Sign up to our newsletter
Sign up to receive our Newsletter with exclusive offers, trips and promotions
Sign up to receive our Newsletter with exclusive offers, trips and promotions
The Raid Pyrenees - Dates for 2021 !
13th – 20th June 2021
1st – 8th July 2021
5th – 12th September 2021
Otherwise known as the “Raid Pyrenean” or "Coast to coast Pyrenees", this cycling tour will take you across the Pyrenees, from West to East, over the same mythical climbs regularly seen during the Tour de France.
Starting from Biarritz on the Atlantic coast, and finishing seven days later in Perpignan on the Mediterranean coast, you will climb, among many others, the cols of the Tourmalet, Aubisque and Peyresourde. A total of 16 climbs, and 705 km of excitement and emotion await you on this Pyrenean cycling holiday.
Your days of cycling adventure in the Pyrenees will be followed by comfortable nights in bicycle-friendly, three and four-star hotels, while dining on fresh, regional products prepared in traditional French restaurants known for the quality of their food and service.
Taking your bike abroad ? We are delighted to announce that we have partnered with www.sherpr.com to ensure that when you take your bike on one of our trips, or any trip for that matter, it arrives safely and is ready to race.
Spaces are limited on this Tour so please get in touch and we can send you more details !
Prices from £1595pp Enquire NowDay 1
Arrival in Biarritz.
Customized pick up at your arrival location can be arranged. Introduction to the Bike Basque staff, go over the schedule, route, safety as you traverse the Pyrenees, and respond to any questions left unanswered. Gift bags that include a Bike Basque cycling jersey, water bottles and road book will be distributed to each guest, and for those who have chosen to rent a bike from Bike Basque, we will assist in setting it up to your specs.
Hotel : Kemaris***
Day 2
Biarritz – Barcus – 129 km
This first day of cycling in the Pyrenees is designed to be a “mise en jambe”, the chance to get the legs turning as you are introduced to Pyrenean climbs ahead of you, nothing too hard, but nothing too easy either.
Difficulties :
-Puerto de Oxtondo (9.3 km at 5.1 %)
-Col d’Ispeguy (5.7 km at 5.1 %)
-Col d’Osquich (4.3 km at 5.9 %)
Hotel : Chez Chillo***
Day 3
Barcus – Argeles Gazost – 105 km
Today, as you traverse the Pyrenees, you will be ascending the difficult “Marie Blanque” on your way to the first of the legendary climbs, the magnificent “Col d’Aubisque”, the site of many glorious cycling battles forever engraved in Tour de France history.
Difficulties :
-Col de Marie Blanque (9.2 km at 7.8 %)
-Col d’Aubisque (16.8 km at 6.9 %)
-Col du Soulor (2.1 km at 5.2 %)
Hotel : Les Rochers***
Day 4
Argeles Gazost – Arreau – 93 km
Get ready to climb the legendary Tourmalet, the very first col ever added to the Tour de France in 1910. Before this date, the mountains were not part of the race. It is also the mountain pass that has been included in the Grande Boucle more times than any other. The second challenge of the day will be the Hourquette d’Ancizan which will grace you with its spectacular lush mountain setting and serene atmosphere.
Difficulties :
-Col du Tourmalet (18.4 km at 7.5 %)
-Hourquette d’Ancizan, (9 km at 7 %)
Hotel: Angleterre***
Day 5
Arreau – Saint-Girons – 135 km
The day begins with the difficult and rugged Col d’Azet before facing another legend, the Peyresourde. Often used in the Tour de France due to its geographical position when crossing the Pyrenees, it links Bagnères-sur-Luchon, a city rich in cycling history, to Arreau. The final challenge of the day brings you over the gentler slope of the Col des Ares toward the finish in Saint-Girons.
Difficulties :
-Azet (10.7 km at 7 %)
-Peyresourde (6.8 km at 8 %)
-Col des Ares (7 km at 4.5 %)
Hotel: Eychenne***
Day 6
Saint-Girons – Ax-les-Thermes – 100 km
A beautiful and charming day in the Ariège has been planned for you. The Col de Port is a moderate climb with a few steep sections, but well worth the effort as the view at the top is stunning. It is always possible to make your ride longer by tackling the Plateau de Beille before getting to Ax-les-Thermes. It is up to you.
Difficulties :
-Col de Port (12.3 km at 5 %)
-Plateau de Beille (14 km at 7,4 %)
Hotel: Le Chalet***
Day 7
Ax-les-Thermes – Perpignan – 130 km
Your last adventure of this cycling holiday in the Pyrenees gets right down to business with the difficult Port de Pailheres. All your hard work will be compensated by the breathtaking, undisturbed nature of a more arid landscape that accompanies you on the road to Perpignan.
Difficulties :
-Port de Pailhéres (18.4 km at 7 %)
-Col du Garavel (3 km at 6 %)
-Col de Jau (10.5 km at 6 %)
Hotel: Villa Duflot****
Arrival Flights should be booked into Biarritz and then returning from one of the following airports which are near to Perpignan at the end of Raid Pyrenees:
Bike hire is available. Please advise at the time of booking the Raid Pyrenees.