Crossing the Pyrénées by bike: The Orientale

This is not the time to go on a diet! Instead, it is an opportunity to taste local cuisine and specialities. The quality of your food is paramount and we take great care to ensure a good dietary balance, sufficient calorie intake and that each meal includes local specialities.You will eat in the hotel.

Picnics (for lunch) are not included.

For the formula with the assistance vehicle, you carry nothing except your groceries and water.  1 bag per person, maximum 15kg/bag.

• Passport or ID is compulsory
• We recommend getting a European Health Insurance card (check with the NHS) 
• Repatriation insurance is compulsory

You are in good physical condition and go cycling on roads, over long distances, at least once a week.
Stages vary from 100 to 115km per day with positive altitude differences of 1200 to 2800m per day.

Where possible, several difficulty levels will be on offer, with the same departure and arrival points for everyone. And of course without transfers :)!

• Physiotherapy: recovery session with a physiotherapist at the end of the stage,
• Leader: a qualified instructor guides the group (+ sports advice),
• Mechanic: a mechanic cycles is responsible for repairs during the circuit and maintenance of the bikes at the end of the stages.

Free bike with luggage carrying (for groups of 6 people or more):

Equipped with the guidance material we give you: maps with highlighted route, GPS tracks and detailed topo-guide, you go alone to discover circuits designed by our team. The topo and the GPS fixed on the handlebars, you let yourself be guided by the indications prepared with care, for a maximum precision.

Free bike with assistance vehicle (for groups of 8 or more):

The assistance vehicle + bike trailer joins you at different times during the day stage, often at the top of the passes and transports your picnic, water, extra clothes and a complete toolbox in case of mechanical problem. You enjoy your day with a light bag or no bag. The driver of the vehicle also gives you advice for each step, helps you manage your effort, and can most of the time answer your questions about the region visited.
 

3 formulas to choose from:

Formula lodging stage: selected in particular for the quality of their reception, you find in the cottages a friendly atmosphere. Most often you share 4/6-seater dorms with other people.
Sheets and towels to be provided in your luggage.

Double room formula: you sleep in comfortable rooms for 2 people in hotels, guest rooms or cottages.  Bed linen and towels are provided.

(Single room option - See rates)

Upscale hotel formula: you sleep in comfortable rooms for 2 people in superior hotels (single room option – see rates): including 1 hotel**, 3 hotels*** and 2 hotels**** (Formula reserved only for groups and subject to availability):

Day 1: Overnight in Larrau hotel*** at the foot of Pic D'Orhy where the view is beautiful. With its friendly welcome this house will transport you in the Basque tradition for an evening.

Day 2: Night in Argelès-Gazost in hotel***. Characteristic establishment of the 30s built following a competition of architects. All rooms have mountain views.

You can discover the Jardin des bains thermo-ludic d'Argeles-Gazost, and enjoy a relaxing moment for a pleasant recovery (optional).

Day 3: Overnight in Saint-Lary-Soulan in a hotel***. Accommodation that cultivates the taste of modernity and the quality of a welcoming service. All rooms have a balcony overlooking the mountains. You can also enjoy the garden or the relaxation area (swimming pool, hammam, sauna and jacuzzi).
You can also relax in 32° spring water in the thermo-play area, with direct access from the hotel (optional).

Day 4: Overnight in Massat in hotel**. In order to keep the pace of roaming, we offer this friendly hotel** family. This friendly establishment, used to welcoming our cycling groups will welcome you with open arms.  

Day 5: Overnight in Ax-les-Thermes in hotel*** on the banks of the Oriège. This establishment with its gourmet restaurant will welcome you and awaken your taste buds. Come and enjoy the warm, natural and relaxing thermal water that flows between 33 and 38° in the Couloubret baths (optional).

Day 6: Night in Prades in hotel****. Charming accommodation with flower garden, swimming pool and nice view of the Canigou massif. You will enjoy a pleasant time in spacious and comfortable rooms.
 

7 picnics (+€70/ person for the stay),
Customized program from the steps you choose yourself from 8 people,
Additional accommodation before or after the stay,
Single room supplement,
High-end bike rental on measure,
Transport of bike cases and hard bottom panniers, only for the formula with assistance vehicle and within the limit of available places: +40 € / box,
Accompanying program (not cycling),
Transfer back to the car,
Welcome and free parking in Foix, transfer to Hendaye, and return to Foix at the end of the stay: 45 € per trip (90 € round trip) and per person (formula with driver subject to availability),
Airport reception and transfers (Toulouse, Bordeaux, Perpignan, Biarritz, Carcassonne, Barcelona), contact us.
Premium hosting

Crossing the Pyrenees by bike 7 days is accessible to groups of at least 6 people: the departure is free (consult us).
 

DEPARTURE AND APPOINTMENT:

Meeting the first day in Hendaye. Free meeting for groups.

For arrivals by train or plane: appointment directly at Hendaye or Biarritz airport.

How to get there:

By car: A 63 Hendaye exit #1

By train: Hendaye.

By plane: Biarritz airport.