EPIC Trans Pyrenees

EPIC Trans Pyrenees

An epic ride across the legendary climbs of the Pyrenees

Discover the natural beauty of one of Europe’s most celebrated cycling terrains. Cross the highest peaks in the Pyrenees, conquering legendary Tour de France climbs every day. Includes Tourmalet, Aubisque, Aspin, Peyresourde, Pierre St Martin, Jaizkibel and many more!

Overview

Details

Next Departure

May 24th 2025

From

USD $4,895

Duration

8 days / 7 nights

Non-Rider Friendly

No

Rental Bike

USD $550

Ride Program

Total Distance

Total Elevation

Daily Av. Distance

Daily Av. Elevation

Overview

The Pyrenees conjure up images of famous Tour de France stages. This is your opportunity to transform these images into real life as you conquer the legendary Pyrenees climbs of the Tour de France.

From St Lary Soulan in the heart of the French Pyrenees, you’ll conquer the most iconic climbs as we cross the Pyrenees from east to west. The ride begins with Tour de France favourites like the Tourmalet, Aubisque, Peyresourde, Portet and Aspin before crossing the mighty Col de la Pierre Saint Martin into Spain. Several magnificent climbs await on the Spanish side, including the iconic Basque climb, the Jaizkibel, which featured on Stage 2 of the 2023 Tour de France. From the Jaizkibel, it’s a short descent to your final hotel in the beautiful city of San Sebastián, one of the world’s most exciting gastronomic destinations.

 

Tip: The EPIC TRANS and TRANS trips are fully interchangeable, so you can enjoy the classic TRANS route one day and switch to the EPIC the next, or vice versa. The two trips run side by side, with everyone staying in the same hotels, sharing the same staff, and having breakfasts and dinners together. The ONLY difference lies in your choice of daily route: TRANS is slightly shorter with less elevation, while EPIC offers a longer ride with more climbs.


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EPIC Trans Pyrenees
This was my first Thomson trip. I look forward to more. The staff are amazing. Hard working, supportive, always with a smile. I felt like ...

Eddie Sherwood, USA — 2022

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EPIC Trans Pyrenees
Everything about this trip exceeded all expectations. This was my first trip with Thomson and the entire staff was amazing. The support throughout the week ...

Scott Moore, USA — 2022

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EPIC Trans Pyrenees
As serious cyclists, we feel like we have found our home at Thomson Tours. The routes are challenging and incredibly well thought out. The nightly ...

Cecily Winterbottom, USA — 2024

See more reviews
Cycling helmet, sunglasses and shoes illustration

Itinerary

Day Description Distance Elevation Hotel
01 Welcome to the Pyrenees Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
02 Col de Portet Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
03 The Tourmalet Beausejour Hotel
04 Spandelles and Aubisque Hotel Alysson
05 Col de la Pierre St Martin Hotel Silken Puerta de Irati
06 Best of Spain and France Balneario Elgorriaga
07 Jaizkibel and into San Sebastián Hotel Catalonia Donosti
08 Au revoir!
Daily Averages
Itinerary View Itinerary View
Map View Map View
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08

Itinerary Detail

Day 1

Distance

Elevation


Welcome to the Pyrenees

Your trip starts at Toulouse Blagnac Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your hotel in St Lary Soulan.

After a brief orientation meeting, lunch and bike build-up, you’ll head out on our warm-up ride, which takes you high into the hills above the Aure Valley, over the Col de Ris and the Montée d’Ilhan. Serene roads and spectacular mountain landscapes set the scene for the week to come!

Day 2

Distance

Elevation


Col de Portet

Your first big day of climbing – and we kick things off with one of the most challenging climbs in the Pyrenees. The Col de Portet was first introduced to the Tour de France in 2018, then again in 2021 when Tadej Pogačar won the stage. Starting right outside the Hotel Mercure there could be no better way to launch an Epic Trans Pyrenees trip. After conquering the Portet, the ride continues with the stunning Col d’Azet Val Louron and the Col de Peyresoude before the descent back to the Hotel Mercure and the end of a quintessential day in the French Pyrenees!

