Raid Pyrenean

  • Epic traverse of the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean in 100 hours
  • 720km Raid Pyrenean route with 11,000m ascent
  • Conquer many famous Tour de France climbs including Aubisque, Tourmalet, Peyresourd, Portet d'Aspet, and more!
  • Official route including registration plus certificate and medal for successful finishers
  • Comfortable 2* and 3* hotels with local cuisine geared to cyclists
  • Half-board: breakfast and dinner including wine with dinner
  • Exceptional support from two of our expert, fun and proactive guides with exceptionally well-stocked support vans
  • Benefit from our unrivalled experience: we've been supporting cyclists on the Raid Pyrenees since 2004

Days on the bike

4.5 days
Group of cyclists at summit of Col d'Aubisque on Marmot Tours Raid Pyrenees cycling challenge

Quote

This was such a great experience made possible by the quality of Marmot. I would not book with anyone else now.

J. Cole

Introduction

The Raid Pyrenean is a bucket list challenge for any road cycling enthusiast. In the 1950's the Cyclo Club Béarnais created a cycling route across the Pyrenees from coast to coast, keeping as close to the Spanish border as possible (on surfaced roads). The 'catch' was the 100 hours given to participants to complete the traverse! This is a chance to cycle most of the famous cols in the Pyrenees, including beasts such as the Col du Tourmalet and Col d'Aubisque. You'll also ride through the many other quiet and beautiful roads and cols of France's southernmost mountain range. The scenery is stunning, the road surfaces good and the car drivers are generally extremely courteous and respectful towards cyclists.

Since 2004 we've been supporting cyclists to conquer the Raid Pyrenean and to achieve their goals. We are passionate about what we do, and over the years we've helped hundreds of cyclists to complete this epic coast-to-coast cycling challenge. The expertise and experience of our team is evident on every one of our tours: we provide two highly customised support vans per group, our guides are attentive and energetic, and we know that this is not just a cycling challenge - it is also a holiday, so we keep it fun! While this is a group holiday, the tour is very much about YOUR goals and aspirations and we pride ourselves on our individual customer focus; from your first enquiry to the last moment of your holiday.

For more inspiration, watch our Raid Pyrenean video on our You Tube channel here. To find out more about the history and format of a raid, you can read our blog (21/03/19) here. If you're interested in cycling in the French Pyrenees, but without the time pressure of the Raid Pyrenean, why not take a look at our flexible pace tour Classic Cols of the Pyrenees, which gives you several routes to choose from daily.

It is important to us that you book the right holiday for you, so please read the Trip Notes for all you need to know about how this holiday works, including food, accommodation, travel and transfers etc. You can also get in touch if you have any questions at all using the Enquire Now button.

For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Black and white image of cyclist climbing Col du Tourmalet above clouds on Marmot Tours Raid Pyrenees cycling challenge
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Departure Dates & Prices

5th Sep - 11th Sep
£1,590.00
Single Room Sup. £330.00
Travel & Transfers

We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):

  • Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
  • Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
  • Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday onwards

Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.

Map

Itinerary

Bicycle sculpture and mountain peaks with three cyclists in distance on Col d'Aubisque climb on Raid Pyrenees with Marmot Tours

Day 0: Arrival day

Our guides will meet you at the airport and we offer included airport transfers at scheduled times from Biarritz Airport (BIQ) to the start hotel in Hendaye, a journey of around 30 min.

We also offer transfers from Toulouse Airport (TLS), a journey of approx. 3hrs 45min, at an extra cost of £60.

You'll have time to assemble your bikes before we gather in the early evening. Our two guides will brief you on the week ahead and how the holiday will work. This will also give you a chance to meet your fellow riders, before enjoying a hearty dinner, and getting psyched up for the challenge ahead!

Group of cyclists on beach at Hendaye on day 1 of Raid Pyrenees with Marmot Tours guided road cycling holidays

Day 1: Hendaye to Oloron-St-Marie

Here we go! Dip your toes in the Atlantic before you take to the saddle - your 100 hours start at 9am!

You'll first cycle through the picturesque Basque country with a couple of small cols as a warm-up. It's then time for lunch in the historic town of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

The Col d’Osquich (495m) is the main climb of the day before you descend and undulate on pretty quiet roads through small quaint villages to your hotel (with pool) in Oloron-St-Marie.

With two carnet stamps today, you're already well on your way - day one in the bag!

