At a Glance
Challenge yourself on a rewarding 9-day cycling odyssey across the majestic Pyrenees, where Spain and France blur into a tapestry of challenge and triumph. This tour is your chance to conquer Europe's most famous climbs, from the Col du Tourmalet to the ascents of Superbagnères and Col de Peyresourde, while experiencing the rich culture, picturesque villages, cuisine, and hospitality of this unique region. Designed for the passionate cyclist seeking the ultimate cycle challenge, each day tests your endurance and skill, bringing with it a profound sense of personal victory.
Your adventure begins in the charming spa town of Bagnères-de-Luchon, from where you will conquer iconic ascents like Superbagnères, Port de Balès, and the classic Col de Peyresourde. Journey onward to Saint-Lary-Soulan to challenge the wild Horquette d'Ancizan before tackling the formidable ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 8 nights' in 4 star accommodation on a twin share basis
- Water and coffee are complimentary during meals that are included in the package
- Guided Rides
- Transfers (from specified airport/train location)
- All breakfasts, 5 x dinners
- Fully qualified mechanic
- Van support with snacks and water
- Experienced team of local professionals
- GPX routes
- Bike cleaning service
- Cycling jersey
- Water bottle
- Guests are welcome to bring their own bike or hire one from us. Bike hire is an additional cost. A large fleet of bikes is available to match your preferences, from performance bikes to e-bikes. Please contact us for more information
- City taxes
Itinerary
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Approx. 36km (22 miles), 3-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1100m (3609 ft) Your journey through the Pyrenees begins with a seamless transfer from Toulouse Airport to the charming spa town of Bagnères-de-Luchon, nestled at the foot of the mountains. Upon arrival at your hotel, our dedicated team will assist you with a professional bike fitting and provide a welcome briefing to prepare you for the days ahead. Once settled, you will embark on your first ride—a spectacular loop to the summit of Superbagnères. This iconic ascent, featured in the 2025 Tour de France, will be your introduction to the region's legendary climbs. As you ascend the sweeping switchbacks, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over the Luchon valley and the surrounding peaks, offering a perfect taste of the unforgettable adventure that awaits. Tonight, you will find sanctuary at Le Castel, a beautifully restored 19th-century residence where classic elegance meets modern comfort. After your ride, soothe your muscles in the hotel's inviting wellness area, complete with a sauna and spa. |
Hotel Le Castel, Bagnères-de-Luchon 
Dinner  |
Approx. 67km (42 miles), 4-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1450m (4757 ft) From the doorstep of your hotel, today's journey carries you into the very heart of the Pyrenees on an unforgettable loop. The day's crowning achievement will be the ascent of the legendary Port de Balès, a formidable climb celebrated in Tour de France history for its challenging gradients and raw beauty. Your ride begins with a gentle warm-up through the Luchon valley, winding alongside the Pique river. You will pedal through charming villages like Cier-de-Luchon and Saccourvielle, where traditional stone houses and ancient chapels tell the stories of a life deeply connected to these mountains. As the road begins to climb, you'll pass through serene, shaded forests before the landscape opens up into peaceful alpine meadows, where the only sounds are the distant bells of grazing livestock and your own steady breathing. The final push to the summit of Port de Balès reveals an untamed, high-altitude world, rewarding your efforts with sweeping panoramas across the chain of the Pyrenees. Following a thrilling and well-earned descent, the route guides you back to the hotel, completing a truly iconic day on the bike. |
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In the evening, you are invited to a traditional dinner at a local restaurant in Bagnères-de-Luchon. It's a wonderful opportunity to savour regional specialties, such as garbure or cassoulet, and share the day's stories with your fellow riders. |
Hotel Le Castel, Bagnères-de-Luchon
Breakfast, Dinner  |
Approx. 45km (28 miles), 3-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1600m (5250 ft) Today’s journey carries us from Bagnères-de-Luchon to our next destination, tracing a spectacular route over some of the most iconic climbs in the Pyrenees. Our day begins with the ascent of the legendary Col de Peyresourde, a classic feature of the Tour de France. A stop at the famous mountain kiosk is a must, where you can taste traditional crêpes while soaking in the alpine atmosphere. As we climb, we’ll pass the high-altitude heliport featured in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, adding a touch of cinematic history to our ride. The route then continues over the Col d’Azet, a challenging climb that rewards with sweeping views over the surrounding valleys and peaks. From there, we descend into the charming town of Saint-Lary-Soulan, a vibrant mountain resort known for its thermal baths and stunning location, where we can relax and recharge for the adventures ahead. |
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Nestled in the heart of Saint-Lary, you’ll stay at the Mercure Hotel. Unwind in its heated indoor pool or rejuvenate your senses at the Nuxe Spa. Here, you can savour refined local cuisine at the restaurant "La Mangeoire," a perfect culinary conclusion to a day of heroic climbs. |
Hotel Mercure de Saint-Lary, Saint-Lary-Soulan
Breakfast  |
