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
Classic Cols had great flexibility. I did 13500m verticle and Karen (my better half) did 7500m.
G McKechnie
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…
Foreign travel advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, click here.
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 at set times from Toulouse Airport (TLS) to the start hotel in Ax-les-Thermes, a journey of about 2 hrs. Meet your guides and assemble your bike before gathering with the other riders on the tour for a welcome briefing and a great dinner this evening. Time to get excited!
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-les-Thermes
The mountains around Ax-les-Thermes offer a wealth of fantastic riding. This morning we explore the Col du Chioula (1431m), which has pleasant gradients and great views over the eastern Pyrenees.
After lunch you can choose between a leisurely ride up the stunning Orlu valley, to beast yourself up the stage ending of Bonascre (1380m) or take on the HC climb of the Col de Pailhères (2001m), the second highest road col in the Pyrenees.
Alternatively, you can relax in the excellent thermal spa complex in the centre of town, just a couple of minutes walk from your hotel. This is YOUR holiday after all, so it really is up to you!
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 you set off on the beautiful ‘Route des Corniches’, which undulates along the south-facing side of the valley through several small villages to the market town of Tarascon. Those wanting a serious challenge can instead take on the tough Plateau de Beille (1800m) stage ending.
After lunch in Tarascon we all head over the Col de Port (1250m), a wonderful climb with a couple of ‘cheeky’ sections, before descending (almost) all the way to your hotel in Saint-Lizier for some well-deserved relaxation.
Those wanting more cycling can take on the mighty Col d’Agnes (1570m) with its magnificent mountain views and lakeside cafe!
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
Today is quite a day! On offer are two of the most popular cols in the Pyrenees. 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, leads you into the never-ending climb of the Col de Menté (1345m). However, you have the easier option of missing this 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 and winding descent you can stretch your legs with a very gentle (almost flat) finale into the bustling spa town of Bagneres-de-Luchon.
There are two optional extras today, one at the start of the day, taking you over the Col de la Core (1395m) and the other towards the end of the day, when you have the option of making an excursion to Spain over the Col du Portillon (1293m).
Easier route: 85km with 1300m ascent [ride profile]
Classic route: 80km with 1600m ascent [ride profile]
Harder route: 97km with 2270m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 135km with 3200m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: Day rides from Luchon or rest day!
If you feel like a rest from riding, today you have an opportunity to enjoy the other activities Luchon has to offer: its spa facilities and multiple adventures from paragliding to mountain biking!
Naturally, Luchon is surrounded by legendary Tour de France climbs, so those of you wanting to ride 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). Another option is to nip up to the Spanish border on the Col du Portillon (1293m); a short but pretty punchy ride!
Tonight’s dinner is not included so you are free to explore the many restaurants in Luchon.
Easier route: 21km with 670m ascent [ride profile]
Classic route: 68km with 1300m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 104km with 2500m ascent [ride profile]
Superbagnères only: 39km with 1200m ascent
Day 5: Luchon to Bagnères-de-Bigorre
You start your day with the steep but stunningly beautiful Col de Peyresourde (1565m). You will be rewarded at the top by a cafe serving fabulous crêpes, which we’d advise you to try! Those who really want to test themselves can take on the optional extra climbs of the Col d’Azet (1580m) and the mountain-hugging Pla d’Adet (1680m).
Next on the Classic route is the magnificent Col d’Aspin (1490m), used more often by the Tour de France than any other Pyrenean climb. A spectacular descent takes us through the small town of Campan and on to our hotel on the edge of Bagnères-de-Bigorre.
Classic route: 69km with 1750m ascent [ride profile]
Harder route: 91km with 2315m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 113km with 3215m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: Bagnères-de-Bigorre to Argelès-Gazost
Today is all about the famous (and punishing!) Col du Tourmalet (2115m). This is a beast of a climb and one that you’ll never forget! Make sure you get your photo taken at the top with the iconic col sculpture – this is a real achievement!
From here you can enjoy a 35km descent, all the way to the picturesque thermal spa town of Argelès-Gazost, for an afternoon of well-earned relaxation.
The optional extras today 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 (1384m) for a glimpse of the world-famous Cirque. These are all fabulous rides.
Classic route: 65km with 1515m ascent [ride profile]
Easy optional extra: adds 40km and 665m ascent [ride profile]
Harder route: 94km with 2700m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 123km with 3670m ascent [ride profile]
Day 7: Departure day
Your legs will be relieved that you’ve come to the end of your Pyrenean cycling tour, even if you’re sad to go home! We offer included transfers at set times from Argelès-Gazost to Toulouse Airport (TLS), a journey of about 2 hrs.
Full travel advice (essential reading before booking your flights) can be found in our Trip Notes.
Trip Album
