In Association with La Rebenne, we propose for summer 2015 the Great traverse of the Pyrénées, folowing the path of “Tour de France” from coast to coast (Atlantic to Mediterranée)
The Great Crossing of the Pyrenees by road bike Coast to Coast
Trip details:
From the beaches of Saint Jean de Luz-Hendaye to those of Collioure, you will cross the entire French Pyrenees, from west to east. The legendary routes of the Tour de France will be taken, and you will ride over mountain passes through 5 Departments of the region. Each push of the pedal will bring you a little closer to the Mediterranean Sea, across an extraordinary variety of landscapes. You leave the greenery of Basque country to climb the summits of the High-Pyrenees, and then ride across the vast Ariege forests, with views over the Corbières wine country, being finally greeted by the soft beaches of the Mediterranean coast.
Dates:
From june to October
2014 Prices:from 880€ Single Supplements: 170€
Program:
DAY 1: Meeting in St Jean de Luz. Dinner and night in hotel.
DAY 2: From St Jean De Luz to Larrau – 110km – Positive Height Difference : 2130m
Crossing the Basque country by the Col de St Ignace, Col de Burdincurutchéta, Col d’Iraty and Col d’Orgambidesca. Night in Larrau.
DAY 3: From Larrau to Argeles Gazost – 110km – Positive Height Difference : 2636m
Let’s ride the high mountains ! Climb up the Col de Marie Blanque, Col d’Aubisque and Col du Soulor. From the beginning of the day, you will have stunning views over the Pyrenean chain. Beautiful ascents await you. Night in Argeles Gazost where you would enjoy and rest in the spa called ‘Jardin des Bains’ (optional).
DAY 4: From Argeles Gazost to Saint Lary Soulan – 95km – positive height difference : 2360m
You now begin to ride the list of the unclassified passes with the discovery of the Department of the High Pyrenees and the mythical ascent of the col du Tourmalet. Tighten your brakes : 17kms of descent until Ste Marie de Campan. Finally you ride over the beautiful Col d’Aspin and you approach the Aure and Louron’s valleys. Night in Saint Lary-Soulan, where you will stay at the Sensoria spa (optional).
DAY 5: From Saint Lary Soulan to Seix -100km – Positive Height Difference : 2320m Or 145km and +3250m via col du Peyresourde (without transfer by minibus)
Transfer to Luchon by La Rébenne minibus and departure towards the day’s passes. The road is for you, discover the wild and unspoilt Department of Ariege and the Couserans’ area by the Col de Menté, Col de Portet and col de la Core. Night in Seix or Massat.
DAY 6: From Seix to Ax Les Thermes – 115 Km – Positive Height Difference : 2370m Or +2020m Via Vaychis or +2840m via Col d’Agnes
This is a particularly beautiful stage today, towards Ax-les-Thermes valley using the Port de Lers, Tarascon and the cliff road going across col de Marmare and col du Chioula. Night in Orlu or Ax-les-Thermes (possibility to relax in the spa ‘Les Bains du Couloubret’ (optional).
DAY 7: From Ax Les Thermes to Prades – 100 Km – Positive Height Difference : 2830m Or 95 Km and +2600m Via col de Creu
Once you have reached the top of the col de Pailhères, you dive into the large Querigut’s forests and you ride straight over the col du Moulis, col du Garabeil and col de Jau. The landscape is changing, you smell the thyme, ambiance is more Mediterranean… The seaside is not far away. Night in Prades or Vernet les Bains.
DAY 8: From Prades to Collioure – 120 Km – Positive Height Difference : 1950m
Last straight line, or almost… The col du Palomere, col du Xatard, col de Fourtou and col du Liouro offer you magnificent views over the Pic du Canigou, the Alberes massif and… THE MEDITERRANEAN… Magical end in Collioure. End of the trip and farewells.
Details:
Self-guided tour with car support
The support vehicle and bike trailer will rejoin the group at different points throughout the day, often at the top of the passes, and will transport your picnic, water, supplementary clothing, as well as a complete toolkit in case of mechanical problems. You will therefore be able to take full advantage of your day by bringing with you only a light bag or nothing at all! The driver of the vehicle will also provide advice at each stage, help you to maximize your effort, offer encouragement and most of the time, answer any questions you may have about the regions you have visited.
LUGGAGE:
You only need to carry your personal belongings and picnic necessary for a half-day at a time. Bags will be transported by vehicle (or by our support car).
ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights, HALF BROAD
Double room : you will sleep in comfortable 2 person rooms in hotels, bed and breakfasts, and sometimes hostels. Sheets and towels will be provided. A bathroom will also be reserved for you.
Single room: You rather stay alone in a single room? Let us know (+170€)
FOOD:
Your trip might not be the best time to diet, as it’s an occasion to taste the local cooking. We place great importance to the quality of the food we provide: well-balanced and nutritious, providing lots of energy with the specialties of the region incorporated into each meal.
The picnics are not included in the price. Every day, you have the choice to make lunch or maybe buy yourself, or ask the person in charge of support to buy something for you or for the group. Equally, you might decide to order your picnic at the hotel the day before. The choice is yours.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS:
Starting from 8 people for the self-guided tour with car support.
PROCEDURES:
Passport or ID is compulsory – We recommend to get a European Health Insurance card (check with the NHS) and repatriation insurance as well.
LEVEL 3/3
You have a very good physical shape and practice at least once a week road biking over long distances. Distance from 85 to 140 km per day, with elevation change positive from 900 m to 3200 meters.
PÉRIOD: From June to October.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
– Accommodation bookings.
– Half board formula starting from Day 1 evening dinner until Day 8 breakfast.
– Transport of luggage, transfers of the group itself (according to the formula chosen)
– For the formula with car support : one 9-seater vehicle + bike trailer which follows the group throughout the trip.
– Road books and electronic GPS routes
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Housing the night before departure, drinks, personal purchases, picnics during the tour, personal cycling equipment (helmet, gloves etc), bicycles, transportation to the meeting points, insurances and the return transfer.
You are interested by this trip?
Do not hesitate and call or e-mail us!
MTB Aventures
Urb Giberga, 9
AD400 L’Aldosa- La Massana
Principat d’Andorra
Tel: +(376) 342 850
mtbaventures@gmail.com
Reg. de comerç nº 923058M
NRT: F-052689-Y
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