french pyrenees traverse by bike

The tour begins in Collioure, a charming medieval town on the Roussillon coast, nestled in a natural bay at the foothills of the Pyrenees. Leaving the historic old town, we tackle the first steep ramps before rolling into the opening kilometers of the crossing. The scenery quickly shifts from the densely built-up Mediterranean coastline to the quieter inland countryside.

The first real challenge comes with the climb to Col de Xatard (752 m / 2,470 ft), reached via an idyllic mountain road. Shortly afterward, we ascend to Col de Palomère (1,036 m / 3,400 ft), the first major highlight of the tour, offering stunning panoramic views over the Canigou massif and the Serra de l'Albera. A long and spectacular descent leads us to Prades, where we spend the night.

For riders looking to further warm up their legs, an optional climb of Col de la Brousse (860 m / 2,820 ft) is available.

Passes of the day:

• Col de la Brousse: 860 m (2,820 ft) - (Level 4 only)
• Col de Xatard: 752 m (2,470 ft)
• Col de Palomère: 1,036 m (3,400 ft)

Highlights:

• The charming fishing port of Collioure and its historic castle
• Quiet, winding roads through the Albères foothills
• A gradual warm-up over small mountain passes amid fragrant Mediterranean vegetation

Distance & elevation gain:

• Level 3: approx. 115 km (71 miles) / 1,600 m (5,250 ft)
• Level 4: approx. 130 km (81 miles) / 2,350 m (7,700 ft)

• Col de Jau, 1,506 m (4,941 ft)
• Col de Garavel, 1,256 m (4,121 ft)
• Col de Moulis, 1,099 m (3,605 ft)
• Port de Pailhères, 2,001 m (6,565 ft)  (level 4 only)
• Col de Chioula, 1,431 m (4,695 ft) (level 4 only)
• Col des Sept Frères, 1,253 m (4,111 ft) (level 3 only)
• Col de Marmare, 1,361m (4,137 ft) (level 3 only)

Highlights:

• Visit of Mosset, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France
• The forests of the Col de Jau
• The climb to the Port de Pailhères, one of the best climbs of the week (level 3)
• Panoramic views of the Ariège Valley from the Col de Chioula (level 3)

Distance and altitude gain:

• Level 3: approx. 110 km (68 miles) / approx. 2,900 m (9,514 ft)
• Level 4: approx. 115 km (71,5 miles) / approx. 3,300 m (10,827 ft)

From the summit, a long 35 km (22 miles) descent follows the idyllic Arac River all the way to the small town of Saint-Girons. Along the way, villages such as Massat and Saint-Girons invite riders to take a well-earned break on their welcoming café terraces.

The stage concludes with the steady ascent from Taul to Saint-Lary, following the Lez River on a gently rising route. By early evening, we reach the charming mountain village of Saint-Lary, where we enjoy the calm and serenity of the Pyrenees. The legendary Col de Portet d'Aspet awaits us the following morning.

For stronger riders, more demanding variants are available via the Port de Lers (1,517 m / 4,980 ft), the Col de l'Agnes (1,570 m / 5,150 ft), and the Col de la Core (1,395 m / 4,575 ft).

Passes of the day:

• Pas de Souloumbrie: 911 m (2,990 ft)
• Col de Port: 1,250 m (4,100 ft) - (Level 3 only)
• Col des Caugnous: 947 m (3,105 ft) - (Level 3 only)
• Port de Lers: 1,517 m (4,980 ft) - (Level 4 only)
• Col de l'Agnes: 1,570 m (5,150 ft) - (Level 4 only)
• Col de la Core: 1,395 m (4,575 ft) - (Level 4 only)

Highlights:

• Breathtaking landscapes around the Col de l'Agnes and Étang de Lers
• Beautiful panoramic views during the descent from the Col de la Core

Distance & elevation gain:

• Level 3: approx. 125 km (78 miles) / 2,000 m (6,560 ft)
• Level 4: approx. 150 km (93 miles) / 3,100 m (10,170 ft)

• Col de Portet d'Aspet, 1,069 m (3,507 ft)
• Col de Menté, 1,369 m (4,491 ft)
• Col du Portillon, 1,293 m (4,242 ft) (level 4 only)
• Col de Peyresourde, 1,569 m (5,148 ft)

• Three legendary Tour de France cols!
• The scenery of the Col de Menté.
• The pretty village of Saint Béat.
• The monument to Fabio Casartelli at the foot of the Col de Portet d'Aspet.

