France / Spain - Coast to Coast over the Passes of the Pyrenees (9 days)

Join us for this 'Coast to Coast' bike tour from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, via the well-known passes of the Pyrenees as we trace the history of the Tour de France.

We start in the Spanish city of San Sebastian and ride through the 'Pays de Basque' (Basque country) towards one of Europe's famous mountain ranges - The Pyrenees.

Over the next 7 days, we zig-zag our way through beautiful and remote landscapes, ride on narrow roads, through tunnels and around countless hairpins to 'tick off' the famous Tour de France passes: Col d'Aubisque, Col du Tourmalet and the Col de Portet Aspet, to name a few. We finish the tour with a ride along the river Tech to Argels-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean Coast.

This tour is for anyone who enjoys road cycling and travelling and is ideal for groups of riders with different abilities. Participants should have good fitness and a sense of adventure. While each day offers a challenge for strong riders, we recognise many people will prefer less time on their bikes and are welcome to relax in the support vehicle at any time! Our accommodation is a mixture of 4-star hotels, cosy guesthouses and stylish log cabins. Each evening we have the opportunity to enjoy the vintage of the region with our evening meal. We will provide food, accommodation and ground transport - all you need to do is turn up with your bag and bike!

Itinerary

• Day 1 - San Sebastian

Today is the arrival day. We recommend using the TGV (fast train) to travel to San Sebastian from your international arrival airport. The TGV station and the nearest airport are only a few kilometres from San Sebastian in the Spanish town of Irun. You will be met at the train station or airport and transferred to our hotel. This evening we'll get together for a welcome dinner. Meals: Dinner - No cycling

• Day 2 - San Sebastian to Musculdy

This morning we transfer to the old fortified Basque fishing Port of Hondarriba (French: Fontarrabie), where we start cycling from amongst the tapas bars and fishing boats. We roll out of town along the French border and cross into France with a short climb over the Col de Lizuniaga (230m), before riding along quiet country roads through Sare and the French Basque country. We warm up our hill legs with a short climb over Col de Pinodieta (176m), followed by a few more small climbs after lunch. The final ascent is over Col d'Osquich (495m), which the Tour de France crossed in 2006. This 12km ascent is only 350m and provides us with a great downhill finish into Musculdy, where we stay overnight. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Elevation/Cycling: 1700m up, 105km / 65mi, 5.5 hrs riding

• Day 3 - Musculdy to Argeles Gazost

From Musculdy, there is a series of hills to Escot before an 11km climb up the Col de Marie Blanque (1035m), which has been included in the Tour de France 11 times. The 9km descent to Bielle is on a narrow road through a fantastic landscape leading to a wide valley where we stop for lunch. It's then a 17km ascent to the Col d'Aubisque (1709m), which has featured in almost all Tour de France races since 1910 (42 times). But for this leg, you could take time out and admire the scenery from the comfort of your escort vehicle. On the descent, we take a coffee break at the famous Hotel des Crtes Blanches before the last, but short obstacle, the Col du Soulor (1464m). A glorious 20km descent to our hotel in Argeles Gazost is the final stage. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Elevation/Cycling: 2800m up, 124km / 78mi, 7 hrs riding

• Day 4: Argeles Gazost to St Marie de Campan

Not so many kilometres today and we should take our time, remembering to stop regularly to admire the awesome scenery. We climb the Col du Tourmalet (2115m) - the Peleton has crossed this Pass 47 times and in 1974 it hosted a stage finish. This 1400m climb (from west to east) is about 20km long, and as we reach the top of the Col we are in a true wilderness environment. Some may prefer to ride part of the way in the vehicle, allowing more time for a hike up the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2877m) to visit the Observatory where there is also a cafe. We can also visit the memorial for Jaques Goddet, who was the Tour de France director for an incredible 51 years from 1936 to 1987. For an exhilarating end to the day we have a 17km descent (1270m) into the town of St Marie De Campan where we stay overnight. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Elevation/Cycling: 2270m up, 54km / 34mi, 4-5 hrs riding

