What are self-guided cycling tours?

Self-led bike adventures provide a tailor-made and flexible approach to cycling holidays, allowing you to discover at your leisure and modify your schedule or route whenever necessary. Our crew takes care of every detail, from accommodations and detailed plans to GPS guidance and ongoing assistance, ensuring a serene and immersive trip that offers independence, individuality, and authentic cultural encounters.

How demanding are your tours?

Our tours are grouped into three difficulty tiers: Leisurely , Moderate , and Challenging . The categorization is based on the typical day of the tour, even though there might be fluctuations in difficulty over the course of the trip. Leisurely tours cater to those seeking a laid-back journey through breathtaking scenery, without the demand of traversing great distances or navigating tough terrains. These excursions usually span 30-50 km daily, with an altitude climb of up to 500m. This ensures ample opportunities to pause and soak in panoramas, savor regional dishes, and wander through picturesque towns and hamlets en route. Moderate bike tours suit those seeking a harmonious blend of picturesque routes and a touch of challenge. Usually spanning 50-80 km daily with an altitude ascent of up to 1000m, these tours take you across captivating landscapes and delightful hamlets, offering a combination of level and undulating terrains. While providing ample opportunities to halt and delve deeper, they also ensure a rewarding cycling exercise. Challenging bike tours cater to seasoned cyclists keen on testing their boundaries. Ranging from 80-120 km daily with an altitude rise of up to 2000m, these journeys involve navigating rigorous inclines and demanding terrains. However, the breathtaking vistas make the effort worthwhile. While these tours demand top-notch fitness and stamina, the euphoria of achievement felt at day’s end is unparalleled.

Why aren't accommodations specified?

We’re committed to finding the perfect fit for you. We partner with several accommodation providers that align with our standards, though their availability can vary, particularly in high-demand periods. Additionally, we can tailor your holiday according to your tastes and financial plan, ensuring we pinpoint the most suitable option for your requirements.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend securing your tour at the earliest convenience, particularly for sought-after tourist spots with limited accommodation availability. Top options frequently get reserved for the summer before the onset of spring.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Catering to dietary needs can fluctuate based on their complexity. In France, vegetarian choices are generally accessible, but sourcing vegan meals might be a challenge in countryside locales or smaller towns. Notably, lunch halts are often at conventional eateries that might not accommodate special dietary preferences beyond their regular offerings. Bear this in mind as you map out your journey.

What's the best season for cycling in France?

The prime cycling season spans from mid-April to mid-October. In higher regions like the Alps, it’s best from mid-May to September to avoid snow.

What if the weather forecast is unfavorable?

Tours can proceed in light rain with suitable attire. Summer often brings afternoon thunderstorms, so starting tours early is advisable. If adverse weather is anticipated, we’ll aim to modify the tour in advance.

How does luggage transfer work?

On cycling trips, luggage transfer allows you to ride without carrying heavy bags. Each morning, you leave your luggage at the designated spot—often the hotel reception—and it’s transported to your next overnight stop. Your bags are usually waiting for you when you arrive. Weight limits and pickup times can vary slightly depending on the service provider.

Do you transfer bikes too? How does it work?

Yes, bike transfers are often available when needed—such as before, after, or during your trip. Bikes are typically transported in secure vehicles or trailers designed for bicycles. You may need to notify the provider in advance, and some services require the bike to be clean or partially disassembled. Exact procedures vary depending on location and logistics.

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Pyrenees Grand Tour

11 days / 10 nights

Traverse the Pyrenees and chase the Mediterranean Sea on a cycling adventure spanning from epic climbs like Tourmalet to Costa Brava's coastal bliss.

Starting point

Bayonne

Finish point

Platja d'Aro

Season

From May to October

Fitness level

4/5

Traverse the Pyrenees and chase the Mediterranean Sea on a cycling adventure spanning from epic climbs like Tourmalet to Costa Brava's coastal bliss.

from:

2.149 €

Send an inquiry

LanCycling Tours Expert

Book a call

Traverse the Pyrenees and chase the Mediterranean Sea on a cycling adventure spanning from epic climbs like Tourmalet to Costa Brava's coastal bliss.

