There are plenty of different choices to enjoy the Pyrenees with a road bike or even a hybrid bike. Cycling the Pyrenees coast to coast is a dream for every cyclist. It is a challenging trip with plenty of climbing and beauty. But also filled with cycling history. From the classic Hendaye-Cerbere, to the Route des Cols des Pyrenees. It is always about getting the most of the famous climbs in this range of mountains. Let's have an overview of some options: The Hendaye Cerbere is possibly the most classic cycling route. It is about 720 km long including the most famous passes that we all know from the Tour de France: Tourmalet, Aubisque, Aspin, Peyresourde... Then, we also have the popular Route des Cols, which is not exactly a fast Transpyrenees trip but a way to collect most of the passes. Along the Pyrenees and the main mountains you may see road signs indicating "Route des Cols". In the following link, you will have all the climbs included in this route: https://www.lespyrenees.net/route_des_cols. A third nice way to complete the Transpyrenees cycling trip is just designing your own trip with the number of climbs and distances you would like. What about this suggested route we are offering? Our suggested route includes 8 stages, starting at the beautiful basque village Hondarribia and finishing in the stunning Tossa de Mar on the Mediterranean Coast: https://roadcycling.barcelona/multiday-trips/transpyrenees-cycling-tour/ The french route or the spanish route The former suggested Transpyrenees trips include a route mostly in France, but there is also a choice which is doing the trip on the south side, on Spanish roads. No need to say that weather is warmer and dryer than in the north face of the Pyrenees. Also, it is interesting to notice that the Spanish sides of border passes
There are plenty of different choices to enjoy the Pyrenees with a road bike or even a hybrid bike. Cycling the Pyrenees coast to coast is a dream for every cyclist. It is a challenging trip with plenty of climbing and beauty. But also filled with cycling history. From the classic Hendaye-Cerbere, to the Route
One of our favorite destinations is Col du Tourmalet, possibly the most famous cycling climb in the world. Barcelona Tourmalet is a great cycling tour that links the beautiful catalan city with the big mountain in the Pyrenees. It has been climbed so many times in the Tour de France. It is full of history, but it is also a very hard climb from both sides, being the Luz St Sauveur side, being the Santa Mari de Campan side. One of those mountains that has it all: the terrible slopes, the mythical bar and souvenir shop at the top, the secret passages as the Voie Laurent Fignon, the ski resorts on both sides (La Mongie on the Campan side and Bareges, on the Luz side) The Tourmalet is one of those big passes in the Pyrenees, a mandatory pass in a Transpyrenees trip! Col du Tourmalet gets 2114 meters and is the pass below the might Pic du Midi (which you can reach on a mountain or gravel bike from the Col du Tourmalet). The iconic image of the Geant du Tourmalet (the statue at the top) has become one of the most important souvenirs you will get in your cycling career! We are organizing our Barcelona-Tourmalet cycling tour next July 2022. 5 stages to get to the most important climb in the cycling world. Coll de la Bonaigua, Portillon, Peyresourde, Aspin and Tourmalet are in the menu! We provide: hotels including breakfast and dinner (6 nights) support van with a fully dedicated driver, transportation back to Barcelona. As usual, limited places as it will be a small group. Contact us if interested!!
