Pyrenees Peaks Itinerary

Itinerary + Information

On our Pyrenees Mountains Tour, you’ll ride legendary mountain roads that have shaped Tour de France history, climbing from quiet valleys to high passes with endless views. Each day balances challenge and reward: iconic ascents, flowing descents, convivial refreshments and group lunches, and evenings spent refuelling, recovering, and sharing stories from the road. This itinerary is designed for riders who want not just to conquer famous climbs, but to truly experience the rhythm and beauty of the Pyrenees.

Please refer to the Pyrenees Peaks tour web page for the ride descriptions. On this page, you’ll find the ride maps and GPX files when you click on the route icons for 9/6 – 9/11. You’ll also find more details about the arrival day schedule, as well as a suggested packing list and safety tips while riding in France. Coming Soon: more details about specific airport pick-up location and our dinner schedule.

9/5/26
Airport Transfer: 12:00 PM
Shake-out ride
Ride Start: 3:30 / 4:00 PM
30 km - 40 km
TBA
Foothills

9/7/26
Tourmalet (Luz Ardiden)
Ride Start: TBA
100 km
130 km (Luz Ardiden Option)
2000 m+ / 3000 m+
Tourmalet (Luz Ardiden)

9/9/26
Hourquettes d'Ancizan + Aspin
Ride Start: TBA
130 km
Shorter Option TBA
2300 m+
Hourquettes d'Ancizan; Aspin

Arrival Day Schedule

On September 5th, we have scheduled our airport pick-up for 12:00 PM, in order to accommodate everyone arriving on the 5th or flying into Toulouse on the 4th and staying overnight to take our group transfer.

If you are arriving earlier in the day or on the 4th and wish to organize your own transfer (by taxi, Uber, transfer company or train/bus) kindly let us know so we can plan accordingly.

We’ll plan to meet everyone in our hotel (The Belfry and Spa Hotel) starting at 3:00 PM, to welcome the group and distribute kit. We’ll head out on a short convivial spin to warm up for our week in the mountains, leaving around 3:30 / 4:00 PM. There is no GPX file for this route as we will improvise depending on how everyone is feeling.

Dinner Schedule

You’ll find our dinner schedule below, which includes 3 dinners at our hotel and 2 dinners in local restaurants. Some of you may recognise the French restaurant in the photo (hint: if you were on one of Mike Cotty’s Pyrenees tours in the past, this should look very familiar!)

9/5: group dinner at our hotel
9/6: group dinner at local Italian restaurant
9/7: free evening
9/8: group dinner at a French restaurant
9/9: group dinner at our hotel
9/10: free evening
9/11: group dinner at our hotel

What Should I Bring?

As our cycling tour approaches, we would like to give you some information and packing suggestions to help you prepare for your trip. The average temperature in late early September in the Pyrenees ranges from to 14 to 25 degrees Celsius. However, it can be a few degrees cooler at elevation and feel chilly on descents – so we advise bringing some warmer layers to keep in the van just in case they are needed.

General Packing List

This is a general checklist to help you pack for your trip.

Comfortable clothing for after rides, warm jacket for the mountains, hat
Clothing for sightseeing and dining
Pool attire
Sneakers, pool footwear, shoes for going out
Glasses/sunglasses
Passport, other ID card(s), insurance information
Cash, credit cards, payment apps
Mobile phone, GPS device, computer if needed
Camera and/or phone camera, GoPro, etc.
Charger for phone, computer, camera, GPS device, and adapters
Toiletries, chamois cream, etc.
Medication, insect repellant, etc.

Cycling Clothing/Gear

This is a cycling specific checklist that may be helpful as you’re packing for your trip.

If you're bringing your bike, we recommend placing an AirTag or similar tracking device in the transport case
Pedals and cycling shoes in your carry-on luggage if possible
Shorts, leg/ knee warmers, base layers, jerseys, gloves (half and full-fingered), arm warmers, gilet, lightweight wind jacket,
warmer jacket for high mountains, rain jacket, neck warmer, hat
Helmet, water bottles
Cycling GPS device + mount
Rear safety light for your bike
Cycling sunglasses
Sunscreen, lip balm
Any prescription medications, inhalers, etc.

Cycling Safety in France

Your safety is top priority while you’re cycling with us in the Pyrenees! Please review the information below about road safety in France prior to your trip, and don’t hesitate to ask us for more information.

Cycling Safety Rules Specific to France / The Pyrenees:

Always give way other vehicles at an intersection with a ‘cédez le passage’ sign
Always give way to traffic coming from your left at a roundabout
Always cycle on the right hand side of the road
A rear light is recommended as there are occasional passages through dark tunnels
Never cycle more than two abreast when in a group
Please keep a phone on you and make sure you have the Azur Vélo staff contact information
If you need assistance from our staff, please let us know vocally or with a hand signal, or pull over and call us on the phone
Never cycle on the motorways or anywhere you see a sign with a bicycle and a red circle around it (it means bicycles are strictly forbidden on that road)
Signs with a bicycle and a blue circle around it indicate a bicycle path or a road where cyclists are allowed
Be careful on departmental back roads and mountain roads that may not be as smooth or well-maintained as larger main/national roads. Also, there may be rocks/gravel on mountain roads – watch out for them, especially on downhills.
Be careful, especially along on the mountain passes, for passing motorcyclists and vehicles
Be careful on narrow roads and be aware of oncoming/passing traffic. Some drivers do not stay far enough to the right around turns on narrow roads, and this can be an issue on climbs and descents. As cyclists, we need to be cautious and aware at all times and stay to the right.

General Cycling Safety Rules:

Always wear a helmet
Always be alert and attentive
Always carry ID, cash, food, tools for flat repair, phone, emergency & insurance information
Always check the weather forecast for low and high elevation; dress appropriately and bring extra layers if needed
Always observe local laws on the roads and bike paths
Always leave a safe distance when following another rider
Always leave a safe distance when behind a vehicle
Always maintain a reasonable speed given road conditions, especially on descents
Always come to a complete stop at a ‘stop’ sign or red light
Never weave between cars
Please don’t using your phone while cycling – we are happy to stop if you need to take/make a call or take photos!