Challenge Pyrenees
Ride Across the Pyrenees – Atlantic to Mediterranean over 8 days Days.
Conquer legendary Tour de France climbs, cross one of Europe’s most breathtaking mountain ranges, and finish with a splash in the sea.
Taking Bookings
£1470 per person
A non-refundable deposit of £250 per person is required to secure your place. Balance is payable 30 days prior to the trip. Airport transfers included are from Biarritz for arrivals, or Toulouse (Toulouse - £60 supplement). For returns, from Perpignan or Toulouse ( Toulouse - £40 supplement).
Need More Info?
+44 7735 008859
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Day 1
Day 1 — Arrival in Hendaye
You’ll be met at the airport for your transfer to the hotel in Hendaye, just a short distance from the Atlantic coast. This is a day to settle in, unpack and build bikes, and enjoy a welcome briefing with your guides. The evening finishes with dinner together, giving everyone a chance to meet and share the excitement for the adventure ahead.
Day 2
Day 2 — Hendaye to Arette
The adventure begins with a full stage across the rolling Basque Country, leaving the Atlantic behind. Riders tackle the short but testing ascents of Col Saint-Ignace and Col Pinodiéta before climbing higher into the Pyrenean foothills over the Col d’Osquich. It is a long but varied opening day, covering around 142 kilometres and gaining roughly 2,500 metres of elevation before reaching Arette at the foot of the high mountains.
Day 3
Day 3 — Arette to Luz-Saint-Sauveur
The first real taste of Pyrenean grandeur comes today with three of the region’s most celebrated climbs. From Arette the route heads directly into the Col de Marie-Blanque, a deceptively steep ascent, before rolling into the legendary double act of Col d’Aubisque and Col du Soulor. With sweeping views and dramatic cliffside roads, this is a stage to savour. After approximately 110 kilometres and 2,000 metres of climbing, the day finishes in Luz-Saint-Sauveur, nestled at the base of the Col du Tourmalet.
Day 4
Day 4 — Luz-Saint-Sauveur to Bagneres-de-Luchon
This is the Queen Stage of the Challenge Pyrenees and one of the toughest days in European cycling. The ride begins immediately with the colossal Col du Tourmalet, the highest road pass in the French Pyrenees and a Tour de France icon. After descending into the valley, riders take on the Col d’Aspin, continue to the Col de Peyresourde, and then finish the day over the Col des Ares. With around 105 kilometres and 2,600 metres of climbing, this day strings together four legendary cols for a truly unforgettable ride into Bagnères-de-Luchon
Day 5
Day 5 — Bagneres-de-Luchon to Tarascon-sur-Ariege
The route leaves Luchon and once again tackles the Col des Ares before heading to the testing gradients of the Col de Portet d’Aspet. From there, quieter mountain roads lead over the Col de Caougnous and the longer Col de Port. It is a challenging day in the saddle, with about 140 kilometres of riding and roughly 2,500 metres of climbing, before descending into Tarascon-sur-Ariège for a well-earned rest.
Day 6
Day 6 — Tarascon-sur-Ariege to Prades
Today’s ride shifts towards the eastern Pyrenees, with long climbs over the Col de Puymorens, Col de Lious, Col Rigat, and Col de la Perche. The landscape changes as the high peaks begin to give way to the Mediterranean foothills, but the legs will still be tested with around 130 to 140 kilometres and about 2,000 metres of ascent. The stage finishes in Prades, a historic town with a distinctly Catalan character.
Day 7
Day 7 — Prades to Cerbere
The final day is shorter but still rewarding, with about 85 kilometres and 850 metres of climbing. Riders wind through Mediterranean landscapes of vineyards and rocky hills before dropping to the coast. The journey ends in Cerbère, the last French town before the Spanish border, where wheels are dipped in the sea to complete the Atlantic-to-Mediterranean crossing. Celebrations follow with medals, photos, and a toast to an incredible achievement.
Day 8
Day 8 — Departure
After a night of celebration, the morning is a relaxed affair with time to recover and enjoy a final breakfast together before transfers back to the airport.
