Pyrenees Grand Tour

Before you set off, take a moment to soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Basque coast and prepare yourself for the exhilarating journey through the Pyrenees to follow.

As you begin your ride, you’ll be greeted by the verdant landscapes and rolling hills that define the Basque country. The ascent commences along the coastal route, leading you through idyllic pastures where sheep graze, and iconic white Basque farmhouses dot the scenery.

Upon reaching Saint-Palais, a charming market town with a history dating back to the 12th century, you’ll enjoy a delightful dinner.

Day 3 of your journey takes you from the foothills into the majestic Pyrenees. You’ll embark on a serene route, winding along quiet roads amidst rolling hills. As you pedal, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Pic d’Elaudi, a renowned viewpoint for bird migration, particularly in the months leading into fall.

Following a delightful descent, your ride will parallel the scenic Saison River. You’ll gradually ascend while passing through charming pastoral villages where the primary livelihood revolves around sheep cheese production. Take a break for a satisfying lunch in the secluded valley along the Route du Fromage, refueling for the second part of your day.

The next leg of your journey leads you through the expansive broadleaf forest, the largest of its kind in Europe. En route to your final summit of the day, Col de Izarbe, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Pic d’Arias, situated on the border between France and Spain.

In the evening, you’ll reconvene at your hotel in Oloron-Saint-Marie. This quaint village, with origins dating back to the 1st century, is not only known for its historical significance but is also home to the Lindt Chocolate Factory. 

On Day 4 of your adventure, you’ll set out from your hotel, embarking on a memorable ride towards the Vallée d’Aspe. Along the way, you’ll pass by local vineyards as you continue your journey into the Hautes-Pyrénées region. If luck is on your side, as you ascend through the ancient beechwood forests towards Col de Marie-Blanque, a climb that should never be underestimated.

Your route will also take you past the Neoclassical spa town of Eaux-Bonnes before you tackle the next historic and demanding climb: Col d’Aubisque. You’ll ascend Aubisque from the “hard” side, which starts relatively gently until you reach the Cascade de Valentin, where you’ll be met with challenging thigh-burning gradients of up to 13%. If the climb itself doesn’t leave you breathless, the stunning vistas on a clear day certainly will. 

As you continue your journey, you’ll appreciate a lengthy descent through Col du Soulor, providing your legs with a well-deserved break. Take in the breathtaking views as you make your way to the next destination, the village of Saint-Savin, where your hotel awaits. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to rest and indulge in a hearty meal, rewarding yourself for a day filled with challenging climbs and spectacular scenery.

Get ready for a day filled with exhilarating climbs on what is considered a Tour de France Queen Stage! Day 5 of your journey will see you conquering three iconic ascents: Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin, and Col de Peyresourde, all of which have been prominently featured in the Tour de France.

Your day begins with a scenic ride along the picturesque Gavarnie river, offering awe-inspiring views of the majestic Pic du Midi de Bigorre, one of the most renowned peaks in the Hautes-Pyrénées region. Your route takes you towards Luz-Saint-Sauveur, nestled at the base of the legendary Col du Tourmalet.

Upon reaching the summit of Col du Tourmalet, you’ll experience an exhilarating descent before embarking on the ascent of Col d’Aspin. You’ll complete the climb to the peak of Col d’Aspin, where you’ll be rewarded with absolutely breathtaking views.

Following another thrilling descent, you’ll arrive in Arreau, a town that once served as the capital of ancient Aragon. The final climb of the day takes you up to Col de Peyresourde, testing your endurance after already conquering two challenging ascents. The sense of accomplishment at the summit is unparalleled, considering the monumental feats achieved today.

As you make your descent into the famous spa town of Bagnères-de-Luchon, you can look forward to a warm meal and a cozy bed, ready to rejuvenate your body after a day filled with remarkable climbs and stunning landscapes.

Day 6 brings a well-deserved break from cycling, providing you with the perfect opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge for the remainder of your journey. Enjoy a leisurely day in Bagnères-de-Luchon, where you can pamper yourself and soothe any aches and pains accumulated from the previous days of riding.

Luxuriate in the healing waters, allowing their therapeutic properties to work their magic. Immerse yourself in the unique Vaporarium, a natural underground steam bath that promises to warm up your muscles and promote relaxation.

Indulge in a rejuvenating massage to work out any kinks and tension, providing your body with the care it deserves. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool.

Day 7 of your journey marks a transition from France to Spain, bidding au revoir to one country and welcoming hola to another. Your route will lead you into the Val d’Aran region, accessed from the forested Col du Portillon. 

Your primary challenge for the day is the ascent of Puerto de la Bonaigua, a Category 1 climb and the highest mountain you’ll conquer in Spain. As you ascend, a vast and rugged landscape unfolds before you.

Your day concludes in Sort, often regarded as the luckiest town in Spain, with “sort” meaning “luck” in Catalan. Sort attracts visitors from across Spain who flock here to purchase lottery tickets in hopes of becoming the next El Gordo winner.

Day 8 commences right from the doorstep of your hotel, featuring a Category 1 pass that’s a regular climb in the Vuelta a España—Coll de Cantó. This challenging ascent sets the tone for the day’s ride. As you make your way up, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas and a sense of accomplishment when you conquer this climb.

Afterward, you’ll descend to La Seu d’Urgell, which holds historical significance as the location of the canoeing events during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Your journey continues as you pedal up through the valley, flanked by the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park on your right and the formidable mountain giants of Andorra on your left. 

Your day concludes in Puigcerda, a village whose name derives from “puig,” meaning “hill” in Catalan, and “Cerda,” referencing the Cerdanya region where it is situated. Puigcerda is perched in a location that provides perfect views of the Pyrenees mountains, with the distant peak of Pedraforca adding to the picturesque landscape.

Your journey kicks off with an ascent to the summit of La Molina ski station and Coll de la Creueta. This seemingly endless climb eventually leads you into a tranquil valley, offering breathtaking views of the striking standalone mountain, Pedraforca. En route, you’ll pass through the remote village of Castellar de n’Hug. This area is renowned for the Fonts del Llobregat, the source of the Llobregat river, which holds immense importance in Catalonia’s waterways.

As you continue your southward journey along the remote and scenic Catalan roads, you’ll gradually notice a shift in the landscape, marked by the first sighting of the iconic cork trees. Take a break to relish a typical Spanish late lunch along the way, refueling for the remainder of your adventure.

Your route leads you to the larger Medieval town of Vic, celebrated for its Romanesque churches and rich history. From here, you’ll embark on your final climb into a serene setting beside the Sau Reservoir, where panoramic vistas of the Guillerias Mountains await. 

Day 10 marks the grand finale of your epic trans-Pyrenees adventure, and it’s a day to savor every exhilarating moment. You’ll begin by descending from the Sau Reservoir through a training ground often frequented by professional cyclists, making it an ideal place to rev up their season. 

Today’s ride is characterized by a series of short yet challenging climbs that demand your determination and resolve. These ascents must be conquered one by one, bringing you closer to the ultimate prize: your long-anticipated view of the brilliantly blue Mediterranean Sea.

Your ride concludes with a spectacular finish, as you wind your way along the rugged and picturesque Costa Brava, aptly named the “brave coast.” Your hotel awaits, nestled right on the beach.

Here, you’ll ceremoniously wrap up your ride by either dipping your toes or taking a full-body plunge into the refreshing sea. You’ll raise a traditional glass of cava in a heartfelt toast to your triumphant conquest of the magnificent Pyrenees.

On your final morning, you have the freedom to relish your last moments in this beautiful coastal paradise. Prepare to depart from Spain and cherish the wonderful memories of this incredible journey.