Between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, between the Basque Country and Catalonia, stands a mineral and grandiose world of cirques, high peaks and high altitude lakes: the Pyrenees. This mountain range brings together prestigious sites such as the valley of Cauterets, the lakes of Néouvielle, the cirque of Gavarnie, the canyons of Ordesa or the needles of Encantats. Six valleys are protected by the Pyrenees National Park and offer hikers wild spaces. The heritage of this natural border between France and Spain is also remarkable with the colorful villages, the Cathar castles and the pastoralism.
Marsous(Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
The peloton of the Tour de France has no time to enjoy the beautiful valleys and mountains of the central Pyrenees, or its authentic villages, great places to stay, and interesting regional cuisine. You will share their cycling challenges with the not insignificant help of e-bikes and travelling at your own pace, then be able to relax each evening in a way they can only dream of. If you love cycling and you love a challenge, but are not superhuman, this is the holiday for you – and one you will remember for all the best reasons.
You should bring:
Depending on the characteristics of the holiday you are going on (if bike hire is included or not, or if you have indicated that you wish to bring your own bike anyway), it may be a good idea to bring some (or all) of the following cycling kit (please also check in the »bicycle hire »section to see what kit is already provided on the holiday you have chosen):
You should try to be self-sufficient for all minor cycling breakdowns typical of these kinds of cycling tours (tyre-lever, puncture repair kit, multi-tool, quick-fix chain link…). If you have disk-brakes or high-tech bikes, be sure to bring the necessary kit for repairs.
Installation in comfortable and warm guest rooms. After the delivery of the bikes, flexible and easy loop in the heart of the Val d’Azun, climbing the accessible slopes of the Col des Bordères and its few winding bends. The course evolves in a bucolic environment surrounded by high peaks. Optional return trip to the legendary Estaing lake.
Distance: 19 or 35km. Elevation: + 300 or 500m / – 300 or 500m.
Today, the route begins with a delightful journey on the Béarn hills with the Pyrenees as a backdrop. After about twenty kilometers, you can decide to return to Val d’Azun either by continuing the route through the foothills (it’s a long option but it’s the easiest), or through the mountains with your choice. the ascent of 2 different passes: the ascent of the northern slope of the Col du Soulor, superb and of average level; or by the Col des Spandelles, wild and sporty. In all cases, return to the accommodation of the first day.
Distance: 63 or 48 or 63km. Elevation: + 900 or 1600 or 1800m / – 400 or 1100 or 1300m.
Early departure to climb the Tourmalet. Once in La Mongie, you can take the cable car (at an additional cost) to climb to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and discover its astronomical observatory perched at an altitude of 2877m. Huge view of the Pyrenees and the plain. Back in La Mongie, you have to climb back into the saddle to climb the last kilometers of the legendary Col du Tourmalet (2115m) which zigzags in the middle of the high lawns. Descent on the Barégeois side of the pass, to reach the “Toy country” and Luz-saint-Sauveur. The Gave de Pau will keep you company again before you go back up to the Val d’Azun via the pretty village of St-Savin and its superb Abbey. Return to the guest rooms of your first days for a last night.
Possibility of adding a night halfway through in a *** hotel (at an additional cost) in order to be able to go up the valley towards the Cirque de Gavarnie and / or Troumouse.
Distance: 65km. Elevation: + 2050m / – 1950m.
End of stay after breakfast.