Day 3

Distance

Elevation


The Tourmalet

After the toughest climb in the Pyrenees yesterday, today you’ll ride the most famous Pyreneen of all – the legendary Col du Tourmalet.

Setting out from the hotel, your first challenge is in the form of the Category 1, Col d’Aspin. The descent of the Aspin takes you to Ste Marie de Campan and the start of the Tourmalet. Don’t be fooled by the gentle slopes of the first few kilometers, it won’t be long until you’ll be seeing a lot of grades in double digits! Enjoy a snack at the famous cafe on the summit before heading down to Luz St Sauveur where the spectacular switchbacks of the climb to Luz-Ardiden await, before the ride along the valley to the next hotel.

Day 4

Distance

Elevation


Spandelles and Aubisque

Another spectacular Pyreneen ride today, featuring two magnificent climbs. First up is the Col de Spandelles where Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar broke away together in the 2022 Tour de France, and where Tadej famously crashed on the descent. After the descent of the Spandelles, the road points upwards again as you head for the Col de Soulor and the Col d’Aubisque. The stretch of road between the Soulor and the Aubisque runs along the ridge of the Cirque du Litor and offers some of the most stunning views in the Pyrenees!

Day 5

Distance

Elevation


Col de la Pierre St Martin

Highlight of today’s ride is no doubt the Col de la Pierre St Martin. With an elevation gain of 1500m over a distance of 24km, the Pierre St Martin is close to the Tourmalet in overall difficulty level. It last featured as a summit finish in the 2015 Tour de France when Chris Froome was first over the finish line. The Pierre St Martin also marks the border between France and Spain, so you’ll be descending into the Spanish province of Navarra – hot-bed of Spanish cycling and birthplace of Miguel Indurain, 5-times winner of the Tour de France.

Day 6

Distance

Elevation


Best of Spain and France

On today’s ride you’ll cross the Spanish/French border a couple of times as the route winds its way through the best of the French and Spanish Pyrenees. From the hotel you’ll start climbing the Puerto de Larrau which takes you across the border into France for the first time. Next up is the Col de Bagargui with its steep sections in the final few km. A fantastic descent takes you to the town of St Jean Pied de Port, one of the main starting points for the Way of St James (Camino de Santiago). The short and stunning Col d’Ispeguy takes you back into Spain before the final descent to our hotel in Elgorriaga and the end of a magnificent day on the bike.

Day 7

Distance

Elevation


Jaizkibel and into San Sebastián

A fantastic ride to end the trip through the Spanish Basque Country, the mecca of Spanish cycling. There are 4 categorised climbs on the agenda, culminating in the iconic Jaizkibel climb with it’s views of the cliffs and Atlantic Ocean that form this stunning section of the Basque coastline.

Day 8

Distance

Elevation


Au revoir!

Unfortunately, your trip across the Pyrenees has come to an end.

Our shuttle will drop you off at Bilbao Airport.

Map & Profile

Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col de Ris
from Arreau
5.9% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Montee d’Ilhan
from Borderes-Louron
6.1% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col de Portet
from St Lary Soulan
8.5% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col de Val Louron-Azet
from St Lary Soulan
7.1% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col de Peyresourde
from Avajan
7.1% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col d’Aspin
from Arreau
6.7% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col du Tourmalet
from Ste Marie de Campan
7.5% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Luz-Ardiden
from Luz St Sauveur
7.5% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col de Spandelles
from Ferrieres
8.4% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col de Soulor
from Argeles-Gazost
5.4% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col d’Aubisque
from Col de Soulor
4.9% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col de Marie-Blanque
from Escot
7.7% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col de la Pierre Saint Martin
from Lourdios-Ichère
6.4% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Alto de Lazar
from Isaba
3.8% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Puerto de Larrau
from Ochagavìa
4.7% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col de Bagargui
from Auberge Logibar
7.4% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col d’Ispeguy
from St Etienne de Baigorry
6.9% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Alto Agiña
from Lesaka
6.5% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Alto de Aritxulegi
from Endara
7.1% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Peñas de Aya
from Oiartzun
5.0% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Jaizkibel
from Hondarribia
5.5% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today