One of our favorite destinations is Col du Tourmalet, possibly the most famous cycling climb in the world. Barcelona Tourmalet is a great cycling tour that links the beautiful catalan city with the big mountain in the Pyrenees. It has been climbed so many times in the Tour de France. It is full of history,
Let me introduce you all to a great cycling trip in the Catalan Pyrenees. The idea comes from a local club in a little french village near the coast named Bompas. It includes the eastern part of the Pyrenees, getting to the Mediterranean sea. In fact, the trip includes an amazing coastal road in the Spanish-french border, and then a stunning climb to the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery overviewing the coast. It is 676 km long and includes all 3 Catalan-speaking countries: Spain, France, and Andorra. The route includes many important climbs in the area such as Coll d'Ares, La Quillane, Puymorens, Envalira, Collada de Toses, or Monestir de Sant Pere de Rodes. The highest point is Coll d'Envalira, at 2407 mts height, in fact, the highest pass in the whole Pyrenees range of mountains. The total elevation of the trip is over 9700 mts. Possible start at Ripoll, we climb Coll d’Ares then to Prats de Mollo, towards Pertús, La Jonquera to Roses and then heading north to France until Collioure and Bompàs (home of the club who suggested the tour). Then to Rivesaltes, Sournia, Prades, Sant Miquel de Cuixa, Sant Marti del Canigo, Vilafranca de Conflent. Climb to Coll de la Quillane. Mont Louis, Llac de las Bouillouses. then you have to climb to Puymorens and Port d’Envalira. Descent to Andorra and back to Catalonia then Collada de Toses and back to Ripoll. Nevertheless, there is also some additional climb that should be mentioned and included if you have time enough on a trip like this. Let me suggest one of my favorite climbs in the whole Pyrenees, which is Port de Pailheres. When to do the trip This trip is possible in summer, and also late spring or early autumn. It is also possible to do
Let me introduce you all to a great cycling trip in the Catalan Pyrenees. The idea comes from a local club in a little french village near the coast named Bompas. It includes the eastern part of the Pyrenees, getting to the Mediterranean sea. In fact, the trip includes an amazing coastal road in the
Collada de Toses is one of the most classical cycling passes in the Pyrenees in Catalonia. It is the most important pass between the Ripolles region and La Cerdanya, the trendy region close to France. La Cerdanya is a very popular holiday destination for many people in Barcelona and all of Catalonia. Especially it is a ski destination, as close to the top of Collada de Toses there is La Molina ski station. Several times, La Molina has been stage ending in Volta a Catalunya professional cycling tour. Collada de Toses is the road N260, and goes from Ribes de Freser to Puigcerdà (direction north) or opposite direction. The pass is named after a little village close to the top called Toses. It is a nice, wide road, 2 big lanes, no narrow pass even if a couple of cars cross at any point. Scenic road, the views are amazing. At the top of Collada de Toses (1790 mts height), there is a large hotel (now called La Collada, belonging to Guitart hotel chain). Collada de Toses is one of the most dangerous roads in Spain (according to some reports), but that refers to the ski season when many cars take this road to get La Molina ski resort. My advice is then avoiding this road during the ski season (and yes, this road could be ridden during winter with the right gear on a bright sunny day, even if a little cold). A couple suggested cycling routes Last, let me recommend a couple of loop routes for cycling Collada de Toses (one on the north side, and the second on the south side) that will offer you a fantastic way to get to know this beautiful road: Southside from Ribes de Freser. Start climbing Collada de Toses direction north,
Collada de Toses is one of the most classical cycling passes in the Pyrenees in Catalonia. It is the most important pass between the Ripolles region and La Cerdanya, the trendy region close to France. La Cerdanya is a very popular holiday destination for many people in Barcelona and all of Catalonia. Especially it is
