Excellent - This was my first experience of a Marmot holiday having previously been with a rival company. The quality of support, care and attention to detail provided by Marmot, not to mention the value for money, was in a totally different league
Our extensive, in-depth knowledge of cycling in the French Pyrenees is second to none. We've crafted this exceptional tour so you can ride the principal Tour de France climbs and stage endings in this magnificent mountain range. Tick-off famous climbs such as Col du Peyresourde, Col d'Aspin, Col d'Aubisque and the Col du Tourmalet - all yours to conquer, among many other beautiful Pyrenean passes. We're certain you'll relish the region's quiet roads and charming ambience on this point-to-point journey cycling from east to west. You'll love riding through quaint villages, bucolic countryside, ski resorts, and sweeping, high pastures.
The joy of this trip (as with all of our classic tours with daily route options) is how much flexibility you have. We've designed the route options so you can warm up gradually, in preparation for your ascent of the Col du Tourmalet and Aubisque. Taken at a steady pace, the Classic route (with a daily average of 82km and 1,610m of ascent,) is manageable for keen road cyclists, regardless of your experience in the mountains.
However, this holiday is a punchy challenge for those wanting to push themselves further. Optional extra climbs and loops increase the daily ascent to an average of 2,750m. This makes it an excellent choice of tour for very fit cyclists who are regular cyclosportive entrants or who would feel confident taking on a raid or set challenge.
The variety of daily routes make this the perfect cycling holiday for mixed-ability pairs or groups of friends. While it's a group holiday, our knowledgeable (and fun!) guides are experts at treating you as an individual. They’ll provide you with all the nutritional, mechanical, and moral support you require to achieve your cycling holiday goals. All you have to do is eat, sleep, cycle, and enjoy the enchanting scenery – we’ll take care of the rest! This is an incredible cycling holiday and it's our goal that you have an unforgettable cycling experience!
It's important to us that you book the right holiday for you, so please click on the What’s Included, Essential Information, and Travel & Transfers buttons on this page for all you need to know about how this holiday works, including food, accommodation, travel and transfers etc. If you have any questions, you can get in touch using the Enquire Now button.
For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
We stay in comfortable 2* and 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
f you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
bike lights
a pump
tyre levers
inner tubes
brake pads
a chain link
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Your Pyrenean cycling holiday starts in the scenic town of Foix, best known for its dramatic clifftop castle, fast-flowing rivers, and medieval architecture found in its labyrinth of streets. It's also the capital of the Ariège department, a wonderful place for cycling.
We offer included transfers at set times from Toulouse Airport (TLS) to Foix, a journey of about 1 hour. Our hotel is in the centre of town and close to the railway station, which is convenient if you wish to travel independently or arrive a day early. Just click the Travel & Transfers button for more details.
Once at the hotel, there'll be time to set up your bike (one of our guides will help you if you've hired a bike from us). Receive a welcome briefing from our guides, get to know your fellow cyclists and enjoy dinner together in a restaurant in town. Time to get excited about the days ahead!
Here we go! Your legs will have the chance to warm up on the 20km stretch up the river to Tarascon-sur-Ariège, which is surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. From here, you take on the Col de Port (1250m), a wonderful climb and the perfect introduction to road cycling in the Pyrenees. At the top, you're rewarded with far-reaching views and a welcome cafe.
The Challenge route option is partway down the descent, when you have the option to take on the short but punishing Col de Péguère (1375m). Its 14% gradients have earned it the nickname the 'Wall of Péguère'! Since 1973, it's had a dramatic Tour de France history, such as in 2012 when protesters sprinkled tacks on the road causing over 30 riders to puncture.
Today's routes all include the descent to Massat, where you have several options. The Classic route takes you onto a beautiful narrow road to Col du Saraillé (941m), though you can make the ride easier by heading straight down the valley. For those wanting more, the quiet road that climbs through bucolic countryside to the mighty Col d'Agnes (1570m) is a delight. We recommend pausing to enjoy the lakeside cafe, before continuing to the top. From the col, there are spectacular views of the rugged peaks that form the Spanish border.
All routes lead to our hotel in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage town of Saint-Lizier, an ancient Gallo-Roman hilltop town with Pyrenean views, medieval architecture and two cathedrals.
Easier : 76 KM with 1150m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 85 KM with 1450m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 109 KM with 2080m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 116 KM with 2480m ascent [ride profile]
Today is a fantastic bike ride! Climbing gently through quiet villages and meadows, you may not notice the incline to the Col de Portet d'Aspet (1075m) until the final few kilometres. A short and famously steep descent (past the memorial to Fabio Casartelli) leads you into the challenging but stunning climb of the Col de Menté (1345m). If you prefer an easier ride, you have the option of missing this out and instead cycling the beautiful and gentler climbs of the Col de Buret (599m) and the Col des Ares (797m).
After a pleasant and winding descent from the Col de Menté, you can stretch your legs with a gentle finale into the elegant spa town of Bagnères-de-Luchon, where we stay for two nights.
Today's Challenge route detours over the Col de la Core (1395m) first thing in the morning. It's a lovely, peaceful climb through floral pastures with grazing cattle, which produce milk for Bethmale, a renowned cheese from the Ariège. This is a great day on the bike, whichever route you choose!