Climbs

Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06
Day 07

Climbs

Category Climb Day Difficulty Length Ele. Gain Av. Grade
2 Col de Ris (from Arreau) 01 48 5.9%
3 Montee d’Ilhan (from Borderes-Louron) 01 43 6.1%
HC Col de Portet (from St Lary Soulan) 02 151 8.5%
1 Col de Val Louron-Azet (from St Lary Soulan) 02 82 7.1%
1 Col de Peyresourde (from Avajan) 02 78 7.1%
1 Col d’Aspin (from Arreau) 03 80 6.7%
HC Col du Tourmalet (from Ste Marie de Campan) 03 126 7.5%
HC Luz-Ardiden (from Luz St Sauveur) 03 107 7.5%
HC Col de Spandelles (from Ferrieres) 04 107 8.4%
1 Col de Soulor (from Argeles-Gazost) 04 78 5.4%
2 Col d’Aubisque (from Col de Soulor) 04 43 4.9%
1 Col de Marie-Blanque (from Escot) 05 85 7.7%
HC Col de la Pierre Saint Martin (from Lourdios-Ichère) 05 123 6.4%
3 Alto de Lazar (from Isaba) 05 29 3.8%
1 Puerto de Larrau (from Ochagavìa) 06 61 4.7%
HC Col de Bagargui (from Auberge Logibar) 06 108 7.4%
2 Col d’Ispeguy (from St Etienne de Baigorry) 06 66 6.9%
2 Alto Agiña (from Lesaka) 07 57 6.5%
3 Alto de Aritxulegi (from Endara) 07 45 7.1%
2 Peñas de Aya (from Oiartzun) 07 47 5%
2 Jaizkibel (from Hondarribia) 07 47 5.5%
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Dates & Prices Illustration

Dates & Prices



Date Booking Status Availability Price / Per Person Single Supplement Non-rider Discount
2025
May 24 - 31
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $4,895
USD $850
USD $920
Book this trip
Aug 30 - Sep 6
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $4,895
USD $850
USD $920
Book this trip
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Waiting List


Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:



    Trip Hotels

    Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan

    Beausejour Hotel

    Hotel Alysson

    Hotel Silken Puerta de Irati

    Balneario Elgorriaga

    Hotel Catalonia Donosti


    What's Included

    What's Included What's Not Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Sit-down lunch on Day 1
    • Picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up at Toulouse Blagnac Airport
    • Drop-off at Bilbao Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    What's Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Sit-down lunch on Day 1
    • Picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up at Toulouse Blagnac Airport
    • Drop-off at Bilbao Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    What's Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities

    Travel details - airport departures

    Pick-up/Drop-off Info

    Arrival

    Pickup Location Time

    Toulouse Blagnac Airport

    9:00am

    OR

    Pullman Toulouse Airport Hotel

    View website arrow

    9:00am

    Departure

    Drop Off Location Time

    Bilbao Airport

    9:00am


    Rental Bikes

    Specialized Aethos Expert

    Frame

    Aethos FACT 10r Carbon

    Groupset

    Di2 Shimano Ultegra

    Weight

    699g (size 56)

    Wheels

    Roval C38

    Chainrings

    52/36T

    Cassette

    11-34t (12-speed)

    Sizes

    49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

    USD $550

    View Details


    EPIC Trans Pyrenees

    One of Europe’s most celebrated cycling terrains is an absolute must for every avid cyclist