Conquer majestic mountain passes and relive epic race battles as you pedal across the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. With daily routes through France and Spain, averaging over 60 miles and 7000 vertical feet, this cross-country bike trip offers avid cyclists an invigorating combination of riding and cultural experience. Though the riding is challenging and the terrain is surely spectacular, the unassuming charm and hearty cuisine of the Basque & Catalan people serves to keep cyclists well-fueled and refreshed, as this bicycle tour traverses a true cycling paradise. The magical healing powers of the springs of Bagnåres de Luchon don’t hurt either! Join us for a bicycle vacation of a lifetime in the Pyrenees!
Trip Wow’s
- Ride through a natural watershed from western lush woods and limestone to eastern wild and barren granite.
- Try Basque "pintxos" (tapas), Catalan "pa amb tomáquet" (bread brushed with olive oil and garlic and rubbed with fresh tomato), local seafood, and "Crema Catalana."
- Learn about the game of "pelota" in French Basque country.
- Pedal the awe-inspiring mountain passes made famous by the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España.
- Experience the warm hospitality of two autonomous mountain cultures.
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Aug 31-Sep 9, 2013 |
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Sep 15-24, 2013 |
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Day 1 | Basque Country
Stay at Hótel Les Pyrénées
Ceremoniously dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean | Ride the rolling green pastures of the French Basque foothills | Explore St. Jean-Pied-de-Port, a major town on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route until the 16th century
Day 2 | Route du Fromage
Stay at Au Bon Coin
Cycle the Col de Burdincurucheta, a popular bird migration viewpoint | Enjoy the largest broadleaf forest in Europe en route to Col d’Iraty | Tackle your first "hors catégorie" climb, Col de Soudet | Taste the wares of the Route du Fromage
Day 3 | Hautes-Pyrénées
Stay at Le Viscos
Climb through beechwood forests to the Col de Marie-Blanque and enter the Vallée d'Ossau of the Hautes-Pyrénées | Refuel in the Neoclassical spa town of Eaux-Bonnes | Challenge yourself with two well-known ascents—Col d'Aubisque and Col du Soulor
Days 4 & 5 | Bagnéres de Luchon
Stay at Hótel Acta Luchon
Climb to the highest point on the trip—Col du Tourmalet | Add Col d'Aspin & Col de Peyresourde to your checklist and conquer the biggest day of elevation gain on the trip | Explore Arreau, the former capital of ancient Aragon | Enjoy a well-deserved rest day in Bagnéres de Luchon | Warm up your muscles in the Vaporarium—a one-of-a-kind natural underground steam bath
Day 6 | Spain
Stay at Hótel Acta Luchon
Say "au revoir" to France and "hola" as you head into Spain over the wooded Col du Portillon | Pedal the Port de la Bonaigua, a category 1 climb and our highest point in Spain | Buy a lottery ticket for El Gordo in the luckiest town in Spain | Taste some tapas
Day 7 | Parc Natural del Cad-Moixeró
Stay at Hotel Pessets
Scale the Coll del Cantå, a category 1 pass, raced in the 2007 Vuelta a España | Lunch on the river of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics canoeing events in La Seu d’Urgell | Pedal the peaceful and beautiful roads of Parc Natural del Cad-Moixeró | Explore the remote town of Gåsol, where Pablo Picasso traveled in 1906 in search of fresh inspiration
Day 8 | Olot
Stay at Cal Franciscó
Marvel at Pedraforca, a massive limestone outcropping | Pedal rolling volcanic hills | Lunch near the fantastical gardens of Antoni Gaudî | Explore a Benedictine monastery and reconstructed 12th century bridge | Witness the annual Festes del Tura in Olot
Days 9 & 10 | The Mediterranean
Stay at Hotel Can Blanc
Cross La Vall d'en Bas through the training grounds of many professional cyclists | Lunch in the old quarter of Girona | Pedal the plunging coastline of the Costa Brava | Toast your journey with a glass of cava
Hótel Les Pyrénées | St. Jean-Pied-de-Port, France (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
Situated in the heart of town, the Hóel les Pyrénées is steps away from the 17th century city walls.
Au Bon Coin | Cette-Eygun, France (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
This charming hotel-restaurant is in a quiet peaceful village, deep in the heart of the French Pyrénées. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, such as the Pic d’ Anie.
Le Viscos | Saint-Savin, France (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Situated in a small picturesque village near the base of Tourmalet, this hotel is a comfortable retreat with amenities such as wifi and an accomplished restaurant.
