Trans Pyrenees route: Expert tips for your Pyrenees cycling tour

Give us an overview of the Trans Pyrenees route

The Trans Pyrenees cycle route is an epic journey across the magnificent Pyrenees mountains in Europe.

This challenging coast to coast road route takes cyclists from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea on the border with France and Spain.

I refer to “route” but in fact there are a huge number of routes you could take to cycle across the Pyrenees.

The best-known traverse of the French Pyrenees is the Raid Pyrenees which must be completed in a certain time and features specific mountain climbs. There is also the Trans Pyrenees race (TPR), a self-supported ultra-distance cycling event where racers ride over 2,000 kilometres (from coast to coast and back again).

However, for those looking for a holiday and a fun challenge, rather than an ultra race, Saddle Skedaddle has created two variations of the Pyrenees coast to coast cycle route: the Trans Pyrenees Challenge in France and the Pyrenean Traverse in Spain.

A cycling holiday in the Pyrenees incorporating the “best bits”

Saddle Skedaddle’s version of the Trans Pyrenees includes what we think are the best sections and scenic highlights of the Raid Pyrenees route, including mountain vistas from some of the most famous climbs in professional cycling, as well as quieter but equally spectacular roads such as the Port de Pailhères in France and the towering peaks in the Aragon region of the Spanish Pyrenees.

Rather than a 100-hour time trial challenge, our Trans Pyrenees route through (mostly) France offers a wonderful holiday that combines the achievement of riding across the Pyrenees alongside enjoying the sights, food and wine along the way.

The Spanish Pyrenean Traverse is a route that we’ve crafted ourselves to create the perfect blend of challenging cycling and beautiful remote mountain roads in Spain.

We’ve spent more than 20 years exploring the best cycling in both France and Spain and we believe our cycling tours across the Pyrenees offer the best riding experience for road cycling enthusiasts.

Tour de France prestige

In the world of professional cycling, the Pyrenees are steeped in Tour de France history.

At Skedaddle, cycling across the Pyrenees is not just about col bagging; it’s about the whole experience including racing, history, stories and legends.

When you embark on a proper place-to-place road cycling adventure, you begin to understand what it must have felt like for early trailblazers and legends of Le Tour heading up into remote mountain roads.

Stories are waiting to be told at almost every turn. Some examples include:

• The plaque in St Martin de Campan marked a blacksmith’s forge. This is where Eugene Christophe welded his broken bike back together in the 1913 Tour de France. Many cyclists miss this if they are rushing through here after ticking off the Tourmalet!
• As you ride east across the Pyrenees on our Trans Pyrenees tour, you’ll also see the memorial paying tribute to Fabio Casartelli. Fabio tragically died descending from Col de Portet d’Aspet in 1995.
• On our Spanish Pyrenean Traverse, we conquer the formidable Puerto de Larrau mountain pass. This is located close to the birthplace and training routes of five-time Tour de France winner Miguel Indurain. It was here that Indirain suffered badly during his final Tour de France in 1996.

The lesser-known Spanish Pyrenees

On the Spanish Pyrenean Traverse, we crisscross the border to complete the Quebrantahuesos; this Gran Fondo takes its name from the native vultures of the area which translates as ‘bone-breaker’. (Quebrantahuesos features here: best sportives in Europe.) However, to make the Quebrantahuesos challenge more manageable, we complete it in two days rather than one. This cycling route includes the famous, Col du Marie-Blanque and Puerto de Portalet.

Top tip! Other mountain climbs on the Spanish side may not have the same worldwide reputation but they’ve still been revered by local Basque riders for many years.

Both our tours cross over the French and Spanish border at some point along the route to give you the best riding experience.

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Looking for a guided Pyrenees cycling tour?

We’ve been delivering Pyrenees cycling holidays since 2007 and would love you to join us.

Get in touch and let's discuss!

• For our Trans Pyrenees challenge in France click here.
• For our Pyrenean Traverse in Spain click here.

Why is the Trans Pyrenees a must-do?

The Pyrenees is one of the most scenic mountain ranges you can pedal through in Europe, if not the world. Even the towns and villages are beautiful, with lots of traditional architecture to admire.

If you enjoy a cycling challenge, you’ll also love the satisfaction of crossing a major mountain range that is so widely celebrated in our sport. It’s a big achievement and a chance to follow in the tracks of the world’s most famous professional riders.