• Level 3: approx. 90 km (56 miles) / approx. 2400 m (7,874 ft)
• Level 4: approx. 110 km (68 miles) / approx. 3000 m (9,842 ft)

After the descent on the far side of the pass, we reach the village of Saint-Marie-de-Campan, where cycling history comes alive. It was here, during the 1913 Tour de France, that Eugène Christophe famously repaired his bike in a blacksmith's shop after damaging it on the descent from the Tourmalet. From Saint-Marie, we begin our assault on the legendary Col du Tourmalet, the undisputed king of the Pyrenean passes.

The climb stretches over 17 km (11 miles), with an average gradient of 7.4%, rising to 2,115 m (6,940 ft). In the second half of the ascent, we pass the ski resort of La Mongie, before the final kilometers open into a true high-mountain atmosphere. Reaching the summit is a moment in itself. After taking time to enjoy the views, a magnificent descent through dramatic alpine scenery brings us to the spa town of Luz-Saint-Saveur, where we spend the night.

As an optional extension, after arriving in Luz, stronger riders may continue toward the spectacular Cirque de Gavarnie, climbing further to the Port de Boucharo / Col de Tentes (2,270 m / 7,450 ft), set in a rugged high-mountain landscape.

Passes of the day:

• Col d'Aspin: 1,489 m (4,885 ft)
• Col du Tourmalet: 2,115 m (6,940 ft)
• Port de Boucharo / Col de Tentes: 2,270 m (7,450 ft) - (optional, Level 4)

Highlights:

• The legendary Col du Tourmalet and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks
• The spectacular Cirque de Gavarnie (Level 4)
• The high-mountain landscapes of the Port de Boucharo (Level 4)

Distance & elevation gain:

• Level 3: approx. 75 km (47 miles) / 2,100 m (6,900 ft)
• Level 4: approx. 130 km (81 miles) / 3,600 m (11,800 ft)

• Col des Bordères, 1,156 m (3,793 ft)
• Col du Soulor, 1,474 m (4,836 ft)
• Col d'Aubisque, 1,709 m (5,607 ft)
• Col du Porteigt, 880 m (2,887 ft)
• Col de Marie-Blanque, 1,035 m (3,396 ft)

Highlights:

• The climb in a side valley up the Col des Bordères
• The road between the Soulor Pass and Aubisque, perhaps the most beautiful road in the Pyrenees!
• Breathtaking panoramic views of the Cirque de Gourette from the Col d'Aubsique
• The intriguing former spa town of Eaux Bonnes
• The alpine meadows during the ascent of the Col de Marie Blanque

Distance and altitude gain:

• Level 3 and 4: approx. 110 km (68 miles) / approx. 2500 m (8,202 ft)

On the Level 4 route, the action starts much earlier. We begin with the ascent of the Col de Labbays (1,351 m / 4,430 ft), part of a succession of smaller but demanding passes. After several steep ramps, we reach the summit, rewarded with beautiful views back over the Pyrenean foothills. The route then continues toward the Col de Soudet / Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin (1,540 m / 5,050 ft). Here, dense forest gradually gives way to a stark karst landscape, opening up long-distance views.

A fast descent on a narrow road drops us into a picturesque valley, where we rejoin the Level 2 route. After a brief descent past Larrau, the road kicks up sharply after a bridge, marking the start of the notorious Col de Bagargui (1,319 m / 4,330 ft), located on the Atlantic-Mediterranean watershed.

Energy management is key here, as several smaller passes still lie ahead before reaching our accommodation in the Nive Valley. The ride across the Plateau d'Iraty and the descent into the valley in the soft late-afternoon light reward every effort. Overnight stay at a hotel in Esterençuby.

Passes of the day:

• Col de Labbays: 1,351 m (4,430 ft) - (Level 4 only)
• Col de Soudet / Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin: 1,540 m (5,050 ft) - (Level 4 only)
• Col de Bagargui: 1,319 m (4,330 ft)
• Col d'Arthé: 937 m (3,075 ft)

Highlights:

• A scenic warm-up in Haut Béarn before tackling the legendary Col de Bagargui.
• The dramatic ascent through the Lourdios Gorges (Level 4 only).
• Col de Bagargui, the steepest climb of the week.
• The picturesque Lake Iraty and its traditional chalets-perfect for a short break.
• Breathtaking landscapes and distant views of the Atlantic Ocean before the final descent to Esterençuby.

Distance & elevation gain:

• Level 3: approx. 80 km (50 miles) / 1,800 m (5,900 ft)
• Level 4: approx. 155 km (96 miles) / 3,100 m (10,170 ft)