Cycling Holidays
We’re right in the heart of Pyrenean Tour de France country, with the Tour passing through the local valleys most years, some big names you may know taking in the big name road passes such as the Col du Tourmalet, Apsin, Hautacam, Soulor, Aubisque, Luz Ardiden, Col des Tentes, Spandelles…
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 Wiggo…
We offer road support and ‘on the bike’ guiding:
- Long weekend guided cycling – for those short on time or new to cycling, this provides the perfect opportunity for you to get in some of the classic Cols and experience some of the Pyrenean Tour de France routes for yourself
- Guided cycling week – this week you will cycle a wide variety of routes and cols, following in the tracks of famous Tour de France routes and finishes. The MountainBug team takes care of logistics and support so you can just ride and enjoy
- Tour de France week guided cycling – as well as cycling some classic Tour routes and Cols, we’ll take you to the Tour’s Pyrenean finishes for great views as the Tour moves through the mountains to its stage finishes
- Bespoke cycling holidays – we work with your group to design an itinerary to suit you and provide vehicle support, a knowledgeable local guide, and plenty of inside advice and tips.
Who are these cycling holidays for?
These cycling holidays are for road bikers who are comfortable on their bikes, tackling a range of terrain.
The week long guided holidays are challenging. 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.
The long weekend is ideally suited to those who are short on time and want to get in as much as possible or those who are ready to take their road biking to the next level.
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.
Independent cyclists just need to be aware that this is a challenging area to cycle in and you will get the most from your time here if you are prepared for that.
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.
Please click on an image below to view the gallery.