Challenge : 163.2 KM with 2300m ascent [ride profile]

Cyclist giving thumbs up cycling past Col d'Aubisque on fully supported Raid Pyrenees challenge with Marmot Tours

Day 2: Oloron-St-Marie to La Mongie

Be prepared: today's ride is one you'll never forget! We climb the beautiful Col d’Aubisque (1709m) and stop for an early lunch in the summit refuge restaurant. After fuelling, you'll enjoy the spectacular balcony road that leads to the pretty Col du Soulor with glorious views.

Strap in for what's next! An epic descent brings you to the lively market town of Argelès-Gazost, from where you press on up the valley to Luz-Saint-Sauveur, which is at the base of the mighty and much-feared Col du Tourmalet (2115m) - a Tour de France classic ...

This is a giant climb and after 18km and 1400m of climbing, you'll be at the top of the highest col (with a road surface) in the Pyrenees. Although weather is beyond our control, on a clear day the views are spectacular but regardless, enjoy the customary photo opportunity at the iconic Tourmalet sculpture. You'll be pleased to know that you're just a few km from our hotel, in the ski town of La Mongie. Another day ticked-off!

Challenge : 133 KM with 3620m ascent [ride profile]

Group of cyclists approaching summit of Col d'Aspin on Raid Pyrenean cycling challenge with Marmot Tours

Day 3: La Mongie to St-Lizier

Today is a truly wonderful day! The morning kicks off with the long descent to Campan, which takes you to the gorgeous and peaceful climb over the Col d’Aspin (1489m).

You then take on another infamous col and Tour de France regular, the Peyresourde (1569m) We'd advise you to try the crepes at the great col-top cafe (one of our favourites!) before possibly the best descent in the Pyrenees, all the way down to Luchon. You will LOVE this ride!

The afternoon sees you undulating over the quiet and very pretty Col des Ares (797m) and the Col de Buret (599m). Brace yourself though - next up is the slightly terrifying 14% incline of the Col de Portet d’Aspet (1069m)! Oof!

You'll be pleased to know that gentle gradients with a downhill bias then take you the remaining 35km to the hotel in St-Lizier. Chapeau - day three done!

Challenge : 155 KM with 3000m ascent [ride profile]

Three cyclists celebrating on the Col de Jau on the Marmot Tours Raid Pyrenean

Day 4: St-Lizier to Prades

In the cool of the morning, the Col de Port (1249m) is a stunning climb before you enjoy a fabulous descent to Tarascon. From here we climb up the Pas de Soulombrie (922m) and on to the 'Route des Corniches' on what must be one of the most stunning roads in the Pyrenees.

From the Col de Marmare (1377m) we enjoy another spectacular descent across high plateaux and into wonderful, deep gorges. Strap in for our final obstacle: the 19km climb of the Col de Jau (1506m)! This is an epic climb and reaching the col sign at the top will bring a feeling of relief you're not likely to forget!

Finally, your reward is a magnificent descent towards the Mediterranean plain and the town of Prades. You're nearing the coast so that has got to feel good! Just one last push ahead of you tomorrow ...

Challenge : 195 KM with 3400m ascent [ride profile]

Group of cyclists celebrating at the finish of the Raid Pyrenean with Marmot Tours

Day 5: Prades to Cerbere

The last push - the end is in sight - well, almost! With the clock ticking down to your finish deadline at 13:00, you'll need to dig deep as there are still nearly 100km and some steep coastal undulations to take on today!

Your route takes you to join the coast road in Argelès-sur-Mer. You then pass through the historic port town of Collioure before finally reaching your final destination in the quiet seaside village of Cerbère! Time for big whoop-whoops and fist bumps all around!

You fully deserve to spend the afternoon celebrating your incredible achievement! Take the customary dip in the Mediterranean Sea, enjoy a fabulous dinner in our charming seafront hotel, and revel in stories of the five days of cycling that are behind you. Chapeau!

Challenge : 94 KM with 620m ascent [ride profile]

Cyclist pointing to raid Pyrenees plaque at finish of cycling challenge with Marmot Tours

Day 6: Departure day

After a truly epic (and brutal!) five days, it's time to give your legs a well-earned rest and head home! Our included transfer drops you at Perpignan Airport (PGF), or we have limited places on a transfer to Toulouse Airport (TLS) for an extra cost of £45.

We're certain that your memories of this fabulous challenge will last a lifetime. The question is, what's next?!
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Trip Album