Cycling Holidays in the French Pyrenees

Tell me about Cycling in the French Pyrenees..

Located in the Hautes-Pyrénées (Department 65), Castelvieilh is perfectly positioned for exploring some of the most iconic cycling routes in the French Pyrenees. This is a region renowned for its legendary mountain climbs. Forget long flat roads… the Pyrenees are all about challenging and unforgettable rides through dramatic mountain landscapes.

From Hello Pyrenees, you'll have easy access to some of the most famous Tour de France climbs, including the Col du Tourmalet, Col d'Aubisque, Col du Soulor, Hautacam, and Luz Ardiden. These legendary mountain passes have tested the world's best cyclists for decades and continue to attract riders from across the globe seeking the ultimate Pyrenees cycling holiday.

The Col du Tourmalet is perhaps the most iconic climb in the French Pyrenees. Featured in the Tour de France more than 80 times, it is the highest paved mountain pass in the central Pyrenees and a true bucket-list challenge for cyclists. The climb is demanding, but reaching the summit rewards riders with incredible views and a real sense of achievement.

Another must-ride ascent is the Col d'Aubisque, one of the most celebrated climbs in Tour de France history. With stunning mountain scenery, challenging gradients, and over 60 appearances in the race, it offers an unforgettable day in the saddle. Nearby, the Col du Soulor and Col de Spandelles provide equally rewarding climbs, combining quieter roads with spectacular Pyrenean landscapes.

For riders looking to balance mountain stages with gentler routes, the surrounding areas of Lourdes, Argelès-Gazost, and the rolling countryside of the Gers offer a variety of scenic rides with fewer climbs but all the charm and beauty of southwest France.

Whether you're planning a challenging week of conquering legendary mountain passes or prefer a more relaxed cycling itinerary, the vast network of routes across the French Pyrenees means that transport support can often help you make the most of your time. That's where we come in. We can provide supported rides, route assistance, and convenient drop-off and pick-up services, allowing you to access some of the region's most famous climbs and maximise your Pyrenees cycling holiday without worrying about logistics.

For those looking to venture off-road, the Pyrenees also offer exceptional mountain biking opportunities. The trails around Cauterets, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Argelès-Gazost provide access to over 1,150km of marked mountain bike routes, ranging from gentle riverside tracks to demanding high-mountain adventures. With routes graded from green to black, there's something for every level of rider, whether you're new to mountain biking or seeking technical descents and challenging climbs in spectacular mountain scenery. The combination of world-class road cycling and extensive mountain bike trails makes the Hautes-Pyrénées one of the most diverse cycling destinations in France.

When to visit

The cycling season for riding the cols is generally from May to October depending on weather conditions. July sees the Tour de France and the start of the hot summer temperatures although it is always a degree or two cooler in the mountain. Spring through to summer (May to June) normally sees beautiful weather, green countryside and quieter roads, as do September through to October.

Supported Riding

Guided support for your cycling adventures

Plan your Cycling Holiday

We know that everyone has their own ideas on what constitutes the perfect cycling holiday, which is why we offer you full flexibility. In addition to accommodation in our gites, the following options are also available for you to include in your cycling holiday;

Contact us today to create a tailor-made cycling holiday in the French Pyrenees!