Easier : 85 KM with 1390m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 80 KM with 1650m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 117 KM with 2560m ascent [ride profile]
Bagnères-de-Luchon has hosted many Tour de France stage starts and finishes, which is no surprise, as it's surrounded by mountain passes - today you get to ride some of them for yourself and you have a number of options ...
Our Classic route takes you on a loop so you can enjoy the northern approach to the Port de Balès (1755m). This narrow road with constantly changing gradients cuts through wild, isolated and tranquil landscape - the tinkling of distant cowbells is the only sound you'll hear above the turning of your pedals.
After descending to Luchon and enjoying some lunch on the boulevard, you can take on the TdF stage finish of Superbagnères (1804m). The views towards the highest peaks of the Pyrenees make this another fantastic and worthwhile climb. If you prefer an easier day, you can explore Luchon in the morning and take on Superbagnères in the afternoon. You can also ride it after Port de Balès on the Challenge route.
If you fancy a rest from riding today, Luchon offers plenty of other activities, with well-marked hiking trails, swimming pools and activities like paragliding. For the ultimate relaxation, head to the vaporarium, which is Europe's only natural underground steam bath.
Tonight's dinner is not included so you are free to explore Luchon and choose from one of the many restaurants.
Classic : 68 KM with 1400m ascent [ride profile]
Alternative : 36 KM with 1170m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 104 KM with 2570m ascent [ride profile]
Today you'll really experience the allure of cycling in the French Pyrenees. First on the list is the stunningly beautiful Col de Peyresourde (1565m), a glorious climb that ends with a series of steep switchbacks. The cafe at the top is one of our favourites, and we recommend you try the crepes as a fitting reward for your efforts!
On the Classic route, this is followed by the magnificent TdF stalwart: Col d’Aspin (1490m). With modest gradients, a great surface and evenly spaced trees providing some shade, everything about this climb is wonderful. A spectacular descent takes you through several villages and on to our hotel on the edge of Bagnères-de-Bigorre, another thermal spa town.
Those wanting a more challenging day have two options: enjoy the peaceful Col d'Azet (1580m) which is a short but steady climb which you can ride after the Peyresourde and before the Aspin. For even more cycling, our Challenge route includes the western side of Hourquette d'Ancizan (1564m) after the Aspin. It's a great out-and-back ride from Payolle at the end of the day, if you're up for it!
Classic : 69 KM with 1760m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 91 KM with 2450m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 110 KM with 3070m ascent [ride profile]
The highlight of today is without doubt the infamous Col du Tourmalet (2115m) - a mountain pass which has featured more than any other in the Tour de France. It's an enormous climb through a vast array of landscapes and conquering it deserves huge kudos. The sense of achievement you'll feel as you have your photo taken with the 'Giant of Tourmalet' sculpture Octave is one you'll never forget!
After a well-deserved break in the summit cafe adorned with Tour de France memorabilia, you can enjoy a spectacular descent to Luz-Saint-Sauveur. Here, you have a couple of options, but all routes eventually take you down the valley to our cycling-focused hotel in Lourdes, where we spend the final two nights. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is one of the world's most important Catholic pilgrimage sites, making it an interesting town to visit.
There are two optional extras: from Luz-Saint-Saveur, take a detour up the valley to the village of Gavarnie (1384m) for a glimpse of the world-famous Cirque. Alternatively, take on the TdF stage finish of Luz Ardiden (1720m) with its hairpin bends snaking up the mountainside. All today's rides are truly remarkable, and whatever route you choose, today will be cemented in your memory!
Classic : 78 KM with 1580m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 118 KM with 2350m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 107 KM with 2790m ascent [ride profile]
The exquisite Aubisque and Soulor are iconic road-cycling climbs that make a fitting challenge to round off your week in the French Pyrenees. Our circular route starts with a 50km undulating ride through some beautiful countryside and up the Ossau valley, to reach the classic, western side of the Col d'Aubisque (1709m). You'll climb nearly 1,200m over 16.6km with some steep, sustained gradients. Three giant, brightly painted bicycle sculptures mark the top, highlighting the climb's importance in Tour de France history. Combined with the breathtaking view, free-roaming livestock and a great restaurant, this a very special place.
If you feel daunted by the kms in the morning, you can catch a lift in one of our support vans which shortens the route by about 40kms (Easier route).
From the Aubisque, a fantastic stretch of road (perhaps the most beautiful road cycling in the Pyrenees) carves its way across the mountainside above the Cirque du Litor to the Col du Soulor (1,474m). The descent from here down to Argelès-Gazost is truly spectacular! A short stretch on a cycle path takes you back to Lourdes.
Towards the end of the day, our Challenge route might appeal to those into 'Type 2' fun: take on the notoriously tough stage-ending Hautacam (1615m).
Once back at our hotel, it's time for packing up your bike, and final celebrations to commemorate an unforgettable week!
Easier : 75 KM with 1480m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 113 KM with 1810m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 145 KM with 3040m ascent [ride profile]
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 Lourdes to Toulouse Airport (TLS), a journey of about 1 hour 50 minutes. Alternatively, Lourdes train station is not far from the hotel and Lourdes Airport is only 20 minutes away.
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
We stay in comfortable 2* and 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
f you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
bike lights
a pump
tyre levers
inner tubes
brake pads
a chain link
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.