Pyrenees coast to coast cycling routes are a must for anyone who wants to cover some serious elevation gains, and who loves the classic climbs of Europe; each route includes climbs that are on the bucket list of many road cyclists. More on this below.

Famous Pyrenees cycling climbs

One of the big highlights of Skedaddle’s Pyrenees cycling tours is the chance to tick off some of the Tour de France classic climbs. This includes some of the most visited summits of the Tour de France, including the Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin and Col d’Aubisque.

Other mountain passes you’ll encounter on these routes include the Col de Marie Blanc, Port de Pailhères, Col de Peyresourde and Col de Portet d‘Aspet.

Lesser-known gems

In addition to the famous cols, we particularly love the experience of crossing some of the lesser-known passes on both the French and Spanish tours.

Celebrating at the top of the Tourmalet with lots of other riders is always fun. But there’s also something special about reaching the top of a peaceful climb and feeling like you’ve really escaped to remote mountains.

If you ask us, these quiet roads are the most beautiful of all!

Cycling the Spanish Pyrenees vs the French Pyrenees?

Both Pyrenees cycling routes are equally challenging and offer an unparalleled mountain riding experience in a magnificent mountain range.

On the Spanish Pyrenean Traverse we go into France for one day to ride Col du Marie Blanque. Whilst on the French Trans Pyrenees route we go into Spain for a day, sampling the tapas!

On both sides of the border, the Pyrenees are a mecca for cyclists, and you will be made to feel very welcome. In France, you will find a mix of international tourists. Interestingly, in Spain, you will find a lot of French cyclists as they enjoy the smooth tarmac, drier warmer climate and cuisine.

Cycling the French Pyrenees

The French Pyrenees are very green and lush, with many forests and quaint villages.

The French Pyrenees are very mountainous so expect long climbs. On major climbs, such as the Tourmalet, it can take a couple of hours (or more) to reach the top.

As you head towards the Mediterranean, the landscape becomes more arid and rugged. You’ll experience steep and long climbs with switchbacks and thrilling descents.

Cycling the Spanish Pyrenees

The landscape is more arid in the Spanish Pyrenees than on the French side, but it’s equally beautiful; you ride past majestic peaks, national parks and forested hillsides.

The roads through the Spanish Pyrenees are not quite as steep as the French side. However, they are still a formidable challenge with switchbacks and long and fast descents.

The roads tend to be quieter in Spain, compared with France.

Culture and cuisine

On the French side, expect hearty mountain cuisine like cassoulet (a hearty stew usually made with white beans and meat) and confit de canard (slow roasted duck).

In Spain, you can expect hearty food featuring grilled meats and cheeses, as well as tapas. There is a vibrant outdoor social life in Spain and a strong cafe culture.

The Spanish Pyrenees have a very diverse culture – Basques, Catalans and Aragonese all call these mountains home and each brings their own unique languages and festivals. It makes the journey through the Spanish Pyrenees quite special as you experience each unique region.

Architecture

The architecture within the French landscapes is distinctive, with Romanesque and Gothic churches, fortified castles and bastides (medieval towns built as grids).

The Spanish Pyrenees are known for their Romanesque architecture with churches and monasteries dotting the landscape. Buildings are typically characterised by thick stone walls and small windows to withstand the mountain elements.

Trans Pyrenees route France: in detail

Best for cyclists who want to tick off famous climbs in the French Pyrenees

Key Statistics

766 kilometres

16,720 metres of elevation gain

Start

St Jean de Luz, a fishing port on the Basque coast

Finish

Port-Vendres on the Mediterranean

Duration

10 days with 8 days of cycling

Pyrenean Traverse Spain: in detail

Best for cyclists who want to combine a few famous climbs with lesser-known Spanish puertos (cols)

Key Statistics

959 kilometres

19,075 metres of elevation gain

Start

The Basque town of Irun

Finish

The village of Cadaques. This was once a small fishing village; now it’s a charming seaside resort.

Duration

12 days with 10 riding days

Sponsor Message

Sponsored

Looking for a guided Pyrenees cycling tour?

We’ve been delivering Pyrenees cycling holidays since 2007 and would love you to join us.

Get in touch and let's discuss!

• For our Trans Pyrenees challenge in France click here.
• For our Pyrenean Traverse in Spain click here.

