Our base in the mountain village of Barèges is a cyclist's dream. We’re right in the heart of Pyrenean Tour de France country, with the Tour passing through Barèges every year, as the village sits below the legendary Col du Tourmalet.
You can either trace the famous Tour routes up and down the Cols, or choose your own route, taking in a range of climbs, terrain and scenery. We love cycling these mountains and are happy to share route ideas, discuss cols, and commiserate with you on not quite making it in the same time as Andy Schleck...
We offer three types of cycling holiday:
- Our tailor-made guided cycling holidays include vehicle support, a knowledgeable local guide, and plenty of inside advice and knowledge on where to cycle and how to make the most of your time here.
- Our Tour de France week guided holidays, where we’ll take you to the Tour’s Pyrenean finishes, such as the Col d’Ardiden and the Col du Tourmalet and cycle to the finish lines for great views as the Tour moves through the mountains to its stage finishes.
- Independent cyclists – we can provide accommodation for you and your bike at either our 3-star chalet or hotel, plus give you some friendly tips on routes.
The stage finish at the Col du Tourmalet (2115m)
The stage finish at the Col du Tourmalet (2115m)
Who are these cycling holidays for?
If you are opting for a tailor-made guided cycling holiday, you and your group need to discuss with us what you would like to do and the level you are comfortable at. We’ll give you lots of ideas, based on our own experience and are happy to try out routes in advance for you!
Our Tour de France guided week is a challenging week, and you need to have a reasonable level of fitness or pre-training. The rides are not a race and you will have plenty of time to complete each stage at your own pace. There are optional extra ascents throughout the week for very keen riders, and road-support is available throughout for mechanical assistance, morale-boosting and lifts should they be required.
What food is included in the price?
If you opt for a guided Pyrenees cycling holiday with us, you will be full-board. This includes a buffet breakfast of cereals, croissants, spreads, fresh bread, fruit and yogurts. You will also get a packed lunch, which consists of a sandwich made with the local bread (like a baguette but thicker), a bag of crisps, a cereal bar, a chocolate bar and a piece of fruit. You will then have a 3 course meal every evening. Barèges has a local convenience store for our guests to pick up various items and Luz St Saveur down the valley has a supermarket.
Is there storage for my bike?
Both the hotel and the chalet have internal bike storage, within the accommodation itself, and space for bike boxes. We would always recommend for the security conscious to bring their own bike locks and chains for peace of mind, although we have never had any problems.
Post cycle beers
Post cycle beers
Can you offer airport transfers for me and my bike?
We offer airport transfers from Lourdes airport and can carry bikes and their boxes but we do need to know in advance. We also have an arrangement with a local taxi firm who, with advance notice, can do other airport transfers including bike boxes. Please enquire about prices.
When’s the best time of year for a cycling holiday in the Pyrenees?
We find that spring and autumn are best for cycling in the Pyrenees, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists on the roads. In spring (June/July) the routes are quiet, and lined with wild flowers and the meadows dotted with animals on their way up to the summer pasture. Tour de France week is an exception, when the villages are bustling and the routes are busy with cyclists and cycling fans, creating a great atmosphere.
In autumn (October), the mountains are again a peaceful haven of snow-capped peaks and brightly coloured leaves.
Accommodation
MountainBug offers cycling accommodation in either our 3-star catered chalet or our 3-star hotel. Both are based in the traditional French mountain village of Barèges, one of the most well-known French ski resorts.
Your holiday price includes half-board accommodation, with afternoon tea, based on two people sharing an en-suite bedroom. Discounts are available for large groups (8 or more) and for triple and quadruple rooms, so please enquire.
After a ride the chalet is perfect for relaxing. There’s a good selection of English books, CD and DVD player with a big-screen digital projector, free internet access and a well-stocked bar.
Hotel du Tourmalet has its own café-bar for a relaxing drink or a hot tub for a therapeutic dip! Both accommodation options are seconds from the main street of Barèges, which has restaurants and bars open to all.
Now choose your cycling holiday then contact us to book.
Pyrenees walking - based in our 3* chalet
Pyrenees walking - based in our 3* chalet
Open road in the Pyrenees
Open road in the Pyrenees
Pyrenees walking - based in our 3* hotel
Pyrenees walking - based in our 3* hotel
