Pyrenean Classic Cols
Road Cycling Holidays in the Pyrenees
- Cycle Tour de France Pyrenean cols and stage endings: Tourmalet, Portet d’Aspet, Peyresourde and more
- Multiple daily route options give you ultimate flexibility with how much you want to cycle
- Optional daily ‘Challenge’ routes with up to 3670m ascent per day!
- Comfortable and friendly 2-3* hotels with local cuisine
- Experience thermal spa towns that the Pyrenees is famous for
- Exceptional support from two of our customised support vans and expert Marmot guides who are focused on making your holiday the best it can be
Days on the bike
Thanks to Rani, James and Kevin for the great organisation through the week. Despite being a "newbie" to this type of cycling, and the grimace displayed in Kevin's photos of me approaching the col, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole week.
P Chard
Introduction
This French Pyrenean road cycling holiday has been carefully crafted so you can cycle the best cols and Tour de France stage endings that the Pyrenees have to offer. You’ll experience quiet roads and you’ll fall in love with the region’s charming ambiance. This point-to-point Pyrenean cycling tour traverses the region from east to west, and you’ll ride through quaint villages, rural countryside, ski resorts, and high pastures.
The joy of this French cycling holiday, as with all of our Marmot Classic itineraries, is its flexibility. Using our in-depth knowledge of the Pyrenees, we’ve devised daily ‘Classic’ routes, which warm you up gently and get progressively tougher throughout the week, in preparation for your ascent of the Col du Tourmalet on the final day. Taken at a steady pace, the ‘Classic’ route is manageable and enjoyable for fit cyclists regardless of experience in the mountains – the toughest day (on the easiest route) involves 1,750m of ascent. However, this holiday also offers a fantastic challenge for those wanting to push themselves further. Each day optional extra climbs and loops increase the possible daily ascent to over 3,600m. This makes this tour the perfect choice for very fit cyclists who are regular cyclosportive entrants and/or who would consider undertaking a raid cycling challenge.
Due to the variety of daily route options, this really is the perfect cycling holiday for mixed-ability pairs or groups of friends. With the exceptional support of two Marmot guides and customised support vehicles, it’s our mission that every rider has an incredible cycling holiday and an unforgettable cycling experience.
It is important to us that you book the correct holiday so please check out the Trip Notes for all you need on how this holiday works, food, accommodation & travel…
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Departure Dates & Prices
2025
Discount Information
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
- Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
- Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
- Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your 3rd Marmot trip onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
We offer included transfers from Toulouse airport to Ax-les-Thermes.
Full travel advice (essential reading before booking your flights) can be found in our Trip Notes.
Meet your guides and have a welcome briefing and a great dinner.
Day 1: Day Ride from Ax
This morning there is time to assemble your bike after breakfast before heading out on the day’s ride. The Col du Chioula (1431m) has pleasant gradients and great views over the eastern Pyrenees.
After lunch you can retreat to the local thermal spa, or take a leisurely ride up the stunning Orlu valley. For those wanting more, there is the option to take on the stage ending of Bonascre (1380m) or the HC climb of the Col de Pailhères (2001m).
Easier route: 38km with 830m ascent
Classic route: 55km with 1030m ascent [ride profile]
Harder route: 56km with 1500m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 76km with 2111m ascent [ride profile]
Day 2: Ax-les-Thermes to Saint-Lizier
Today we climb up to the Route des Corniches which undulates along the south facing side of the valley of Ax. Enjoy beautiful views and rural villages all the way to the market town of Tarascon where we pause for lunch. Alternatively, those wanting a big challenge this morning can take on the tough Plateau de Beille (1800m) stage ending.
After lunch we all head over the Col de Port (1250m), a lovely climb with a couple of cheeky sections, before descending (almost) all the way to your hotel in Saint-Lizier. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring St Lizier’s art galleries, or take on the mighty Col d’Agnes (1570m)!
Easier route: (Lift to Lordat) 85km with 920m ascent
Classic route: 103km with 1470m ascent [ride profile]
Harder route: 136km with 2430m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 152km with 3100m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: Saint-Lizier to Luchon
Climbing gently through ancient farmsteads, you barely notice the incline to the Col de Portet d’Aspet (1075m). A short descent through mixed forest (past the memorial to Fabio Casartelli) prepares you for the never-ending Col de Menté (1345m), or there is the option of missing it out and instead taking on the beautiful and gentle climbs of the Col de Buret (599m) and the Col des Ares (797m).
After a pleasant, winding descent you can stretch your legs with a very gentle (almost flat) finale into the bustling spa town of Luchon. There are two optional extras today, the Col de la Core (1395m) in the morning, or at the end of the day an excursion to Spain via the climb of the Col du Portillon (1293m).
Easier route: 84km with 1300m ascent [ride profile]
Classic route: 79km with 1600m ascent [ride profile]
Harder route: 97km with 2270m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 134km with 3200m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: Day rides from Luchon or rest day!
Today you have the option of a day off the bike to enjoy what else Luchon has to offer – from its spa facilities to paragliding or mountain biking!
Luchon is sourrounded by legendary Tour de France climbs, so those of you wanting to ride today have a number of options. You can take on the stage finish of Superbagnères (1804m) or the ever changing gradients of the Port de Balès (1755m), where Schleck and Contador had the famous chain incident! Another option is to nip up to the Spanish border on the Port du Portillon (1293m), a short but punchy ride.
Easier route: 22 km with 670m ascent
Superbagnères: 39km with 1200m ascent
Classic route: 70km with 1300m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 109km with 2500m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: Luchon to Bagnères-de-Bigorre
You start today with the rather steep but very beautiful Col de Peyresourde (1565m). You will be rewarded at the top by fabulous crêpes from the café! Those who really want to push themselves can take on one or two optional extras – the Col d’Azet (1580m) and the mountain hugging Pla d’Adet (1680m).
Next on the Classic route is the beautiful Col d’Aspin (1490m), used more often by the Tour de France than any other Pyrenean climb. A spectacular downhill takes us through the small and quaintly bizarre town of Campan and on to our hotel in Bagnères-de-Bigorre (another thermal spa town!).
Classic route: 70km with 1750m ascent [ride profile]
Harder route: 90km with 2315m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 114km with 3215m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: Bagnères-de-Bigorre to Argelès-Gazost
Today is all about the mighty Col du Tourmalet (2115m) – the highest road col in the Pyrenees! Make sure you get your photo taken at the top – this climb is a real achievement. From here you can enjoy a 35km descent, all the way to the picturesque thermal spa town of Argelès-Gazost.
An afternoon of relaxation is well deserved. The tempting optional extra climbs on offer include the Tour de France stage finishes of Luz Ardiden (1720m) and Hautacam (1534m) or a nice detour up the valley to the village of Gavarnie for a glimpse of the world famous Cirque.
Classic route: 65km with 1515m ascent [ride profile]
Easy optional extra: adds 39km and 665m ascent [ride profile]
Harder route: 93km with 2700m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 123km with 3670m ascent [ride profile]
Day 7: Departure day
We offer included transfers from Argelès-Gazost to Toulouse airport.
Full travel advice (essential reading before booking your flights) can be found in our Trip Notes.
Trip Album