Hótel Acta Luchon | Bagnåres de Luchon, France (Haute-Garonne)
Treat yourself to the only four-star hotel in town for two nights. Smart and stylish, this newly renovated hotel is in the heart of Bagnères de Luchon, with all the amenities you desire.
Hotel Pessets | Sort, Spain (Lleida)
This family-run hotel is a comfortable stop, next to the river Noguera Pallaresa.
Cal Franciscó | Gosol, Spain (Lleida)
This basic two-star hostel has simple, clean rooms - set in the mountains of the beautiful and remote Parc Natural del Cad-Moixeró.
Hotel Can Blanc | Olot, Spain (Girona)
This small hotel has brightly colored rooms and sits on a quiet road in the Parque Natural de la Zona Volcånica de la Garrotxa.
Park Hotel San Jorge | Platja D’Aro, Spain (Girona)
This hotel is situated on a cliff, overlooking two fantastic sandy beaches near the town of Sant Feliu. The outdoor swimming pool, beautiful gardens, and spa retain all the flavor of the 1950s, but in a modern setting.
What’s Included in the Trip Price
- 9 nights of accommodation
- Daily breakfast, 2 lunches, 3 social hours, 7 dinners, and all snacks and drinks for each day
- The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides
- Daily route support
- The use of a Trek Domane™ 5.9 carbon road bike with Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting or Trek Domane™ 5.9 Women’s Specific Design carbon road bike with Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting (limited selection)
- The use of Trek bike helmets and other gear and equipment to make your ride comfortable
- Trek Travel water bottles
- Private tours
- Entrance fees to all group events/activities
- All luggage transfers
- All transportation during the trip, including private coaches
- Comprehensive trip literature and complimentary Trek merchandise
- All gratuities for special events, local guides, transfers, hotels, and restaurants
- $300 Discount on a 5 or 6 series Trek Domane or Madone, or Project One purchased at your local Trek retailer
Not Included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Transportation to the trip pick-up location
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Gratuities for Trek Travel guides
- Personal items purchased during the trip
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which allows you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. Your guides are happy to make recommendations should you so desire.
What is the weather going to be like?
The weather varies considerably across the Pyrenees. The French side to the west is wetter, and the eastern Spanish slopes are much drier and warmer. The weather is generally stable in early September, but layering is recommended in any mountain climate, as things can change quickly. A wind/waterproof shell is a necessity. Tights, fleece pullovers, and synthetic layers are recommended.
What are the daily rides like?
| Rider Type | 4 |
Average Daily Mileage | 65 |
| Terrain | mountainous |
Average Daily Elevation | 5,900 |
On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Pyrenees Sea to Sea is best suited for our Type 4 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also easily accommodate Type 3 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. Type Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is mountainous and challenging, with sustained climbing in all kinds of weather. We'll tackle rolling foothills as well as "hors catógorie" peaks, in the end, scaling the equivalent height of Mt. Everest–twice. Our highest point of the trip is Col du Tourmalet, just shy of 7000 feet. Roads will be winding, narrow, and steep at times, and rarely ever level. See Itinerary for specific daily ride distance and elevation options.
What are the options for a non-rider travel companion?
This destination is best suited to guests who want to cycle every day. Because of the terrain and/or remoteness of the hotels and riding routes, there are few, if any, non-riding options available. If a non-rider wants to accompany a rider guest on this trip, they would need to spend many hours in the van and/or at the hotels on the trip. Due to this, we strongly discourage non-riders from this destination.
As an alternative, call a Trek Travel Trip Consultant at 866.464.8735 for trip suggestions where more non-rider activities are available, such as:
General FAQs
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don’t necessarily pertain to a specific trip.
| Trip | Dates | Price (USD) |
| Pyrenees Sea to Sea |
Aug 31-Sep 9, 2013 |
Limited Availability |
$5,399 per person | $950 single occ. |
|
Sep 15-24, 2013 |
Limited Availability |
$5,399 per person | $950 single occ. |
Want to travel with your with friends, family, or colleagues? We can make any trip private. More»
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Wow’s From Our Guests & More Photos
When we asked our guests what their favorite WOW’s were from their Pyrenees Sea to Sea vacations, here is what they said…
I especially enjoyed the parts of the Pyrenees trip that seemed off the beaten path and the parts in the National Parks.—Eric
The riding was spectacular.—Dennis
The overall great service allowed me to completely enjoy myself.-Clifton
I've got an even greater respect for professional cyclists following this trip.—Steve
We start at the Atlantic and pedal the best of the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean. We’ll spend equal time in France and Spain, taking in the one of a kind Basque & Catalan cultures that make this corner of the globe so unique. —Shannon Armstrong, Trip Designer
