Raid Pyrenean
- Epic traverse of the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean in 100 hours
- 720km Raid Pyrenean route with 11,000m ascent
- Conquer many famous Tour de France climbs including Aubisque, Tourmalet, Peyresourd, Portet d'Aspet, and more!
- Official route including registration plus certificate and medal for successful finishers
- Comfortable 2* and 3* hotels with local cuisine geared to cyclists
- Half-board: breakfast and dinner including wine with dinner
- Exceptional support from two of our expert, fun and proactive guides with exceptionally well-stocked support vans
- Benefit from our unrivalled experience: we've been supporting cyclists on the Raid Pyrenees since 2004
Days on the bike
Quote
This was such a great experience made possible by the quality of Marmot. I would not book with anyone else now.
Introduction
The Raid Pyrenean is a bucket list challenge for any road cycling enthusiast. In the 1950's the Cyclo Club Béarnais created a cycling route across the Pyrenees from coast to coast, keeping as close to the Spanish border as possible (on surfaced roads). The 'catch' was the 100 hours given to participants to complete the traverse! This is a chance to cycle most of the famous cols in the Pyrenees, including beasts such as the Col du Tourmalet and Col d'Aubisque. You'll also ride through the many other quiet and beautiful roads and cols of France's southernmost mountain range. The scenery is stunning, the road surfaces good and the car drivers are generally extremely courteous and respectful towards cyclists.
Since 2004 we've been supporting cyclists to conquer the Raid Pyrenean and to achieve their goals. We are passionate about what we do, and over the years we've helped hundreds of cyclists to complete this epic coast-to-coast cycling challenge. The expertise and experience of our team is evident on every one of our tours: we provide two highly customised support vans per group, our guides are attentive and energetic, and we know that this is not just a cycling challenge - it is also a holiday, so we keep it fun! While this is a group holiday, the tour is very much about YOUR goals and aspirations and we pride ourselves on our individual customer focus; from your first enquiry to the last moment of your holiday.
For more inspiration, watch our Raid Pyrenean video on our You Tube channel. To find out more about what it takes to cycle a raid, as well as the history and format, you can read our blogs RAIDS: A complete guide. All you need to know and more! and also Your Qs and As on Raid Cycling Challenges.
If you're interested in cycling in the French Pyrenees, but without the time pressure of the Raid Pyrenean, why not take a look at our flexible pace tour Pyrenean Classic Cols, which gives you several routes to choose from daily.
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:
- 5 days of stunning cycling, with detailed GPS route files provided
- 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
- 6 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
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Transfers from and/or to Toulouse airport (TLS) - contact us for price
- 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)
×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
- 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
The Raid Pyrenean is a very challenging ride, and you need to be a fit and experienced road cyclist to enjoy and get the most out of this trip. Although only four and a half days of riding, the days are very long! You should look carefully at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage to make sure this itinerary is right for you before you book. See our blog about Raids, and please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 3* and 4* 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.
We move on each night of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
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 typically start with breakfast from 07:00. Your set-off time will vary according to your riding pace and will usually be between 07:45 and 08:45 - your guides will advise you on a departure time that works for you and for the support of the group as a whole. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Arrival time at the hotel at the end of the riding day is usually between 17:00 and 20:00, depending on riding pace as well as on the weather, and any unforeseen problems. Dinner is usually served at 19:30 (the guides will arrange a later dinner for anyone getting in after this time). Your guides may adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
This trip is all about completing the cycling challenge! You are of course welcome to have a lift in our vans if you need one, for example if you’re injured or exhausted. A lift in the van (unless it is downhill in bad weather conditions) will invalidate your Raid completion.
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
If 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.
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
Our guides will meet you at the airport. We offer included airport transfers at scheduled times from Biarritz Airport (BIQ) to the start hotel in Hendaye, a journey of around 30 min.
We also offer transfers from Toulouse Airport (TLS), a journey of approx. 3 hr 45 min, at an extra cost of £60.
You'll have time to assemble your bikes before we gather in the early evening. Our two guides will brief you on the week ahead and how the holiday will work. This will also give you a chance to meet your fellow riders, before enjoying a hearty dinner, and getting psyched up for the challenge ahead!
Day 1: Hendaye to Oloron-St-Marie
Here we go! Dip your toes in the Atlantic before you take to the saddle - your 100 hours start at 9am!
You'll first cycle through the picturesque Basque country with a couple of small cols as a warm-up. It's then time for lunch in the historic town of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
The Col d’Osquich (495m) is the main climb of the day before you descend and undulate on pretty quiet roads through small quaint villages to your hotel (with pool) in Oloron-St-Marie.
With two carnet stamps today, you're already well on your way - day one in the bag!
Challenge : 163 KM with 2300m ascent [ride profile]
Day 2: Oloron-St-Marie to La Mongie
Be prepared: today's ride is one you'll never forget! We climb the beautiful Col d’Aubisque (1709m) and stop for an early lunch in the summit refuge restaurant. After fuelling, you'll enjoy the spectacular balcony road that leads to the pretty Col du Soulor with glorious views.
