France Pyrenees Tour 2009

Stages

 

Day 1 - 3 St Jean de Luz

We pick you up from Barritz airport and transfer to St Jean de Luz for the first of three days in the relaxing seaside town of St. Jean de Luz. Steeped in French and Basque history this resort town is a summer playground for Europeans and locals alike. On arrival at our hotel there will be time to unpack, re-assemble bikes and settle in before exploring the historic old town or to take a stroll along the beach promenade.

 

During our time by the seaside we take the opportunity to explore local towns and the surrounding foothills, shake out any travel cobwebs which may have fallen on your shoulders and acclimatise to the roads which lie ahead.

 

Day 4 St Jean de Luz - St Jean Pied de Port

Time to leave the seaside and with a breeze on our backs we ride east and continue in one of the world's most passionate cycling regions, the Basque Pyrenees. The roller-coaster ride of these mountains begins with Col de Ignace and takes us to Spain for a short time before crossing back into France and the Col d'Ispeguy. The Basque culture remains strong throughout this region in language and lifestyle and it’s not until we pass through Larrau that this influence eases into the French culture we will enjoy the rest of the trip.

 

Day 5 St Jean Pied de Port - Oloron St Marie

Heading out of St. Jean Pied de Port we have a steady flat section for the first 20kms when we then come upon Col d’Haltza. The first of two climbs happen at around 15kms and takes us first to 1100m when there’s a slight downhill before the final climb to 1300m. From then on it’s 50kms of downhill to Oloron St. Marie and an afternoon in the pool, Jacuzzi or walking around town.

 

Day 6 Oloron St Marie

Based in Oloron today, we head up to the famous Pierre St Martin pass which has featured in both the Vuelta Espana and Tour de France; the last time in 2007. It’s a long climb with two peaks, the second of which sits you atop the P-St-M ski resort with views across the border to Spain. The return journey is another 50kms of downhill on smooth, recently paved bitumen.

 

Day 7 Oloron St Marie - Argeles Gazost

Day seven is our last transit day as we head into the heart of the famous Pyrenees Mountains. With just one climb today it is significant nonetheless; Col d'Aubisque at a height of 1700m. By now you would be forgiven for developing a blase attitude to the magnificent views on daily offer, but the view from atop Aubisque is stunning. Even more so for the effort you've put into getting there. Take your time riding the 30kms downhill into Argelet Gazost, our base for the next week.

 

Day 8 – 13 Argeles Gazost

 

Entering into Argeles Gazost is like arriving at a cyclists dreamland. Everywhere you look there’s an abundance of carbon fibre, titanium and steel machines ready to take on what the area has to offer. For us it’s time to settle in to our new accommodation for the week ahead which includes taking in the action of the Tour de France as it roars through town.

 

On our first full day here you can either stay in town as the TdF races past our front door, or ride up Col du Tourmalet to meet the peloton at the top of this famous climb. Be sure to plan a full day here taking in the atmosphere and extravaganza of the world’s biggest bike race on Col du Tourmalet and Col d’Aspin before the quick downhill run to our hotel.

 

Being situated in the Pyrenees heart means we have easy access to all the arteries that keep it pumping. The list of ride options read like a  "who's who's" of famous Tour de France climbs.

 

Each day we head out on new rides to cover roads of spectacular vistas, leg sapping climbs, hair-rising descents and experience the reasons why you spent 20 hours inside an airplane getting here. You will be gob-smacked...pure and simple.

 

Day 13 Argeles Gazost transfer to Pau and depart

All too soon the cycling part of your trip finishes with a transfer to the airport in Pau. Given the necessity of everyone to continue on their way we can only do one transfer to the airport, which will be timed to ensure no-one misses their flight.

 

Its time for us to bid you a fond farewell and we look forward to your next cycling adventure with OTH Tours. But before you go, put these climbs on your done-list!

 

ü       Col d'Ibardin                                     317m

ü       Col d'Lizuniaga                                 250m

ü       Col de Ignace                                    905m

ü       Puerto de Otxondo                         570m

ü       Col d'Ispeguy                                    672m

ü       Col d'Haitza                                        732m

ü       Col de Burdincurutcheta              1135m

ü       Col Heguichouri                               1284m

ü       Col de Bargargui                              1327m

ü       Larrau                                                  1585m

ü       Pic d'Arbouty                                   1542m

ü       Pic d'Issarbe                                      1559m

ü       Col de Suscousse                             1216m

ü       Col de la Pierra St. Martin            1760m

ü       Pic Soulaing                                       1589m

ü       Col d'Aubisque                                 1709m

ü       Luz Ardiden                                       1720m

ü       Col de Spandelles                            1378m

ü       Col du Soulor                                    1474m

ü       Col des Borderes                              1156m

ü       Col du Tourmalet                            2114m

ü       Col d'Aspin                                         1489m

ü       Cauterets                                            934m

ü       Pont d'Espagne                                 1496m

ü       Hautacam                                           1535m

ü       Col de Tramassel                             1615m

 

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