Starting point

Bayonne

Finish point

Platja d'Aro

Season

From May to October

Fitness level

4/5

Experience the Epic Pyrenean climbs of Tourmalet, Col d’Aubisque, Puerto de la Bonaigua.
Marvel at breathtaking landscapes of the Basque coast, Val d’Aran, and the Costa Brava.
Immerse yourself in the culture and exploration of charming villages and Romanesque churches.
Indulge in luxurious spa, soothing steam baths, and leisurely beach strolls.
Savor Culinary delights and taste authentic catalan cuisine.
Celebrate the Grand Finale by dipping your toes into the Mediterranean sea.

Itinerary of the trip

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.

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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.

Cycling

84 km and 1,400 m of elevation gain

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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.

Cycling

106 km and 2,400 m of elevation gain

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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.

Cycling

94 km and 2,700 m of elevation gain

Gallery

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.

Cycling

110 km and 3,480 m of elevation gain

Gallery

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.

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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.

Cycling

106 km and 2,377 m of elevation gain

Gallery

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.

Cycling

111 km and 2,586 m of elevation gain

Gallery

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.

Cycling

130 km and 2,508 m of elevation gain

Gallery

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.

Cycling

130 km and 2,508 m of elevation gain

Gallery

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.

Gallery

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

Tour design and organization

Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions

10 nights in a 3/4* hotels with breakfast

Service and support during your tour

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Luggage transfer

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

E-bike

E-road bike

Gravel bike

MTB

Regular bike

Road bike

Single supplement

Embark on an extraordinary cycling odyssey through the heart of the Pyrenees, where you'll experience epic climbs like Tourmalet and Col d’Aubisque that will leave you breathless. Traverse these breathtaking landscapes, from the dramatic Basque coast to the tranquil Val d’Aran, and finally to the picturesque Costa Brava, each moment enriched by cultural exploration as you immerse yourself in the traditions of spa towns, charming villages, and ancient Romanesque churches.

After days of conquering these challenging ascents, indulge in well-deserved relaxation. Immerse yourself in luxurious spa treatments, bask in soothing steam baths, or take leisurely beach strolls along the Costa Brava. Alongside your cycling feats, savor the culinary delights of Catalan cuisine, from delectable tapas to traditional dishes, and celebrate your journey's grand finale by dipping your toes in the brilliant blue Mediterranean. It's a remarkable adventure that transcends cycling – it's a triumph, a celebration, and an experience of a lifetime.

Embark on a personalized adventure with our self-guided option. Our team prepares a tailored handout according to your preferences, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Enjoy the flexibility to pause and explore at your leisure, choosing your own stops along the way. Plus, rest assured knowing our dedicated 24/7 assistance is available to support you throughout your journey.

Our Bikes

To ensure the best possible experience on your cycling adventure, we offer top-quality bikes for rent. Our fleet features the latest models, meticulously maintained for both performance and comfort.

To match each rider with the right equipment, our team will also assist you in selecting the most suitable bike based on your physical profile, personal preferences, and the technical requirements of the tour.

Road Bikes

Best for: Paved routes, longer distances, and climbs

Our road bikes are lightweight, fast, and built for endurance. They typically feature carbon or high-quality aluminium frames, smooth gearing, and reliable components—often Shimano 105 or similar. Well-suited for long days in the saddle, they’re perfect for climbs, steady cruising, and covering serious distance on tarmac.

Trekking Bikes

Best for: Multi-day touring, relaxed pace, and varied surfaces

These high-quality trekking bikes are built for comfort over multiple days. They feature a relaxed riding position, smooth-rolling wheels, and often come with practical additions like an adjustable stem, rear rack, or mudguards. They're not necessarily built for speed, but more for enjoying the ride.

