Pyrenean Classic Cols NEW for 2027
- Cycle renowned Tour de France Pyrenean cols and stage endings: Tourmalet, Portet d’Aspet, Peyresourde and more.
- Choose from multiple routes each day, giving you flexibility with how much you want to cycle across the week.
- Test your mettle on the optional daily Challenge routes with up to 3,670m ascent per day!
- Stay in comfortable and friendly 2-3* hotels serving local cuisine.
- Opportunity to experience local thermal spa towns for which the Pyrenees is famous.
- Enjoy exceptional support from two highly skilled Marmot guides (with our customised support vans) who are committed to making your holiday the best it can be.
Days on the bike
Quote
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
Introduction
Our extensive, in-depth knowledge of cycling in the French Pyrenees is second to none. We've crafted this tour so you can ride the principal Tour de France climbs and stage endings in this beautiful mountain range. You'll relish the quiet roads and experience the charming ambiance of the region on this point-to-point Pyrenean cycling tour. You'll traverse the region from east to west, riding through quaint villages, bucolic countryside, ski resorts, and sweeping, high pastures.
The joy of this French cycling holiday (as with all of our classic tours with daily route options), is how much flexibility you have. We've designed daily Classic routes, allowing you to warm up gradually. They 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 for fit road cyclists, regardless of your 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 there are optional extra climbs and loops which increase the possible daily ascent to over 3,600m. 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 route options 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 moral, nutritional, and mechanical support you require to achieve your cycling holiday goals. All you have to do is eat, sleep, cycle, and enjoy the magnificent 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
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files and route descriptions via our custom Route Buddy app
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Bagnères-de-Luchon, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Optional visits to thermal spas in three of the towns that we stay in
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
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.
Fitness
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.
Hotels
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.
Dietary requirements
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.
Timings
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.
Lifts in the van
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.
Carbon wheels
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.
Bike spares
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.
Travel documents
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.
Departure Dates & Prices
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 third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
We offer included transfers at set times from Toulouse Airport (TLS) to the start hotel in Foix, a journey of about 1 hr. Once at the hotel, there'll be time to assemble your bike and your guides will give a welcome briefing. Enjoy mingling with your fellow cyclists over dinner together in the evening. Time to get excited!
Day 1: Foix to Saint-Lizier
Here we go! Your legs will have chance to warm up on the 20km stretch to Tarascon-sur-Ariège at the foot of the Pyrenees. From here, you take on the Col de Port (1250m), a wonderful climb with a couple of 'cheeky' sections! You're rewarded at the top with far-reaching views and a welcome cafe. A fabulous, flowing descent is followed by a long cruise down the valley to your hotel in historic Saint-Lizier for some well-deserved relaxation.
For those wanting more, the quiet road that climbs through bucolic countryside to the mighty Col d'Agnes (1570m) is a delight. We recommend you take a break before the top at the lakeside cafe, and enjoy the spectacular mountain views from the col. Day 1 is in the bag!
Classic : KM with m ascent
Harder : KM with m ascent
Challenge : KM with m ascent
Day 2: Saint-Lizier to Luchon
Today is quite a day! Climbing gently through ancient farmsteads, you may not notice the incline to the Col de Portet d'Aspet (1075m). A short and famously steep descent (past the memorial to Fabio Casartelli) leads you into the relentless climb of the Col de Menté (1345m). If you prefer an easier day, you have the option of missing this out and instead cycling the beautiful and less challenging 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 Bagnères-de-Luchon.
There is an optional extra climb towards the end of the day which takes you on an excursion southwards into Spain. From here you'll climb back to the border on top of the Col du Portillon (1293m) before descending to Luchon from the east. It's a great day on the bike, whichever route you choose!
Easier : 85 KM with 1300m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 80 KM with 1600m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 97 KM with 2270m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 135 KM with 3200m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: 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!
Luchon is surrounded by notable Tour de France climbs, so those of you wanting to cycle have a number of options ...
You can take on the stage finish of Superbagnères (1804m) or the fluctuating gradients of the Port de Balès (1755m) with its sting in the tail! Another option is to nip up to the Spanish border on the Col du Portillon (1293m) from the west which is a short but pretty punchy ride. All great options, and the choice is yours!
Tonight's dinner is not included so you are free to explore Luchon and choose from one of the many restaurants there.
Easier : 21 KM with 670m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 68 KM with 1300m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 35 KM with 1165m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 104 KM with 2500m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: Luchon to Bagnères-de-Bigorre
Today you'll really experience the allure of the French Pyrenees. You start your day with the steep but stunningly beautiful Col de Peyresourde (1565m). The cafe at the top is one of our favourites, and we recommend you try the crepes as a fitting reward for your efforts! 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 up is the magnificent Col d’Aspin (1490m), a stalwart of the Tour de France. A spectacular descent takes you through the small town of Campan and on to our hotel on the edge of Bagnères-de-Bigorre. What a day!
Classic : 69 KM with 1750m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 91 KM with 2315m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 113 KM with 3215m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: Bagnères-de-Bigorre to Argelès-Gazost
The highlight of today is without doubt the infamous Col du Tourmalet (2115m) - a climb which has featured more than any other in the Tour de France. It's a beast of a climb and one that you'll never forget! The sense of achievement you'll have while having your photo taken with "Octave" the sculpture is one you'll never forget!
After a break in the summit cafe, you can enjoy a spectacular descent to Luz-Saint-Saveur, before continuing down the valley to our hotel in the thermal spa town of Argelès-Gazost.
The optional extras today are the Tour de France stage finish of Luz Ardiden (1720m) - a wonderful climb snaking up the mountain - or a detour up the valley to the village of Gavarnie (1384m) for a glimpse of the world-famous Cirque. Both are truly fabulous rides.
Classic : KM with m ascent
Harder : KM with m ascent
Challenge : KM with m ascent
Day 6: Day ride from Argelès-Gazost
The beautiful Soulor and Aubisque are two iconic cols of the French Pyrenees and are both regulars in the Tour de France - today you'll see why! Our Classic route today climbs from Argelès-Gazost to the sensational Col du Soulor (1474m). From here, 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 d'Aubisque (1709m). The views from here are simply breathtaking.
To fully appreciate the iconic Col d'Aubisque, our Harder route option takes you over the the top and down to the ski station of Gourette, from where you turn around and enjoy the upper reaches of the west side of this spectacular col.
Our Challenge route optional extra is first thing in the morning: an out-and-back climb of the Hautacam, another classic - and notoriously testing - climb of the region that has frequently featured in the Tour de France as a stage finish. This is cycling at its best - a day you'll never forget and a fitting way to end a wonderful week.
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 two hours.
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files and route descriptions via our custom Route Buddy app
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Bagnères-de-Luchon, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Optional visits to thermal spas in three of the towns that we stay in
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
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.
Fitness
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.
Hotels
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.
Dietary requirements
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.
Timings
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.
Lifts in the van
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.
Carbon wheels
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.
Bike spares
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.
Travel documents
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.
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/pcc-d2-ea-27-st-lizier-luchon-profile-supported-road-cycling-holiday-6a5150a6152e0.gif){kind=link}
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