• Day 5 - St Marie de Campan to Sauveterre

This morning, we climb the Col d'Aspin (1489m), which has featured in the Tour de France 47 times and then climb the Col de Peyresoude (1569m, 40 Tour appearances). After these two shortish climbs (approx 6-8km each), it is more or less downhill for the rest of the day. The descent from the Peyresoude is an exciting 15km long run and then we 'roll out' of the mountains to Sauveterre, for a relaxing evening in the warmth of the foothills. Tonight we stay in a guesthouse, with a cosy atmosphere. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Elevation/Cycling: 1700m up, 95km / 60mi, 5 hrs riding

• Day 6 - Sauveterre to Mercus Garrabet

We start by riding a series of smaller Cols, commencing with the Pas Du Bouchet (600m), before climbing the Col des Ares (797m) and the Col de Buret (599m). After approximately 30kms, a ride in the van might be the order of the day. The more serious cyclist may want to tackle the Col de Portet d'Aspet (1069m) followed by a long descent to our lunch destination of Saint Giron, which lies nestled in the foothills of the Arige Pyrenees. The Gallo-Roman ramparts of the ancient bishopric of St Lizier, tower over this charming town (6.800 inhabitants) and two fast flowing rivers, the Salat and the Lez, converge in the centre of this capital of the Couserans. The city has some good breweries and it also hosts a few coffee roasting premises, so something for everyone. As we rest, we can admire the Pyrenean mountain chain with its symbolic peaks of Mont Valier and Pic du Crabre. For those that are still keen to ride, we have 65km to go, including the final climb of the very gradual Col de Port (1249m, 594m ascent over 14km). This is another 'Tour Regular' with 27 appearances since the 1910 race. The 19km descent takes us down into the valley of the Arige and along the river to our Log Chalets in Mercus Garrabet. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner . Elevation/Cycling: 2800m up, 135km / 84mi, 7.5 hrs riding

• Day 7 - Mercus Garrabet to Prades

This morning we backtrack to Tarascon sur Arige and head up the valley, mainly on small back roads to Ax les Thermes. From here we ride for about 40km over Col du Chioula and Col d'En Ferret to the stunning Col de Marmare (1361m). Just after the Pass you reach the small village of Prades - but this is not the Prades we are heading for! From the Pass it is an incredible 50km downhill, intercepted by a short climb up the Col de Sept Freres (1253m) and onto lunch in Quillan. This medieval town located at the foothills of the Pyrenees was a significant centre on an ancient winding road between Carcassonne with Perpignan. The river Aude traditionally carried timber and other local products to Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi. Today, this village at the top of the Aude Valley and close to the mountains, is popular for white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Spend some extra time exploring Quillan, or ride the final big climb of the tour, the Col de Jau (1506m).We spend the last night at the head of the TValley and at the foot of the Massif du Cangiou in Prades - only 40km West of Perpignan. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Elevation/Cycling: 2800m up, 140km / 87mi, 7.5 hrs riding

• Day 8 - Prades to Argeles sur Mer

We'll ride out of Prades and along the river until we reach the reservoir. We explore the Massif du Cangiou, the last mountain between the High Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea, and also the divide between the Tut (flowing to Perpignan) and the Tech (flowing to Argeles -sur-Mer) river systems. We head South and up a narrow valley towards Baillestavy. Finally, after four false peaks, we reach the Col Palomre (1057m). This winding, narrow road continues until we descend steeply from Taulis to AmŽlie les Bains (230m). The spa resort in the Tech Valley is famous for its sulphur springs and is an inviting stop for a late lunch. From here it is a scenic 30km cruise to our final destination, the beach of Argeles sur Mer! Once we have greeted the Mediterranean Sea with a refreshing swim, we head for our hotel and our 'Farewell' Dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Elevation/Cycling: 1700m up, 100km / 62mi, 5.5 hrs riding