The Pyrenean Bike Odyssey
Extraordinary adventures in mountain resorts
Before you get started:
Route Type
Bicycle
1,520 kilometers
adventure
34,0000m elevation gain
higher and higher
16 days / stages
of happiness
Difficulty
Accessible
Season
From June to September
Overview of the Itinerary
The Great Pyrenees Crossing is an exceptional route that takes you on a bike ride from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.
The first half of the route, from Collioure to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, invites you to discover the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. From the Sierra de Cadi to the Hecho Valley, passing through Aragon, Navarre, and finally the Basque Country, you’ll travel along magnificent roads dotted with legendary mountain passes, ancient monasteries, and picturesque villages. Once in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, you’ll begin the French section of the route. Historic mountain passes, high peaks, forests, and vineyards dot this section of the route before leading you to the beaches of the Mediterranean coast.
Along the way, take the time to discover the region’s remarkable culinary and wine heritage. Paella, arros nègre, Aragon milk-fed lamb, Teruel ham, piperade, Ossau cheeses, spit-roasted cake… 100% authentic local fare guaranteed!
Points of Interest
1
The Cadí-Moixeró Mountain Range
Information
The Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park is located in the southern foothills of the Pyrenees. The park encompasses the two major mountain ranges of Cadí and Moixeró, which form an impressive mountain barrier approximately 30 kilometers long.
Photo: © ACT Rafa Perez
2
The Canigou Massif
Information
The Canigou massif is the largest Pyrenean massif closest to the Mediterranean Sea. Its imposing presence makes it a symbol of the Catalan people. Visible from all over Catalonia, it was considered the highest peak in the Pyrenees until the 19th century.
Photo: © ADT66
3
The Mountain Passes of the Tour de France
Information
Among the iconic mountain passes in the Pyrenees featured in the Tour de France, several have been crossed more than 50 times since 1910: the Tourmalet, Aspin, Aubisque, Peyresourde, and Soulor. The Tourmalet Pass (Hautes-Pyrénées), first crossed in 1910, is the summit most frequently included on the race route (84 times).
Photo: © Peio Gaillard – Guillaume Saenz
4
The Ariège Pyrenees Regional Nature Park
Information
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Photo: © Stéphane Meurisse
5
Pic du Midi de Bigorre (Tourmalet)
Information
Between heaven and earth, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre is a must-see in the Pyrenees. Designated a “Grand Site Occitanie” and accessible year-round, its spacious terraces, perched at an altitude of 2,877 meters, offer a unique panoramic view of the entire Pyrenean mountain range and much of Occitanie.
Photo: © Dominique Viet
6
Collioure: The Royal Castle
Information
The Château Royal is ideally located in downtown Collioure. It is one of the town’s wonders. In fact, it was designated a Historic Monument as early as 1922. The first fortification on this site was a Roman castrum.
Photo: © ADT66
7
Ainsa and its medieval town
Information
Ainsa, a splendid medieval village. Built in the mid-11th century, the citadel served as a defense against Muslim invasion. Every two years in September, a reenactment (the Morisma) commemorates the town’s liberation from the Moors in 724.
8
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Information
Nestled in the heart of a vast bay between the ocean and the mountains, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the city of privateers. Its pedestrian streets connecting the ocean to the historic center and its historic mansions bear witness to its rich past and preserve the memory of the Sun King, who was married there in 1660.
Photo: © Mathieu Prat
9
Roncesvalles
Information
Roncesvalles is a village in the Spanish Pyrenees at an elevation of 900 m and an essential stop for travelers heading to Santiago de Compostela along the Camino Francés. Nestled around its royal collegiate church, monastery, and various chapels, the village of Roncesvalles offers a unique experience on the Camino de Santiago.
Photo: © O. Conesa
10
Gosol
Information
Located in the heart of the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees, Gósol is a charming village that invites visitors to discover its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. With its prime location in the Berguedà region, Gósol offers a unique experience for those seeking to unwind and immerse themselves in an authentic setting steeped in history.
Photo: © Daniel Julian
Step-by-Step Descriptions
Freedom above all: this itinerary can be customized, with the option to select specific stops.
Day 1
You leave the Mediterranean beaches behind to set out for the Pyrenees and the border. You cross the Preste Valley and pass through the Col d’Ares.
Day 2
A gentle climb to Coll de Merolla at 1,090 meters, then you enter the famous Serra de Cadi mountain range via a beautiful road that takes you from village to village all the way to Gosol.
Day 3
The first section takes you through a typical Mediterranean pine forest to reach Coll del Canto. Then, from the Noguera Valley, a beautiful but challenging climb along a remote road leads to Coll de Creu de Perves.
Day 4
The route heads due south through the Noguera Pallaresa Valley, quickly climbing toward the Montcortés Pond at an elevation of 1,068 meters. Next comes the climb to the Col de la Creu de Perves at 1,335 meters. The route reaches Pont de Suert via a road that winds along a ledge above Lake Escalès.
Day 5
A mountain stage with stunning views of the Maladeta massif and Aneto Peak at the Espinas and Fadas passes. The second, more rolling section of the stage takes you through the impressive Congosto de Ventamill Gorge and up to the Foradada Pass. Then you’ll enter Ordesa National Park and arrive in Ainsa.