La Bonaigua is one of those classical mountain passes in Catalonia and cycling Port de la Bonaigua is a must for any cycloclimber. It is one of the few roads over 2000 mts in the Catalan Pyrenees. In fact this is one of the first roads to be closed to traffic when winter snowfalls. Nevertheless, being a ski resort on top these roads is usually accessible to traffic all year long. On the north side there is also a very popular ski resort at Baqueira Beret (which has been stage ending at some Grand Tours so far). Because of the strategic situation of la Bonaigua, connecting Vall d'Aran with Pallars Sobirà region, the road to La Bonaigua has always been the natural pass and locals have claimed often for a tunnel. With almost 20 km length, and reaching 2072 mts height, it is one of the king mountains the Pyrenées. Long and demanding climb The climb itself is very long and steady from both sides, and the road is wide and usually in pretty good condition. The road was improved and slightly modified in 2009. On the south side there is still a nice rideable stretch of the old road. This is called "Bosc del Gerdar" (see picture) and it is a very nice bendy route without any traffic into a deep forest (bosc in Catalan language). Also, just starting the climb from Esterri d'Aneu, it is possible to get the old road leading to València d'Aneu, much more beautiful than the steeper straight route of the new road. Totally worth to cycle both roads when climbing but obviously much better (and faster!) taking the new roads when descending. La Bonaigua was included several times in La Vuelta route. Especially remarkable is the Vuelta a España 2013, in which Bonaigua
La Bonaigua is one of those classical mountain passes in Catalonia and cycling Port de la Bonaigua is a must for any cycloclimber. It is one of the few roads over 2000 mts in the Catalan Pyrenees. In fact this is one of the first roads to be closed to traffic when winter snowfalls. Nevertheless,
When you think you knew the most beautiful climbs in the Pyrenees, then you still can discover another climb that is even better than your favorites. I already had climbed Cirque du Troumouse, the amazing views of Gavarnie heading to Col du Boucharo, not to mention the stunning Cirque du Litor on your way to Aubisque. And then you know Port de Bales and it speeds up to first position. Port de Bales was included in Tour de France 2007 for the first time. It was not possible before because the Mauleon side was still not asphalted. In 2010 Tour de France at Port de Bales took place the most important fact of the whole tour, when Andy Schleck had a problem shifting gears and then Contador attacked and finally won the Tour de France. In 2012, 2014 and 2017 the Tour de France took again this big climb. Then Vuelta a España 2013 got again this amazing climb in a very tough stage with 232 km and some very long and steep climbs. Both sides are similar but if I have to choose one I take the Mauleon side (see elevation profile attached). The whole climb is beautiful in a narrow 3 m wide road, without any painting. No traffic at all. Cycling paradise. But the best is from about 3 km to the top. After a bend to the right you get an amazing view of green grass over a huge mountain with just the road in grey in the distance. Spectacular. In Mauleon they know how lucky they are. Watch the picture above "Port de Bales, 19 km de bonheur" (Port de Bales, 19 km of happiness). That's all.
When you think you knew the most beautiful climbs in the Pyrenees, then you still can discover another climb that is even better than your favorites. I already had climbed Cirque du Troumouse, the amazing views of Gavarnie heading to Col du Boucharo, not to mention the stunning Cirque du Litor on your way to
Port de Pailheres is one of the nicest climbs in the Pyrenees. A bit out of the way of the more known climbs in the central Pyrenees, Port de Pailheres is an amazing climb, also with personality. It starts with very steep slopes in a long stretch of the road, then we have a very nice part with many switchbacks very close to each other, and finally a superb scenic road for the last 3 km. Numbers do not lie, this is a very tough climb. 1200 mts elevation for 15,4 km, that gives an average 7,3% gradient. Tough, very tough, including passages at 10%, 11%, 12%... You can see the elevation profile on the right. This is a really serious climb getting over 2000 mts (just 2001!). Pailheres is one of those climbs that you have to include in your bike tours in the Pyrenees. A narrow solitaire road with no traffic at all. It is just perfect for cycling. Pailheres in Tour de France Port de Pailheres has been included in the Tour de France route 5 times so far, in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2013. In all these years, Port de Pailheres was the last but one climb in the stage and was always climbed by the eastern side starting at Usson Les Bain. Its privileged location, arriving to Ax Les Thermes, permits a final climb to Plateau de Bonascre (Ax 3 Domains) or Plateau de Beille. Let me recommend a very nice loop in which you can include Port de Pailheres and also Col de Pradel, a not-so-steep climb in a tiny solitaire road getting to 1680 mts. loop about 85 km long is really nice, but watch out, almost 2500 mts elevation! https://www.strava.com/activities/1774052101 Also, there is another very nice loop that we can recommend.
