The Trans Pyrenees route offers an impressive road-based, coast to coast challenge across one of the world’s most scenic mountain ranges.
There are multiple ways for cyclists to cycle across the Pyrenees mountains, including the famous Raid Pyrenees route, a tough time trial challenge.
But if you want to conquer this mountain range as part of an organised cycling tour, you want experts on your team.
Saddle Skedaddle has been leading cycling trips in the Pyrenees since 2007.
- David Hall is Skedaddle’s road cycling specialist who has guided Skedaddle’s Pyrenees routes numerous times. He developed the Trans Pyrenees route through France 18 years ago.
- Dan Hirst is the head of Saddle Espana. He created Skedaddle’s Spanish Pyrenees tour.
- Isobel Riley is an experienced Skedaddle road cycling guide who has led several trips in the Pyrenees.
Between Dan, David and Isobel there is a wealth of Pyrenees cycling knowledge. Who better to ask tons of questions?!
So read on to discover more about traversing the Pyrenees by bike (and find out whether the French Pyrenees or Spanish Pyrenees are best for you).
David Hall is Saddle Skedaddle's road cycling specialist and a guide of more than 20 years. He has guided Skedaddle's Pyrenees cycling holidays numerous times.
(Photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography)
Dan Hirst has been seeking out the best experiences on two wheels for Skedaddle Espana for more than 20 years. When not planning and coordinating your next cycling adventure, Dan can be found guiding road cycling and mountain biking tours across the country. Dan says "The sheer variety of terrain and landscapes means there’s always something new to discover. Mountain biking is my first love, so for me the remote beauty of the Picos de Europa and Camino Primitivo are hard to beat. Further south, the beaches and vistas which surround our Spanish base in Tarifa are well worth venturing down for. Come see for yourself – you’ll not regret it!"
(Photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography)
Isobel has been guiding Skedaddle road cycling holidays for 15 years across Europe and the UK. She loves conquering cols in the Pyrenees and Alps.
(Photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography)
We have one overriding rule at Epic Road Rides: would we suggest this to our friends? This means we don’t work with every brand that wants to work with us. We may not have personally used or been on a trip with every brand we collaborate with, but after many years in the industry, our team knows a lot of people, and we only say yes to the brands we would be happy to use ourselves or that we’d share with a friend.
Always check current travel information and advice. For visitors from the UK, the UK government travel information pages are here.
Table of contents
This article contains a lot of useful information. To help make it more digestible, we’ve broken it down into several parts:
- Part 1: Overview
- Part 2: Why ride the Trans Pyrenees?
- Part 3: Spanish Pyrenees vs French Pyrenees
- Part 4: Practicalities
- Part 5: Saddle Skedaddle bike tours
Sponsor Message
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.
Got a question for Saddle Skedaddle?
Fill out this form and we will pass it to Saddle Skedaddle who aim to reply (within 24 hours wherever they can!)
| Trans Pyrenees route at a glance | |
| Best for | Experienced road cyclists looking for a supported coast-to-coast mountain challenge |
| Main options covered | French Trans Pyrenees Challenge and Spanish Pyrenean Traverse |
| French route | 766 kilometres / 16,720 metres elevation / 8 riding days |
| Spanish route | 959 kilometres / 19,075 metres elevation / 10 riding days |
| Famous climbs | Tourmalet, Aubisque, Aspin, Peyresourde, Marie-Blanque, Portalet and Port de Pailhères |
| Start/finish | Atlantic coast to Mediterranean coast |
| Support | Choose from: guided tour, self-guided tour with luggage transfers, support vehicle, accommodation and food stops |
Part 1: 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. There is no single official Trans Pyrenees route. Cyclists use the term to describe different coast-to-coast rides across the Pyrenees, including the classic Raid Pyrenees, organised tour routes, ultra-distance events and self-planned itineraries.
In this article, we focus on Saddle Skedaddle’s two supported road cycling options: the French Trans Pyrenees Challenge and the Spanish Pyrenean Traverse.
Trans Pyrenees vs Raid Pyrenees vs Transpyr
It’s easy to confuse the different coast-to-coast cycling routes and events across the Pyrenees. Here’s a quick guide to the main names you’re likely to come across, and how they differ from the supported Trans Pyrenees route covered in this article.
| Name | What it means |
| Trans Pyrenees route | A general term for cycling coast to coast across the Pyrenees |
| Raid Pyrenees | A classic French Pyrenees challenge route, usually associated with a set time limit and famous cols |
| Transpyr | A separate coast-to-coast cycling event across the Pyrenees |
| Transpyrenees race | A self-supported ultra-distance race, not the same as a guided cycling holiday |
| Saddle Skedaddle Trans Pyrenees Challenge | A supported road cycling holiday across the Pyrenees, designed to combine the riding challenge with comfort, logistics and local experience |
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.