Practicalities of cycling the Trans Pyrenees route

Weather

Average temperatures in the Pyrenees in spring range from 25-30 ºC. In summer they can head up into the low 30s. So the best time to cycle the Pyrenees is late spring or summer.

Whilst there are generally pleasant temperatures during the summer, these can drop considerably when riding into the high mountains. So always be mindful of the temperature differences between the valley bottom and the top of the cols. The Spanish Pyrenees tend to be slightly warmer and drier.

Saddle Skedaddle’s Pyrenees trips depart in July, making the most of the best weather conditions.

Be aware! You could ride in early spring and autumn, but expect cooler conditions and there is a risk of snow in the high mountains in early spring.  In winter, the region experiences heavy snowfall with road closures.

Top tip! The Pyrenees are a popular destination for cyclists so the more famous areas can be busy in peak summer season, but when you traverse the full mountain range you will ride through quieter areas too.

Accommodation

On both Saddle Skedaddle trips, we stay in good quality hotels along the route. All of the accommodation used has provision for bike storage.

Trans Pyrenees, France

In France, finding suitable accommodation is relatively easy as it’s a popular tourist destination. This ranges from a mix of modern and old architectural buildings. There are very good hotel restaurants and a few of the hotels Saddle Skedaddle use also have spa facilities.

Typically, the French hotels are located in small towns in the valley. This enables cyclists to wander into town in the evening to soak up the atmosphere and explore the local bars. A noteworthy stop is the Ax-les-Thermes ski resort town where you can soothe tired legs in the thermal waters. Bossot in Spain is also a great place to sample tapas. 

Pyrenean Traverse, Spain

In Spain, there are not as many accommodation options to choose from. We typically stay in characterful small Pyrenean villages, such as Pobla de Lillet and Sallent de Gallego. The medieval town of Ainsa is a real medieval gem with a cobbled central plaza.

The last night of the Spanish Pyrenees cycling holiday is another memorable pit stop, with its own unique feel. Cadaques is located on the Mediterranean coast and is home to beautiful whitewashed buildings.

 

Suitable bikes

Cycling across the Pyrenees is best done on a road bike. This will enable you to comfortably conquer the many mountain passes and cycling climbs in the Pyrenees.

At Saddle Skedaddle, you can hire Giant Defy Advanced 2 or Liv Avail Advanced 2.

Training

These are tough mountain challenges graded four (out of five) on our Skedaddle grading, so you will need a good level of fitness and bike handling skills to complete them.

In the run-up to cycling in the Pyrenees, it is best to start increasing your mileage by adding approximately 10% to your longest ride each week. Make sure you aim to ride two to three days back-to-back before you take a day off. Incorporate hill climbs into your regular rides to build stamina and strength.

Top tip! A good way to prepare for a trip this challenging is to do hill repeats riding the same climb several times using the descent to recover until you have accumulated 20 minutes of hill effort.

Mechanical assistance

Saddle Skedaddle’s guided Pyrenees cycling tours include a support vehicle.

The guides are also fully qualified and able to assist with any unforeseen mechanical issues along the way.

Top tip! If you plan to bring your own bike, make sure it is serviced and in good working order ahead of the trip.

Getting there (and back)

For the Trans Pyrenees (France) it is best to fly into Biarritz. At the end of the trip, you can fly home from Girona airport.

For the Pyrenean Traverse, it is best to fly into Bilbao. At the end of the trip, you can fly out of Barcelona.

Airport transfers are included in Skedaddle Skedaddle’s cycling holidays.

For those travelling independently, you can travel with your bike on trains if it is in a box. Be aware! It is best to check the requirements ahead of arriving and booking.

Food

Skedaddle provides snack stops each day and either a picnic lunch or a cafe stop during the day.

Picnics typically include fresh local bread, local cheeses, fresh salads, meats and sweet treats.

Top tip! You’ll find cafes at the summit of some of the popular cols. Some sell crepes which is a great way to celebrate your climb! All the towns and resorts you pass through along the way also have good cafes and restaurants.

The cuisine is excellent in this part of the world and a real highlight of the trip. Expect hearty mountain cuisine like cassoulet (a hearty stew usually made with white beans and meat) and confit de canard (slow roasted duck). 

Do you need a tour?