Port de Pailheres is one of the nicest climbs in the Pyrenees. A bit out of the way of the more known climbs in the central Pyrenees, Port de Pailheres is an amazing climb, also with personality. It starts with very steep slopes in a long stretch of the road, then we have a very
The Tour de France has crossed Col du Tourmalet in so many years since 1910, in which was crossed for the first time. It is the most used climb in Tour de France history. Getting the first position at the top of Col du Tourmalet is a big honour for every cyclist. Some say that it is worth a whole cycling career. Only a climber can get the first position at the summit as it is a really demanding climb. At the top of the climb there is a monument dedicated to Jacques Goddet (Tour de France director between 1936 and 1987). The Souvenir Jacques Goddet is an award and cash prize in the Tour de France bicycle race that began in 2001. The Souvenir is named in honour of the historically second Tour de France director and French sports journalist Jacques Goddet. It is awarded to the first rider to reach the summit of the 2,115 m (6,939 ft)-high Col du Tourmalet. The pioneers 1910 Octave Lapize (FRA) The first winner at the top of Tourmalet was Octave Lapize in 1910, walking aside of the bike (he did the climb half way on the bike half way walking) in a gravel path filled with rocks. He was 500 mts ahead of Garrigou who climbed on his bike all the way. When he arrived to the finish he said the famous sentence to organizers "Vous êtes des assassins! Oui, des assassins! "You are murderers!". 1911 Paul Duboc (FRA) Duboc finished second that Tour de France because he was suposed to drink a poisoned bottle of water. The leader Gustave Garrigou was blamed on that. 1912 Odile Defraye (BEL) First belgian rider to win the Tour the France that 1912. 1913 Philippe Thys (BEL) This time, Tourmalet enters in cycling history again, as that day Eugene Christophe broke his fork in the
The Tour de France has crossed Col du Tourmalet in so many years since 1910, in which was crossed for the first time. It is the most used climb in Tour de France history. Getting the first position at the top of Col du Tourmalet is a big honour for every cyclist. Some say that
Pirinexus cycling route is a marked cycling route around Catalonia which includes gravel paths and small roads. No need to say that Catalonia has become one of the best places for cycling. For both road cycling and gravel cycling. The total distance of this Pirinexus route is 360 km, then it is possible to do it in just 1 day (tough ride, indeed!), or 2 days, also 3 stages (pretty doable for experienced bikers), etc. The route is mainly easy even if it crosses the Pyrenees (border Spain-France). The highest point is Coll d'Ares, at 1513 mts, but from the Spanish side it is much milder than from the French side. If done from the north side, Coll d'Ares, starting at Arles Sur Tech, it is a remarkable climb 32 km long with a total elevation of 1250 mts. In general, this Pirinexus cycling route is much easier if done clockwise Girona, suggested starting point. A good starting point could be Girona, as it is one of the most important cycling destinations in the world. Mainly for road cycling, but also for gravel cycling. Then, from Girona, the main towns to go through are Olot, Camprodon, (Coll d'Ares), Prats de Molló, Arles Sur Tech, Le Boulou, La Jonquera, Perelada, L'Escala, Palamós, Sant Feliu de Guixols and finally again to Girona. One of the most important cycling infrastructures in Catalonia is the Greenways, the so-called" Vies Verdes", former railways converted into bike paths. This Pirinexus route goes along some of the main Greenways. Especially remarkable is the way from Sant Feliu de Guixols (at the coast) to Olot, getting through Girona. But all the Pirinexus cycle route gets to perfect paths for cycling, so it is a great experience in which you can discover Catalonia, southern France, and have a taste
Pirinexus cycling route is a marked cycling route around Catalonia which includes gravel paths and small roads. No need to say that Catalonia has become one of the best places for cycling. For both road cycling and gravel cycling. The total distance of this Pirinexus route is 360 km, then it is possible to do
The route of Volta a Catalunya professional cycling race for 2020 was unveiled a few days ago. It is a very special edition as it is the 100th edition of the oldest cycling race in Spain. The stages are the following: 3/23 Calella-Calella 3/24 TT Banyoles (Girona) 3/25 Canal Olimpic-Vallter 2000 (mountain finish) 3/26 Ripoll-Port Ainé (mountain finish) 3/27 La Pobla de Segur-Manresa 3/28 Tarragona-Mataró 3/29 Barcelona-Barcelona Volta a Catalunya 2020 includes two mountain finishes in the Pyrenees, at Vallter 2000 and Port Ainé. Both are first category climbs, included often in the route. Even if they can be very cold at this time of the year, both are great climbs, worth to cycle them up! The arrival to Port Ainé in 2012 was canceled due to cold and weather conditions. The details of the stages and participants will be confirmed in short, but in the last editions Volta a Catalunya had some of the best cyclists in the professional peloton: Alejandro Valverde, Nairo Quintana, Chris Froome or Thomas de Gendt are some of the cyclists that usually take part of this important cycling race. If you would like to watch live any of the stages, feel free to contact us and we can organize a trip from Barcelona to cycle part of the stage and watch the arrival of the cyclists. Sag van is provided. Do not miss this unique opportunity!!
The route of Volta a Catalunya professional cycling race for 2020 was unveiled a few days ago. It is a very special edition as it is the 100th edition of the oldest cycling race in Spain. The stages are the following: 3/23 Calella-Calella 3/24 TT Banyoles (Girona) 3/25 Canal Olimpic-Vallter 2000 (mountain finish) 3/26 Ripoll-Port