Approx. 76km (47 miles), 4-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 2200m (7218 ft) Today, we embark on our ride directly from our hotel in Saint-Lary-Soulan, tackling one of the most celebrated climbs in the Hautes-Pyrénées: the Horquette d'Ancizan. This ascent is renowned not for its punishing gradients, but for its wild, unspoiled beauty. The route winds its way through lush alpine pastures where livestock often graze freely, offering an immersive journey into the pastoral heart of the Pyrenees. With each turn, the panoramic views become more breathtaking, revealing the rugged grandeur of the surrounding peaks. After conquering the summit and taking a moment to appreciate the stunning scenery, we will enjoy a well-earned descent back to our hotel in Saint-Lary-Soulan. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You might choose to soothe your muscles with a visit to the hotel's spa, or perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the charming village streets, discovering its unique shops and soaking in the vibrant mountain atmosphere. |
Hotel Mercure de Saint-Lary, Saint-Lary-Soulan
Breakfast  |
Approx. 85km (53 miles), 5-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 2180m (7152 ft) The day you've been anticipating has arrived. Today's journey will take you over two of the Pyrenees' most legendary mountain passes: the Col d'Aspin and the formidable Col du Tourmalet. Your ride begins from Saint-Lary-Soulan, first tackling the gentle slopes of the Col d'Aspin. This classic climb serves as a perfect warm-up, winding through picturesque pine forests and opening up to beautiful views across the Aure and Campan valleys. From there, the route descends into the valley before beginning the main challenge: the ascent of the Col du Tourmalet. As you pedal upwards, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with sheer rock faces and vast alpine meadows stretching out below. The final, demanding switchbacks lead you through the ski resort of La Mongie before you reach the iconic summit, marked by the "Géant du Tourmalet" statue. After soaking in the 360-degree panoramic views, you'll embark on an exhilarating descent, navigating sweeping curves and hairpin bends all the way down to the valley floor. Tonight, a specially prepared celebratory dinner awaits at the hotel, celebrated for its exquisite local cuisine that has earned accolades from discerning diners. This provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on a day of conquering legendary climbs and witnessing unforgettable scenery. |
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Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Saint-Savin, you’ll stay at Hotel Le Viscos. Unwind in the serene garden or on the sun-drenched terrace. |
Hotel Le Viscos, Saint-Savin
Breakfast, Dinner  |
Approx. 35km (22 miles), 3-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1200m (3937 ft) Your day of riding begins with a relaxed morning, allowing you to savour the tranquil ambiance of the Pyrenean foothills over a leisurely breakfast. Soon after, you will set out for the celebrated ascent of Hautacam. Though less famous than the Tourmalet, this climb is a true local legend, renowned for its challenging gradients and stunning scenery, and has been the scene of many decisive Tour de France moments. As you climb, the route rewards your efforts with breathtaking vistas across the Argelès-Gazost valley and the surrounding peaks. Following an exhilarating descent, the afternoon provides a complete change of pace. You will be transferred to the nearby town of Lourdes, one of the world's most important sites of pilgrimage. Here, you can explore the vast Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, including the Grotto of Massabielle where the apparitions took place, and the impressive Rosary Basilica. It is a place of profound peace, offering a chance for quiet reflection after a week of physical challenges. |
Hotel Le Viscos, Saint-Savin
Breakfast  |
Approx. 80km (50 miles), 5-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 2580m (8465 ft) Today’s ride is an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Pyrenees, a fitting finale to your week of cycling. You will take on three legendary climbs: the Col du Soulor, the iconic Col d'Aubisque, and the wild Col des Spandelles. These ascents are celebrated for their challenging gradients and dramatic switchbacks, carving their way through some of the most spectacular scenery in the region. With every pedal stroke, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys, immersing you in the raw beauty of the high mountains. At midday, a welcome respite awaits at a traditional Pyrenean mountain refuge. Here, you can relax, refuel with hearty local cuisine, and absorb the stunning alpine atmosphere. It's the perfect opportunity to capture a group photo against a backdrop of majestic peaks. The day concludes back in the village, just a short walk from our hotel, with a convivial dinner. It's a time for camaraderie, where stories of the day's epic ride are shared and achievements are celebrated in true Pyrenean style. |
Hotel Le Viscos, Saint-Savin
Breakfast, Dinner  |
Approx. 50km (31 miles), 3-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1500m (4921 ft) Our final day of riding begins at the hotel's doorstep as we set out to conquer the iconic Luz Ardiden. This legendary climb, famous for its dramatic switchbacks etched into the mountainside, promises an unforgettable finale to our Pyrenean adventure. As you ascend, the road unfolds to reveal increasingly stunning views, culminating at the summit where a panoramic vista of the entire route and the surrounding peaks awaits. After soaking in the achievement, the descent carries us back through the picturesque valley, offering a final opportunity to enjoy the ride as our team stands by to assist with packing your bicycle and gear. To commemorate our journey, we will gather for a celebratory farewell dinner at one of the region's finest local restaurants. Here, amidst the warmth of shared stories and laughter, we will raise a glass to the climbs conquered and begin dreaming of the next adventure. |
Hotel Le Viscos, Saint-Savin
Breakfast, Dinner  |
Savour one last breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your accomplishments and incredible adventure. As our journey together draws to a close, we bid a fond farewell. Our dedicated team will be on hand to ensure your onward travels are as seamless as the adventure you leave behind, beginning with a morning transfer to Toulouse Airport. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Breakfast More Info
- The departure point is Bagnères-de-Luchon, France. Please arrange to meet us at Toulouse Airport at 2 p.m on Day 1.
