France
Ride across the Pyrenees in 100 hours
THE classic mountain challenge in cycling. Starting on the Atlantic coast in Hendaye all the way to Cerbère on the Med over the Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin and many more bucket list climbs.
The most famous point to point ride in cycling. The Raid Pyrenean has been running since 1950 with 8 stamps required to prove you have completed the course. The ride is over 5 days starting just south of Biarritz close to the Spanish border and heading over the most famous climbs in the Pyrenees. Our small group rides are the perfect way to complete the Raid with expert support and social rides and meals with riders like you.
The legendary passes come in the middle days as the route takes you over the Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourde & Portet d'Aspet packed into two big days. The scenery changes dramatically between the Basque Pyrenees in the West to the Ariege and then Med in the East but the constant is quiet roads with more livestock than vehicles for company and glorious views.
All of our rides are led by our expert guides and followed by our mechanic in the support van. Inevitably the group If you are having a bad day you can jump in the van at any time. We set up feed stations every 25km so you are never far away from a friendly face and a cold drink. Your luggage is delivered to the hotel each evening where we have dinner together and the guides brief you on the next day.
Real Rider Reviews
The most famous climb in the Tour de France, the legendary Tourmalet is the final climb on stage two. Settle in for a long one with the steepest sections near the top.
Finish this legendary challenge and get your Carnet signed in all eight places. Upon completion you will get a certificate and medal to commemorate an amazing achievement.
The route is packed with bucket list climbs but there are some incredible lesser known passes. We love the Col de Mente with tight hairpins and great views but each day contains wonderful climbs you may not have heard of.
Five stages from Hendaye to Cerbere through the heart of the Pyrenees. The rides range from 90km (the last, easy day) to 190km (day four).
From Hendaye to Oloron St Marie
One of the true legends of the Tour de France, the Aubisque is the first climb of the Circle of Death riding into the remote high mountains of the Pyrenees. Gradients are steady at 7-8% and the climb gets more beautiful the higher you go.
Robert Gesink 48 mins
One of the most famous climbs in the world and the mountain used the most in the Tour de France. The climb itself starts with a fairly mundane long section in the valley passed smaller and smaller villages until you approach the ski lifts and the beauty increases massively. From here, you ride past sheep, lovely meadows, huge mountain vistas and into the high mountains. The mile markers that are such a loyal friend abandon you in the last 4km so when you finally hit the summit the feeling is part euphoria and part relief.
Thibaut P 55 mins
The Aspin is so often the Tourmalet's little brother but it is a great climb on its own. From the easier side, this climb is an 8km drag followed by a sharp 4km ascent in the pine forest until you come out near the top with stunning views of the mountains all around. A really fun climb and quick descent.
30 mins 18 secs
From this side, this is normally the last climb in a tough stage. The climb starts with gentle gradients before hitting some steeper stuff as the road winds up. The top section is full of long straights and sweeping views as you get to the summit and a great descent into Luchon.
29 mins 24 secs
6 nights Raid Pyrenean packages available from June to September.
Arrive in Toulouse by 5pm. Our transfer arrives into Hendaye for around 8.30pm where we will have dinner and run through the plan for tomorrow. Our mechanic is on hand to help to build bikes or fit rental bikes.
Stage One. We all roll out of Hendaye together (typically breakfast at 7.30am, roll out at 8.30am but can change for weather). Our usual group size is 8-12 with a ride leader and support vehicle. On flatter days we ride together at a gentle pace (25km/h on the flat) and start by regrouping on the summits. Feed stops are set up every 25km and we have a lunch on the road at around 100km.
Today is a nice introduction to the Pyrenees through the Basque country. The roads are quiet and the route is rolling with only one major climb just before lunch. We roll into Oloron for three big stages ahead.
A massive day in the Pyrenees. After a hearty breakfast we head off for a 35km false flat where we all stay together. After a quick feed we are onto the mighty Col d'Aubisque - our first of the Pyrenees big beasts. From here we descend down into Argeles Gazost for another long false flat to the foot of the Tourmalet. We have lunch 10km before the Tourmalet and then it's you vs the mountain.
After pics and a coke at the summit we have a short descent to our base for the night.
Another classic Pyrenees day. We start by descending the majority of the Tourmalet and then hit the Aspin after 20km. The views from here are spectacular and the descent is quick and fun. The climbs come thick and fast today and we are quickly onto the Peyresourde before descending into Luchon, one of the most popular stage towns in the Tour de France. We then end with two great climbs, the Col de Mente is one of our favourite in the Alps and then the Col de Portet d'Aspet is a fitting final climb for an epic day.
An early start for a long day. We roll out by 8am and try to handle the first 100km as easily as possible. The Col de Port is the only challenge of the morning but the climbs are back loaded with the Col de Puymorens (27km at 4%) and Col de la Perche to come. Our hotel has a pool and we recover with a beer by the pool in the very satisfying knowledge that we are almost done.
The last day is a quick 90km to the coast and the finish town of Cerbere. We have a slightly later start after yesterday's epic ride and roll into Cerbere for a late lunch and some celebrations as we get the last stamp in the Raid Pyrenean carnet.
We have a lazy morning on the Med in Cerbere. Our mechanics are on hand to pack bikes if you did not do it last night. We head off to Toulouse at 12pm, the drive is around 3 hrs.
Airport collections are from Toulouse (TLS). The drive to Hendaye takes around 3hrs. Bike boxes are included in the transfer.
We will meet you in arrivals and give you a number to call if you are delayed.
We leave Cerbere with plenty of time to get back to Toulouse for your flights.
All packages include return airport transfers, 6 nights accommodation, all breakfast, lunches & dinners, ride nutrition, full ride support and the Raid Pyrenean registration.
Can't find the dates you want or have a group? Get in touch with us below on the live chat.
| Date | Hotel Name | Room Type | Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer 2020 | ||||||
| 1 - 7th Jun 2020 | Pyrenees Raid Hotels | Single Room | £1199 | Book Now | ||
| Twin Room | £1999 | Book Now | ||||
| 15 - 21st Jun 2020 | Pyrenees Raid Hotels | Single Room | £1199 | Book Now | ||
| Twin Room | £1999 | Book Now | ||||
| 29th Jun - 5th Jul 2020 | Pyrenees Raid Hotels | Single Room | £1199 | Book Now | ||
| Twin Room | £1999 | Book Now | ||||
| 10 - 16th Aug 2020 | Pyrenees Raid Hotels | Single Room | £1199 | Book Now | ||
| Twin Room | £1999 | Book Now | ||||
| 24 - 30th Aug 2020 | Pyrenees Raid Hotels | Single Room | £1199 | Book Now | ||
| Twin Room | £1999 | Book Now | ||||
| 21 - 27th Sep 2020 | Pyrenees Raid Hotels | Single Room | £1199 | Book Now | ||
| Twin Room | £1999 | Book Now | ||||
