Crossing the Pyrenees by bike: from St Jean de Luz to Collioure

Two challenging climbs today: the Col de Marie Blanque, a short but steep pass, and the legendary Col d'Aubisque, a long and beautiful climb, before reaching the Col du Soulor via a stunning panoramic road and descending to Argelès-Gazost. A tough day, but rewarded by the breathtaking scenery of this rustic region.

1. Col de Marie Blanque (1035 m)
2. Col d'Aubisque (1709 m)
3. Col du Soulor (1474 m)

Variant N3 - 115km, 1630m elevation gain - Allows you to avoid the mountain passes and visit Lourdes

Variant N5 - 138km - D+3700 - We add the Col du Soudet (Optional round trip to the Col de la Pierre St Martin from the Col du Soudet +8km & +240D+)

The queen stage of this crossing features the majestic Col du Tourmalet. You quickly reach Luz-St Sauveur to begin the long and memorable climb of the giant of the Pyrenees (19km at 7.4%). Once you've recovered from the excitement, you'll descend to Sainte Marie de Campan before tackling another legendary pass: the Col d'Aspin, and then descending to Cadéac, just past Arreau in the beautiful Aure Valley.

1. Col du Tourmalet (2115 m)
2. Col d'Aspin (1489 m)

Variant N4 - 78km - D+1680 - Avoid the Tourmalet. Lourdes, Col de Lingous, Bagnères-de-Bigorre, Col d’Aspin.

Hors-Catégorie variant - 140km - D+4000 - We add the Col de Tentes (2208m) round trip to the famous Cirque de Gavarnie before the Tourmalet and the Aspin.

A short stage (almost a recovery ride) but without a single meter of flat terrain! On the agenda: the Col d'Azet to reach the Louron Valley. Then, another legendary climb: the Col de Peyresourde and its beautiful descent that leads you to Bagnères-de-Luchon, a spa town known for hosting numerous Tour de France stage finishes.

1. Col d'Azet (1580 m)
2. Peyresourde Pass (1569 m)

Variant N2 - 33km - D+900 - Without the Azet pass, only the Peyresourde.

Variant N5 - 78km - D+2420 - Col d'Azet, Peyresourde and return to the Port of Balés from Saint-Aventin.

Today, you'll discover the wildest parts of the crossing! The Ariège region awaits, but first, the Col de Menté, with its formidable slopes, typical of the Pyrenees. A long but winding wooded descent allows you to recover a bit before climbing the Portet d'Aspet, a climb frequently featured in the Tour de France. Finally, the wild and challenging Port de la Core awaits you.

1. Col de Menté (1349m)
2. Col de Portet d'Aspet (1069m)
3. Core port (1395m)

Variant N4 - 94km - D+1730 - Col de Menté and Portet d'Aspet, without the Port de la Core, passing through Saint-Girons.

Ariège is a region that will leave no one indifferent. You'll need energy to first climb the Col d'Agnes, which will take you down to the Étang de Lers. Leaving the lake's edge, you'll reach the Port de Lers. Continue your journey through the sublime Vicdessos valley to Tarascon-sur-Ariège before climbing its magnificent Corniche road to reach Ax-les-Thermes, famous for its thermal waters.

1. Col d'Agnes (1570m)
2. Port of Lers (1517m)
3. Corniche Road

Variant N4 - 88km - D+1760 - Col de Port, Tarascon sur Ariège, Route des Corniches.

Variant N5 bis - 105km - D+2500 - We add the Col de Latrape before the Col d'Agnes.

Today, you'll be heading into the Pyrénées-Orientales! To get there, you'll have to climb the magnificent Port de Paillhères, the second highest point of your journey, offering a 360-degree panoramic view. After the descent, you'll follow small roads, passing through the Col des Moulis and the Col de Garabeil. You'll finish at the Col de Jau, before reaching Prades, this ancient fortified town.

1. Port de Pailhères (2001m)
2. Col des Moulis (1099m)
3. Garabeil Pass (1264m)
4. Col de Jau (1506 m)

Two round-trip mountain pass options are possible (Total with 2 Hors Catégorie options: 116km - D+3470)

1. Col du Chioula (1431 m) which starts just after Ax-les-Thermes (+13km & D+470)
2. Col de Pradel (1631 m), on the left, at the beginning of the Port de Pailhères, a small road that climbs up to a pretty pass (+14.5km & D+560)

Just a few more pedal strokes before reaching the Mediterranean Sea! First, you'll climb the Col de Palomère through some very pretty gorges. This will be your last real ascent before a descent to Collioure. There you go, you've done it, you can take it in. Be proud of yourself, look out at the sea and think about leaving the ocean. Crossing the Pyrenees is yours, you deserve a swim or a drink on a terrace, congratulations!

1. Col Palomère (1036 m)
2. Col Fourtou (646 m)
3. Llauro Pass (385 m)

Variant N2 - 84km - D+750 - Col de Ternère (233m), Col Fourtou, Col de Llauro.

Your stay ends in Collioure at the end of this stage.