The cycling over this mountain range is our real classic and big goal every year. To describe the trip in one word, it has to be wilderness. And that makes this area unique as it is the only one in all of Europe that can call itself that. In many places we are completely alone with our bikes and quiet thoughts. We move from hotel to hotel, each day has a new exciting goal. In the middle of the trip have
Day program
Day one
Breakfast at the hotel and shared cycling down to the Grand Plage where our adventure begins. Those who want to dip one of the wheels in the Atlantic before we roll east towards the Mediterranean.
We cycle through town and out into the Basque countryside. Our lunch stop for the day will be in beautiful San Jean Pied de Port, which in French means "Saint John at the foot of the mountain pass". The city is also the classic starting point for those who want to walk the Camino de Santiago.
The two climbs Col des Plombieres and Col d´Osquich give us a foretaste of what is to come. We spend the night in Oloron's St. Marie.
Day two
We now leave the Basque Country and roll forward in an undulating landscape. The goal for the day is to tackle Col de Marie Blanque and Col d'Aubisque. Both classic climbs in the Tour de France context.
We climb both mountain passes with the rest of the Pyrenees as a panorama in the background. At the top of the Col dÁubisque we are met by grazing wild horses. The night is spent at our favorite hotel at the foot of the Tourmalet in St.Savin.
Day Three
After a short cycle out of town, we go straight into the most climbed mountain in the Tour de France. The giant of the Pyrenees rises majestically above the other neighbors on the sides. Even if you are here for the first time, you will get a wonderful feeling in your body when you recognize yourself.
on the way down we take the opportunity to stop at the recently erected memorial to Eugéne Christophe with his broken front fork in hand. Even the Col de Peyresourde is breathtaking with its height. The night is spent in Luchon, where countless finishes and starts have taken place.
Day Four
Rest day in classic and absolutely wonderful Bagneres Luchon. Known as a health resort with origins dating back to 1920. We are now at the foot of the central Pyrenees. Take the opportunity to try the newly built cable car up to the top above the city.
Day Five
Now we are above the tree line for a large part of the time on our way up and down the mountains.
At this layer, our bodies have acclimatized and we can fully enjoy the verdant landscape on the sides.
We also pass the incredibly beautiful place and memorial to Fabio Cassartelli. Our destination for the day is Saint Girons. Known as the starting point on the route for those who needed to escape over the mountains to Spain during the Second World War.
Day Six
Even more fantastic climbing and nature on the program. Port de Pailheres and Col de Port are added to the list. On this day, you will cover the most altitude meters and reach the second highest point of the trip at Pailheres.
The downhill drive from there is usually the most amazing and captivating for the one who experiences it. The hotel in Gincla is also a favorite with many participants.
Day Seven
Grand Finale!
We say goodbye to the high mountains in the west and begin to sense the azure Mediterranean Sea on the horizon.
Our destination Collioure on the coast is getting closer. A goal that many artists also had, e.g. Matisse and Picasso. First, however, two beautiful climbs must be tackled, Col Palomere and Col d'Aussieres.
The feeling of finally reaching the sea and knowing that you have crossed an entire mountain range by your own machine is overwhelming.
Dinner in the evening is always very emotional and memorable.