You don’t need a tour to go and ride key climbs on the route, such as the Col du Tourmalet. These could easily be tackled as part of a centre-based style cycling holiday.

However, if you want to traverse the full Pyrenees mountain range then a cycling tour is probably best. This provides you with a number of useful logistical benefits including airport transfers, accommodation, access to a support vehicle, food and water, as well as luggage transfers each day.

Tips for getting the most from your Pyrenees tour

Cycling safety

Make sure you are prepared for the ride and have the necessary skills to descend safely.

Be aware! Some of the descents in the Pyrenees can be long with many tight hairpins. They can also sometimes be busy with traffic including campervans and other riders. You should also watch out for livestock.

Look out for occasional potholes and gravel, particularly near the mountain tops where the roads may be weather-damaged.

Cycling etiquette

Spanish drivers tend to be courteous and patient with cyclists. They warn you with their horn as they approach.

Generally, the roads are in great condition.

Always be mindful and respectful of other road users.

Essential gear

Even if you ride in the summer, the temperature can fluctuate a lot from the valley floor to the top of Pyrenean mountain summits.

Cyclists should pack accordingly, including bringing lightweight warm layers to keep them protected on exposed summits. Gloves may also be worthwhile considering.

For more useful information don’t miss this packing guide for cycling holidays.

Cash

We always suggest carrying a small amount of cash.

Although most places typically accept cards, there may be some smaller places on the journey that will only accept cash. Around 50 euros in cash is usually enough.

Extending your stay at the coast

The majority of our Pyrenees cycling holidays take place in the mountains.

So, if you want to experience more of the coast it can be nice to spend a day or two here at the beginning or end of your Pyrenees cycling tour.

Popular options include visiting the cycling mecca city of Girona, or the popular tourist destination of Barcelona. In Spain, we fly into Bilbao which is very close to the beautiful coastal city of San Sebastian.

Sponsor Message

Sponsored

Looking for a guided Pyrenees cycling tour?

We’ve been delivering Pyrenees cycling holidays since 2007 and would love you to join us.

Get in touch and let's discuss!

• For our Trans Pyrenees challenge in France click here.
• For our Pyrenean Traverse in Spain click here.

What does Saddle Skedaddle offer?

Saddle Skedaddle has been exploring the roads in the Pyrenees for almost 20 years and we know we know how to put together an incredible riding itinerary in this mountain range.

We have run the Trans Pyrenees tour for 18 years. In the early days, our route was shorter and only focussed on the famous climbs in the centre of the Pyrenees. But we felt that traversing the full mountain range offered a truly epic road cycling experience. It also gives you the chance to ride some of the lesser-known but no less incredible roads.

After the popularity of our Trans Pyrenees tour, we created the Spanish Pyrenean Traverse 10 years ago. It is quite a unique route that we’re really proud of. There’s a reason that so many French riders come here to cycle – the roads are simply beautiful. Our itinerary has a lovely mix of classic climbs and journeys through scenic landscapes.

Skedaddle’s small group cycling holidays typically range from 6 to 14 riders and provide expert support including:

• Accommodation
• Excellent guides with local knowledge
• Support vehicle
• Luggage transfers
• Airport transfers
• Bike hire
• Legendary Skedaddle picnics
• Outstanding customer service

Where can cyclists find out more about your services?

You can head to our website to find out more about Saddle Skedaddle and the Pyrenees cycling tours we offer.

• For our Trans Pyrenees challenge in France click here.
• For our Pyrenean Traverse in Spain click here.

What’s next?

A huge thanks to Dan and Isobel from Saddle Skedaddle for sharing these Trans Pyrenees challenge insights.

These two alternative routes across the Pyrenees look like excellent options for anyone who wants to combine big uphill efforts with the chance to explore stunning scenery cycling through the Pyrenees mountains.

Want to experience cycling across the Pyrenees unsupported? Don’t miss this first-hand account of the Raid Pyrenees route from an Epic Road Rides reader.

Considering spending a few days in St Jean de Luz at the start of your Trans Pyrenees? Read this article on our stay in St Jean de Luz.

Looking for an overview of the Pyrenees and how it all fits together? Read our overview to cycling the Pyrenees.

Finally, if you are looking for more Saddle Skedaddle cycling inspiration, don’t miss their Sardinia cycling guide. The perfect place for coastal road cycling in Europe!