Touring E-Bikes

Best for: Comfortable trekking, touring, longer distances, and hilly routes

These pedal-assist electric bikes are designed to make riding easier and more enjoyable—especially on longer or hillier routes. They come with powerful mid-drive motors, long-lasting batteries, and comfortable riding geometry for smooth support across varied terrain. With intuitive controls and quality components, they’re a great choice for riders who want extra assistance without giving up the feel of a real ride.

from:

2.149 €

Send an inquiry

LanCycling Tours Expert

Book a call

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

Greg Martin

Verified customer

Great holiday. Really easy to follow routes, good choice of hotels and the en route places to eat and visit was really helpful. Super responsive to questions during my holiday. Would definitely use them again.

SHONA Goaman

Verified customer

Well organised, great route and lovely hotels.

Karen Bergman

Verified customer

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip! The guides were professional and provided excellent leadership. They clearly know this country and the best cycling routes. I would definitely do another trip with them.

Amy Berger

Verified customer

Great trip! Klemen set up our trip perfectly. When we needed him he was there. The hotels were excellent. The biking a blast. We did a 5 day self guided tour. Do it!!

enric tomas

Verified customer

Good organization, we made the trip without any setbacks, and if there were any (a reservation that couldn't be found), they were able to resolve it satisfactorily. Recommended.

Adrian Wee

Verified customer

Klemen was very responsive and handled everything from start to finish. Route planning was customised to our ability and requirements. No cookie-cutter itinerary here. Accomodation selection was excellent. Absolutely would use this company again.

Greg Martin

Verified customer

Karen Bergman

Verified customer

enric tomas

Verified customer

Good organization, we made the trip without any setbacks, and if there were any (a reservation that couldn't be found), they were able to resolve it satisfactorily. Recommended.

SHONA Goaman

Verified customer

Well organised, great route and lovely hotels.

Amy Berger

Verified customer

Great trip! Klemen set up our trip perfectly. When we needed him he was there. The hotels were excellent. The biking a blast. We did a 5 day self guided tour. Do it!!

Adrian Wee

Verified customer

Pyrenees Grand Tour

Itinerary of the trip

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

Our Bikes

Ratings & Reviews

Greg Martin

SHONA Goaman

Karen Bergman

Amy Berger

enric tomas

Adrian Wee

Greg Martin

Karen Bergman

enric tomas

SHONA Goaman

Amy Berger

Adrian Wee

Similar Products

Hassle-Free

Completely Customizable

Book with confidence

Unbeatable support

Have questions? Talk to us.

Itinerary of the trip

Pyrenees Grand Tour

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Bayonne

Day 2: Bayonne to Saint-Palais

Day 3: Saint-Palais to Oloron-Saint-Marie

Day 4: Oloron-Saint-Marie to Saint-Savin

Day 5: Saint-Savin to Bagnères-de-Luchon

Day 6: Rest Day

Day 7: Bagnères-de-Luchon to Sort

Day 8: Sort to Puigcerda

Day 9: Puigcerda to Vic-Sau

Day 10: Vic-Sau to Platja d'Aro

Day 11: Departure from Platja d'Aro

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

Our Bikes

Ratings & Reviews

Greg Martin

SHONA Goaman

Karen Bergman

Amy Berger

enric tomas

Adrian Wee

Greg Martin

Karen Bergman

enric tomas

SHONA Goaman

Amy Berger

Adrian Wee

Similar Products

Hassle-Free

Completely Customizable

Book with confidence

Unbeatable support

Have questions? Talk to us.

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Bayonne

Day 2: Bayonne to Saint-Palais

Day 3: Saint-Palais to Oloron-Saint-Marie

Day 4: Oloron-Saint-Marie to Saint-Savin

Day 5: Saint-Savin to Bagnères-de-Luchon

Day 6: Rest Day

Day 7: Bagnères-de-Luchon to Sort

Day 8: Sort to Puigcerda

Day 9: Puigcerda to Vic-Sau

Day 10: Vic-Sau to Platja d'Aro

Day 11: Departure from Platja d'Aro