Comparing Skedaddle’s French and Spanish traverses
Both Skedaddle routes offer a demanding coast-to-coast Pyrenees cycling challenge, but the riding experience is quite different on each side of the border. This table gives a quick overview of how the French Trans Pyrenees Challenge compares with the Spanish Pyrenean Traverse, so you can decide which route is likely to suit you best.
| French Trans Pyrenees Challenge | Spanish Pyrenean Traverse | |
| Best for | Riders who want famous Tour de France climbs | Riders who want quieter roads and lesser-known Spanish puertos |
| Distance | 766 kilometres | 959 kilometres |
| Elevation | 16,720 metres | 19,075 metres |
| Riding days | 8 | 10 |
| Start | St Jean de Luz | Irun |
| Finish | Port-Vendres | Cadaques |
| Character | Lush, green, classic Tour climbs, iconic cols | Quieter, more remote, drier, strong regional culture |
| Highlights | Tourmalet, Aubisque, Aspin, Pailhères | Larrau, Somport, Portalet, Marie-Blanque, Ainsa, Cadaques |
| Tour | Check here for more details. | Check here for more details. |
We go into more detail on each itinerary in part 3 below.
Sponsor Message
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.
Got a question for Saddle Skedaddle?
Fill out this form and we will pass it to Saddle Skedaddle who aim to reply (within 24 hours wherever they can!)
Part 2: 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.
Climbing the Col d’Aspin (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
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 du Marie-Blanque, 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!
Sponsor Message
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.
Got a question for Saddle Skedaddle?
Fill out this form and we will pass it to Saddle Skedaddle who aim to reply (within 24 hours wherever they can!)
Part 3: 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.
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
Notes
This Trans Pyrenees route is best for experienced road cyclists in search of a big challenge in the mountains. As mentioned previously, it incorporates some of the best parts of the famous Raid Pyrenees route.
The beautiful journey combines some of the most spectacular climbs in the French Alps, including the Col d’Aubisque, Col du Tourmalet and Col d’Aspin on days three and four.
Top tip! Although this isn’t a signposted route, when you’re on the climbs, there are kilometre markers so you can monitor your progress and pace. The roads are also well maintained and in generally great condition.
Skedaddle’s Trans Pyrenees route also showcases some truly fantastic scenery; a particular highlight of the cycle tour is the view from the Port du Pailheres mountain pass on day eight. This summit sits at 2,000 metres above sea level and is the second-highest point on the trip.
The last few days of the route were quieter and wilder and the best days cycling of the trip. It was a challenging trip, but certainly an enjoyable one too!
Chris, Hampshire, UK
More information
Find out more about the Trans Pyrenees route on Saddle Skedaddle’s website.
Taking a breather climbing the Col d’Aubisque (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
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.
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
Notes
This epic Pyrenees coast to coast route has it all; a big mountain adventure with legendary climbs steeped in racing history, combined with lesser-known, but equally beautiful mountain roads, that give you that feeling of escaping into the wilderness…
One of the highlights of this Pyrenees cycling tour is riding the route of the famous Quebrantahuesos Gran Fondo on days four and five. This enables riders to hop from Spain to France on the Puerto de Somport and Puerto de Portalet mountain passes. You’ll also tick off the Tour de France classic, the Col de Marie-Blanque.
Riders also experience cycling through the incredible Serra de Cadi, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Another cultural highlight is staying in the medieval town of Ainsa with its impressive 11th-century castle and cobbled plaza.
Every day had some memorable moments and wonderful sights however the standout day for me was the fourth cycling day from Accous to Sallent de Gallego. By then my mountain legs had returned and the climb of the Col Du Marie Blanque followed by the Col Du Portalet was a ride to remember.
The steepness of the Marie Blanque and altitude of the Portalet pushed me to my limits but as you cycled through the ski resort of Formigal and descended to the hotel in Sallent de Gallego you knew you had achieved something special.Graham, Somerset, UK
More information
Find out more about this Pyrenees cycling tour on Saddle Skedaddle’s website.
Exploring the Spanish Pyrenees (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
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.
Exploring the quiet Spanish Pyrenees (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
Sponsor Message
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.