Day 6
A truly beautiful leg of the journey that begins with a crossing of the Sierra de Guara. You then follow the course of the Rio Gallego and climb up to a timeless plateau, home to the famous monastery of San Juan de La Pena. A one-hour transfer takes you to Roncal.
Day 7
In the morning, you’ll climb the Collada de Arièros through the Sierra de San Miguel. Then you’ll head up the Roncal Valley to cross the Portillo de Lazar. You’ll begin to hear the first hints of the Basque dialect. You’ll arrive in Roncesvalles at the end of the day, a famous stop on the Way of St. James.
Day 8
This stage is marked by the crossing of the Col de Saint-Ignace, which takes you into France. You’ll travel through the French Basque Country before arriving in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. You’re now halfway through your journey!
Day 9
A day of one mountain pass after another! You’ll cross the Col de Saint-Ignace (169 m), the Col de Burdinkurutxeta (1,135 m), the Col Bagargiak (1,327 m), and the Col d’Orgambidesca (1,284 m).
Day 10
Three mountain passes are on the itinerary for this tenth stage: the Col de Marie Blanque (1,035 m), the Col d’Aubisque (1,709 m), and the Col du Soulor (1,474 m).
Day 11
A day that takes you along the legendary routes of the Tour de France, including the Tourmalet (2,115 m) and Aspin (1,489 m) mountain passes. Good luck!
Day 12
This twelfth stage covers just a few kilometers, but there’s still plenty of elevation gain ahead. Notable points: the Col d’Azet (1,580 m) and the Col de Peyresourde (1,569 m).
Day 13
A beautiful stage, taking in the Menté (1,349 m), Portet d’Aspet (1,069 m), and Core (1,395 m) passes.
Day 14
The mountain pass route continues, taking you over the Col d’Agnès (1,570 m) and along the magnificent Route des Corniches.
Day 15
This is the second-to-last stage of this great adventure! You’ll cross the Pailhères (2,001 m), Moulis (1,099 m), Garabeil (1,262 m), and Jau (1,506 m) passes before arriving in Prades.
Day 16
Three mountain passes still stand between you and Collioure and the end of this great Pyrenean adventure! After the Col Palomère (1,036 m), the Col Xatard (752 m), and the Col de Llauro (380 m), you’ll be heading downhill toward the Mediterranean.
Early June through late September
The route is accessible from early June through late September. This period is directly determined by the seasonal opening of the mountain passes, which depends on weather and snow conditions; these factors make cycling on the route feasible and safe only during this time frame.
Departure from and return to Collioure:
Perpignan Airport (PGF): seasonal or regular direct flights from Paris, Brussels, and London (depending on the season).
Train or private transfer to Collioure (≈ 0h30).
Girona Airport (GRO): Seasonal European flights (UK, Benelux, Germany).
Direct transfer to Collioure (≈ 1h).
Collioure SNCF train station, with connections to Perpignan and Barcelona.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz (halfway point)
Biarritz Airport (BIQ): seasonal or regular direct flights from Paris, Brussels, London, Milan, and Dublin.
Private transfer to Saint-Jean-de-Luz (approx. 0h30).
San Sebastián Airport (EAS): seasonal or regular direct flights from Madrid, Nice, Brussels, and Geneva (depending on the time of year).
Bus to Saint-Jean-de-Luz (approx. 0h30).
Step 1
Collioure: The Feast of Saint Vincent: August 14–18
Step 2
Ripoll: Festival of Sant Eudald, patron saint of Ripoll: May 11.
Step 3
Gosol: Harvest and Threshing Festival. Cathar Fair and Gosol Festival on the last weekend of July.
Step 4
Sort: Sort’s Festa Major on July 31.
Step 5
Pont de Suert: Vall de Boi Hiking Festival, October 10–12.
Step 6
Ainsa: Castillo de Ainsa Festival in late June. Traditional music.
Step 7
Roncal Isaba: Alpargateras Golondrinas Day: A traditional festival on October 6.
Step 8
Roncesvalles: August 15, the feast day commemorating the Battle of Roncesvalles and the Assumption.
Step 9
Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Fishing boats and traditional Basque culture in late October. The Casetas of Saint-Jean-de-Luz; Sevillian dance festival on Pentecost weekend.
Larrau: Larrau’s local festival on June 21.
Pablo Casals Festival in Prades in late July: Classical music.
Step 10
Argelès-Gazost: The Tuesday Market.
Step 11
Saint Lary Soulan: Pyrénées Cycl’n trip around July 20: roads closed and reserved for bicycles.
Step 12
Massat or Seix: Transhumance Festival on June 14.
Step 13
Ax Les Thermes: Festival of Flavors in early September. Festival of Great Paths in late July.
Travel Better, All Year Round
Traveling better means choosing a form of tourism that is more respectful of local communities and the people who bring them to life. Through these itineraries, the project invites you to slow down, immerse yourself in the landscapes, meet the locals, and celebrate local craftsmanship, all while adopting responsible and sustainable practices.