Strap in for what's next! An epic descent brings you to the lively market town of Argelès-Gazost, from where you press on up the valley to Luz-Saint-Sauveur, which is at the base of the mighty and much-feared Col du Tourmalet (2115m) - a Tour de France classic.
This is a giant climb and after 18 km and 1400 m of climbing, you'll be at the top of the highest col (with a road surface) in the Pyrenees. Although weather is beyond our control, on a clear day the views are spectacular but regardless, enjoy the customary photo opportunity at the iconic Tourmalet sculpture. You'll be pleased to know that you're just a few km from our hotel, in the ski town of La Mongie. Another day ticked-off!
Challenge : 133 KM with 3620m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: La Mongie to St-Lizier
Today is a truly wonderful day! The morning kicks off with the long descent to Campan, which takes you to the gorgeous and peaceful climb over the Col d’Aspin (1489m).
You then take on another infamous col and Tour de France regular, the Peyresourde (1569m) We'd advise you to try the crepes at the great col-top cafe (one of our favourites!) before possibly the best descent in the Pyrenees, all the way down to Luchon. You will LOVE this ride!
The afternoon sees you undulating over the quiet and very pretty Col des Ares (797m) and the Col de Buret (599m). Brace yourself though - next up is the slightly terrifying 14% incline of the Col de Portet d’Aspet (1069m)! Oof!
You'll be pleased to know that gentle gradients with a downhill bias then take you the remaining 35 km to the hotel in St-Lizier. Chapeau - day three done!
Challenge : 155 KM with 3000m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: St-Lizier to Prades
In the cool of the morning, the Col de Port (1249m) is a stunning climb before you enjoy a fabulous descent to Tarascon. From here we climb up the Pas de Soulombrie (922m) and on to the 'Route des Corniches' on what must be one of the most stunning roads in the Pyrenees.
From the Col de Marmare (1377m) we enjoy another spectacular descent across high plateaux and into wonderful, deep gorges. Strap in for our final obstacle: the 19 km climb of the Col de Jau (1506m)! This is an epic climb and reaching the col sign at the top will bring a feeling of relief you're not likely to forget!
Finally, your reward is a magnificent descent towards the Mediterranean plain and the town of Prades. You're nearing the coast so that has got to feel good! Just one last push ahead of you tomorrow...
Challenge : 195 KM with 3400m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: Prades to Cerbere
The last push - the end is in sight - well, almost! With the clock ticking down to your finish deadline at 13:00, you'll need to dig deep as there are still nearly 100 km and some steep coastal undulations to take on today!
Your route takes you to join the coast road in Argelès-sur-Mer. You then pass through the historic port town of Collioure before finally reaching your final destination in the quiet seaside village of Cerbère! Time for big whoop-whoops and fist bumps all around!
You fully deserve to spend the afternoon celebrating your incredible achievement! Take the customary dip in the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy a free afternoon before a celebratory dinner at a cliff-top restaurant overlooking the bay, to revel in stories of the five days of cycling that are behind you. Chapeau!
Challenge : 94 KM with 620m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: Departure day
After a truly epic (and brutal!) five days, it's time to give your legs a well-earned rest and head home! Our included transfer drops you at Perpignan Airport (PGF), or we have limited places on a transfer to Toulouse Airport (TLS) for an extra cost of £45.
We're certain that your memories of this fabulous challenge will last a lifetime. The question is, what's next?!
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 5 days of stunning cycling, with detailed GPS route files provided
- 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
- 6 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
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Transfers from and/or to Toulouse airport (TLS) - contact us for price
- 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)
×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
- 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
The Raid Pyrenean is a very challenging ride, and you need to be a fit and experienced road cyclist to enjoy and get the most out of this trip. Although only four and a half days of riding, the days are very long! You should look carefully at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage to make sure this itinerary is right for you before you book. See our blog about Raids, and please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 3* and 4* 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.
We move on each night of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
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 typically start with breakfast from 07:00. Your set-off time will vary according to your riding pace and will usually be between 07:45 and 08:45 - your guides will advise you on a departure time that works for you and for the support of the group as a whole. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Arrival time at the hotel at the end of the riding day is usually between 17:00 and 20:00, depending on riding pace as well as on the weather, and any unforeseen problems. Dinner is usually served at 19:30 (the guides will arrange a later dinner for anyone getting in after this time). Your guides may adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
This trip is all about completing the cycling challenge! You are of course welcome to have a lift in our vans if you need one, for example if you’re injured or exhausted. A lift in the van (unless it is downhill in bad weather conditions) will invalidate your Raid completion.
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
If 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/rfr-d1-raid-pyrenean-24-6668821bc1d16.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rfr-d2-raid-pyrenean-aubisque-tourmalet-ride-profile-24-6668821bd4f13.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rfr-d3-raid-pyrenean-peyresourd-aspet-ride-profile-24-6668821bd1494.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rfr-d4-raid-pyrenean-port-corniches-jau-ride-profile-24-6668821c58e2b.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rfr-d5-raid-pyrenean-prades-cerbere-road-cycling-challenge-24-6668821c4b85c.gif){kind=link}