Got a question for Saddle Skedaddle?
Fill out this form and we will pass it to Saddle Skedaddle who aim to reply (within 24 hours wherever they can!)
Part 4: What do you need to know before cycling the Trans Pyrenees?
Who is the Trans Pyrenees for?
The Trans Pyrenees route is best suited to experienced road cyclists who are comfortable with long days in the saddle, sustained climbing and mountain descents. You do not need to be a racer, but you should be used to riding regularly, climbing for extended periods and recovering well across several consecutive days.
What is the weather like on the Trans Pyrenees route?
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.
What accommodation is available on the Trans Pyrenees route?
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.
The whitewashed buildings of Cadaques (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
What kind of bike do you need?
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.
How should you train for the Trans Pyrenees?
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.
(photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
What mechanical assistance is available on a Trans Pyrenees cycling tour?
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.
How do you get to and from the Trans Pyrenees route?
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.
What food is available?
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.
(photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
What can you do to help stay safe while cycling?
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.
What cycling etiquette should you follow?
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.
What essential gear should you pack?
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.
Most riders will want compact or semi-compact gearing with a wide-range cassette for the longer Pyrenean climbs. The gradients vary, but the challenge comes from repeated long climbs over consecutive days, so low gears are useful even for strong riders.
For more useful information don’t miss this packing guide for cycling holidays.
Skedaddle guide Isobel descending like a pro in the Pyrenees (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
Should you carry 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.
Should you extend 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.
Preparation checklist
Here’s a quick summary of the points above: before cycling the Trans Pyrenees route, make sure you have:
- a road bike with suitable climbing gears
- a recent bike service (unless you’re hiring!)
- experience riding long climbs
- confidence descending long mountain passes
- lightweight warm layers for summits and descents
- gloves or arm warmers for cooler high-altitude conditions
- cash for small cafes or remote stops
- travel insurance that covers road cycling
- enough training miles, including back-to-back riding days
- checked current travel, weather and road conditions.
Sponsor Message
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.
Got a question for Saddle Skedaddle?
Fill out this form and we will pass it to Saddle Skedaddle who aim to reply (within 24 hours wherever they can!)
Part 5: 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:
- Carefully selected, quality accommodation
- Excellent English guides with local knowledge (guided and supported trips only)
- Support vehicle (guided and supported trips only)
- Route notes and maps (self guided trips only)
- Luggage transfers
- Airport transfers
- Quality bike hire
- Skedaddle picnics and snacks (guided and supported trips only)
- Outstanding customer service
- 24/7 Emergency support
(photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
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 David, 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.
Saddle Skedaddle have also worked with us on several other articles. To hear more from these cycling experts, take a look at:
- Cycling Sardinia, for tips on planning a cycling holiday on this beautiful Italian island
- Cycling the Camino de Santiago, for local insights into riding this iconic route in Spain
And finally, don’t miss:
- Raid Pyrenees route, for a first-hand account of cycling across the Pyrenees unsupported.
- Spanish Pyrenees road cycling route, for an Epic Road Rides ambassador’s write-up of a route they created.
- Cycling in St Jean de Luz, for tips on spending a few days there at the start of your Trans Pyrenees.
- Cycling the Pyrenees, for an overview of the region and how it all fits together.
Got a question for Saddle Skedaddle?
Fill out this form and we will pass it to Saddle Skedaddle who aim to reply (within 24 hours wherever they can!)
Got a question for our interviewees?
Fill out this form and we will send it to our interviewees. We aim to get you an answer within 24 hours where possible!David Hall is Saddle Skedaddle's road cycling specialist and a guide of more than 20 years. He has guided Skedaddle's Pyrenees cycling holidays numerous times.
(Photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography)
Dan Hirst has been seeking out the best experiences on two wheels for Skedaddle Espana for more than 20 years. When not planning and coordinating your next cycling adventure, Dan can be found guiding road cycling and mountain biking tours across the country. Dan says "The sheer variety of terrain and landscapes means there’s always something new to discover. Mountain biking is my first love, so for me the remote beauty of the Picos de Europa and Camino Primitivo are hard to beat. Further south, the beaches and vistas which surround our Spanish base in Tarifa are well worth venturing down for. Come see for yourself – you’ll not regret it!"
(Photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography)
Isobel has been guiding Skedaddle road cycling holidays for 15 years across Europe and the UK. She loves conquering cols in the Pyrenees and Alps.
(Photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography)
Last Reviewed: 20 May 2026
First Published: 19 February 2025
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