like Château de Viella and Prés d'Eugénie, each moment promises an unforgettable fusion of adventure, culture, and culinary delights.
Highlights of the Southwest France & Pyrenees Road Bike Tour
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Southwest France & Pyrenees Road Bike Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Pau
When you arrive at the Pau train station (or the airport), you’ll be welcomed by a local representative who will brief you on the days of adventure ahead. You'll spend your first night at Clos Mirabel, in the calm of the surrounding vineyards.
Overnight Location: Bed and breakfast in Pau
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Warm-Up Ride and Winery Visit at Clos Cancaillaü
From the slopes of Jurançon, which overlook the capital of Béarnaise and offer you a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees, you’ll bike along the vineyards this morning that stretch as far as the eye can see before arriving in a superb vineyard near Cuqueron where the winemaker awaits you for a visit to his estate: Le Clos Cancaillaü. You then swap the bike for a good glass of Jurançon and a first glimpse of the local gastronomy. Energized by this tasting, you’ll take the road again through the Béarn vineyards until you arrive in Lurbe St Christau at the end of the afternoon.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lurbe St Christau
Distance: 80km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Tackle the famous Col de Marie Blanque
After breakfast, you will set off to tackle the famous Col de Marie Blanque (1035m), the junction between the Aspe Valley and the Ossau Valley and the first pass of the day. With your calves warmed up, you then reach the Ossau valley, cross the village of Laruns and take the direction of the winter resort of Gourette and especially the Col d'Aubisque, the natural border between the Pyrénées Atlantiques and the Hautes Pyrénées!
At 1709m altitude, a photo stop is necessary in front of the famous bikes of the Tour de France and the 360 ° view of the Pyrenees and the valley you have just crossed. You can enjoy this view during your lunch break and get back on your bike to start the descent to the Col du Soulor and the Val d'Azun to then reach your evening accommodation in Argelès-Gazost.
Overnight Location: Charming accommodation in Argelès-Gazost
Distance: 97km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Hiking at the Cirque de Gavarnie
Wake up gently and put on your hiking boots for today! Today you'll adventure on foot to discover a true jewel of the Pyrenees: the majestic Cirque de Gavarnie. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this natural and spectacular landscape promises to bring the adventure!
Overnight Location: Charming accommodation in Argelès-Gazost
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Conquer the Highest Pass in the Pyrenees
Another night spent in your charming accommodation in Argelès, in the heart of the Gaves valley, will hopefully have you well rested, because today you are setting off to conquer the highest pass in the Pyrenees: The Tourmalet!
Perched at an altitude of 2115m, this pass will require some effort but will reward you with the beauty of the landscapes that surround it! Once you have passed under the Pic du Midi de Bigorre cable car, the descent to the Campan valley awaits you. From there, you head towards the lake of Payolle and then face the last pass of the stay, the Col d'Aspin (1489m). Your final destination today is in Baronnies, a land of history and character, between abbey and castle, chasm and gourgue.
Overnight Location: Accommodation in Baronnies
Distance: 71km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Cycle the Vast Expanses of Gers
Today you head for the vast expanses of the Gers where fields of wheat, maize and rapeseed are intertwined. There, you go into the "slow" mode: ride, enjoy and take your time!
Take the opportunity to discover and enrich yourself with the well-known architectural and gastronomic heritage of these lands between the production of foie gras and the manufacture of Armagnac and Madiran. At the end of the afternoon, you arrive at the Château de Viella where the Bortolussi family awaits and introduces you to the blending of flavors!
Overnight Location: Château de Viella
Distance: 100km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Gastronomic Delights in Landes
Last wake-up call in the Gers and last day on the roads of the South-West France! You head west this morning to enter the Landes territory. In Eugenie-les-Bains, a spa resort, the lunch break is on the Prés d'Eugénie estate, at the inn La Ferme aux Grives. This restaurant, awarded 2 Michelin Forks and 3 Gault & Millau Toques, will amaze your taste buds and amaze you in this "Petit palace à fleur de nature". It is possible to eat at the Gastronomic Restaurant "Michel Guérard" on request today too, so please inquire for details.
Arriving in Pau in the afternoon marks the end of your cycling journey. Au revoir!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Southwest France & Pyrenees Road Bike Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only. The departures are available every Saturday.
- Group of 2+: from $2,995 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on Southwest France & Pyrenees Road Bike Tour
This tour is based on charming hostels or hotels, each offering a unique and comfortable stay tailored to your needs.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Charming accommodation along Southwest France
Enjoy charming hostels or hotels, each offering a unique and comfortable stay tailored to your needs.
What’s Included in the Southwest France & Pyrenees Road Bike Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for luggage is included throughout the tour (max. 15 kg - 1 piece of luggage per person), as well as services of support vehicle.
Also included
- Meals
- The assistance of a logistician
- Luggage transfers
- Greeting by a representative of the agency
- Visits and activities
Not included
- Bike rental
- Any personal transport
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visits not mentioned and personal expenses
- Cycling clothing, a change of clothes, warm and waterproof
- Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen
- Water bottles
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Optional insurance
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Bike rental
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