RAID PYRÉNÉAN CYCLING HOLIDAYS
Get as fit as possible and spend maximum time on a bike before you travel. As well as needing fitness for the ascents, there are fast descents too so we advise cyclists to train on two wheels, not in the gym, so they are confident on a bike from day one.![]()
- David Sears from our cycling specialists, Exodus
The Raid Pyrénéan is one of our most challenging road cycling holidays along a stunning mountain chain – so a decent level of fitness is essential. However, it's not a race, so you can go at your own speed knowing that all riders will be waiting at the top of the climb and nobody gets left behind. Climbs are long but not steep so they require endurance and determination more than outright physical fitness. Most cyclists joining this tour are regular weekend club riders; people who like to challenge themselves by riding long distances and climbs but who also enjoy a beer or a glass of wine in the evening. This holiday isn't aimed at racing cyclists or as a fast ride; there may be times when you want to speed up but the majority of the time you'll be able to chat as you cycle. This is a classic, point-to-point route as part of a guided small group with no more than 16 participants. The small group size not only reduces impact on local communities but also allows you to stay at smaller, independently-owned, accommodation that rarely gets to benefit from tourism outside of the Tour de France season.
The Raid Pyrénéan Route
This coast to coast challenge is not for the faint hearted and includes 11 of the most notorious cols in the Pyrénées, made infamous by the riders of the Tour de France as well as those cyclists who have tried to complete the 700km (approx) route from the Atlantic to the Med in under 100 hours. Below is a day by day itinerary to help you assess whether this guided small group ride is for you.
Raid Pyrénéan highlights
Some of the highlights of the Raid Pyrénéan include riding over Col du Tourmalet (the most ridden climb in the Tour de France), cycling across the entire Pyrénéan mountain range and the brilliant food and drink along the French/Spanish border (especially the wine). The biggest challenges are the climbs – Col du Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourd, Soulor, Ares and Portet de Aspet; in total over ten first and second category climbs over the course of a week. Of course, it’s not all about burning calves, with coffee stops on mountain summits, long descents (up to 30km downhill), swimming in the Med and popping open champagne on the last day, just a few moments to ease inevitable aches and pains.
Our France cycling Holidays
Loire Valley cycling holiday, France
Discover the Loire valley and it's iconic châteaux by bike
From
£1225 to £1825
8 days
return by train
Nouvelle Aquitaine self guided cycling holiday, France
Idyllic cycling in France with great food, wine and company
From
£1365
6 days
ex flights
Burgundy self guided cycling tours, France
Cycle through beautiful Burgundy & taste exquisite wines
From
€995 to €1075
8 days
ex flights
Geneva to Lyon self guided cycling holiday, France
Cycle along the Rhône River from Geneva to Lyon.
From
€830 to €865
6 days
ex flights
Provence self guided cycling holiday, gastronomic
Discover Provence's renowned cuisine and hidden gems by bike
From
€1170 to €1290
8 days
ex flights
Loire Valley luxury cycling holiday
Cycle like a softie and sleep like a king
From
£1425 to £2145
7 days
return by train
Travel Team
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Hendaye to Musculdy – 100km (1,500m ascent)
First off is the gradual climb over Col de St Ignace (169m) where the tarmacked road continues upwards into the mountains en route to the medieval city of St Jean Pied de Port. Next up is Col d'Osquich (392m) whereupon the road culminates at 500m before descending to the village of Musculdy.Musculdy to Agos-Vidalos – 145km (2,600m ascent)
The Basque Country awaits as the route heads west from Col d'Aubisque towards a 17km hors catégorie (HC – too difficult to categorise) pass that boasts an average gradient of 8 percent, although some sections are closer to 10 percent. After conquering the 1,709m summit there’s a short descent before starting a second climb to the top of Col de Soulor prior too freewheeling down to the village of Agos-Vidalos.
Agos-Vidalos to Saint Marie de Campan – 95km (2,600m ascent)
This section features one of the most challenging climbs in the Pyrénées, Col du Tourmalet, which stands at 2,115m and has made it into the Tour de France on more than 50 occasions. As an HC pass the 18km Col du Tourmalet has an average gradient of 8 percent with several sections stretching to 10 percent. Once at the top there's a lovely twisty, turny descent to Saint Marie de Campan whereupon you'll encounter a first category 12km climb up Col d'Aspin (2,600m) which averages out at a gradient of just over 5 percent.Saint Marie de Campan to St Girons – 100km (1,600m ascent)
This section starts with a 20km ascent up Col de Peyresourde that has an average gradient of 4.5 percent, although some sections are more like 8 percent. The follow on ride through Bagnère de Luchon valley is really beautiful with views over the lakes and mountains making designated rest stops all the more rewarding. From here it's up and over the Col des Ares which then merges with the impressive third category pass Col de Portet d'Aspet which has a 9.7 percent gradient for just over 4km.St Girons to Ax les Thermes – 110km (1,600m ascent)
The road between St Girons to Col de Port starts with a constant ascent from Massat before descending to Bompas. Throughout the route you can expect some stunning Ariège valley scenery as you experience the legendary Route des Corniches which culminates in the 1,431m summit of Col de Chioula before a downhill approach to Ax-les-Thermes.
Ax les Thermes to St Cyprian – 140km (1,600m ascent)
Wave au revoir to the cols and high peaks and follow the river through the dramatic rock formations of Gorges de l'Aude as the road winds its way to the Mediterranean via views over the Corbières vineyards en route to the seaside town of Saint-Cyprien.David Sears from our cycling specialists, Exodus:
"Nearly all cyclists bring their own pedals and cycling shoes that can be fixed to a rental bike. We also recommend bringing several pairs of padded shorts, cycling jerseys, rain coats, helmet (mandatory), sunglasses, warm base layers, gloves and some regular clothes for evenings. If you're bringing your own bike we advise also bringing adequate spare parts. Clients hiring bikes don't need to worry about bringing any spare parts."
"Nearly all cyclists bring their own pedals and cycling shoes that can be fixed to a rental bike. We also recommend bringing several pairs of padded shorts, cycling jerseys, rain coats, helmet (mandatory), sunglasses, warm base layers, gloves and some regular clothes for evenings. If you're bringing your own bike we advise also bringing adequate spare parts. Clients hiring bikes don't need to worry about bringing any spare parts."
More about France cycling
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Our cycling in France travel guide aims to open up the quiet country lanes, the coastline and the waterways of the westerly and central regions as well as the peaks and cols of the Pyrénées and the Alps.
France is vast so you’d be wise to peruse our cycling in France map & highlights guide so as to make the most of your time in one of Europe’s richest and most varied cultural and naturally beautiful countries.
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Less of an athletic endeavour, more a gentle way to explore the châteaux, vineyards and cuisine of France’s Valley of the Kings, Loire Valley cycling holidays are the epitome of active relaxation.
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Although riding a bike is somewhat easy, and unforgettable, there are numerous types of cycling holidays in France to help you decide upon an experience to suit you down to the ground.