- The finish point is Saint Savin, France. A group transfer to Toulouse Airport will depart from the hotel at 10.30 a.m on Day 9.
- The closest airport to Bagnères-de-Luchon, France, is Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). It is approximately 140 kilometres (about 87 miles) away and serves as the main gateway for travellers heading to this charming spa town in the Pyrenees. From the airport, you can reach Bagnères-de-Luchon by car, shuttle, or train.
June – August best weather for cycling. The climate of the Pyrenees is characterised by significant temperature variations, dictated by both season and altitude. In the lower valleys, summers are warm, with average high temperatures typically ranging from 22°C to 28°C, creating a pleasant environment for exploration. Winters in these same areas are cool, with average daytime highs between 8°C and 12°C and lows often dropping near or slightly below freezing overnight. As you ascend into the higher altitudes, a more pronounced alpine climate emerges. Here, summer temperatures are milder, rarely exceeding 15°C to 20°C, while winters are severe and long-lasting. At elevations above 2,000 metres, temperatures frequently remain below 0°C for several months, with heavy snowfall creating a pristine winter landscape. This distinct layering of climates ensures the Pyrenees offer a different atmospheric experience at every elevation, from sun-drenched valleys to crisp, cool mountain peaks.
Level: This tour is perfect for well-trained cyclists and seasoned riders eager to tackle legendary climbs and demanding mountain routes./p>
Total Kilometres: Approximately 400km (248 miles) of scenic cycling and rewarding climbs./p>
Day 1: Approx. 36km (22 miles), 3-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1100m (3609 ft)
Day 2: Approx. 67km (42 miles), 4-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1450m (4757 ft)
Day 3: Approx. 45km (28 miles), 3-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1600m (5250 ft)
Day 4: Approx. 76km (47 miles), 4-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 2200m (7218 ft)
Day 5: Approx. 85km (53 miles), 5-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 2180m (7152 ft)
Day 6: Approx. 35km (22 miles), 3-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1200m (3937 ft)
Day 7: Approx. 80km (50 miles), 5-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 2580m (8465 ft)
Day 8: Approx. 50km (31 miles), 3-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1500m (4921 ft)
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Ridley ASTR GRX600: Additional cost. Explore epic landscapes! Lightweight, responsive, and adventure-ready. Perfect for gravel, touring, and thrill seekers. |
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Ridley FALCN: Additonal cost. Lightweight, aerodynamic road bike designed for speed, precision handling, and all-day comfort on performance rides. |
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E-Kanzo Adventure: or similar. Additional cost. A powerful motor, long-lasting battery, and comfortable design. Perfect for gravel roads, scenic routes, and iconic climbs. |
Where to Meet: Please arrange to meet us at Toulouse Airport at 2 pm on day 1. We will contact you via WhatsApp in the days leading up to the start of your tour to confirm your transfer and the name of the staff member collecting you.
Drop off Location: We’re happy to help you plan and book your onward travel after the tour. A group transfer to Toulouse Airport will depart from the hotel at 10:30 am on Day 9. For alternative destinations or departure times, please contact us.
Transfer Time: Please consider eating lunch before we collect you from Toulouse. The transfer time from the airport to the first hotel is 1 hour 45 minutes on Day 1 - we will stop for a coffee along the way. Transfer time on day 9 from Saint-Savin back to Toulouse Airport is 2 hours 10 minutes.
Riding in Pyrenees: The general road conditions in the Pyrenees are very good but can be affected by adverse weather, and the roads are safe and without traffic.
Cuisine: The cuisine is a highlight in both France and Spain, offering something for everyone. In France, savour dishes like cassoulet, raclette, and foie gras, while in Spain, enjoy paella, tapas, or tortilla española. Restaurants now cater for vegan and vegetarian diets as well.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
