Haute Pyrénées: the spiritual home of mountain cycling.

The Pyrenees are unlike anywhere else in Europe.

Wild, rugged, and deeply rooted in tradition, these mountains feel a world apart from the Alps. The roads are quieter, the villages more authentic, and the landscapes carry a sense of mystery that is difficult to describe until you’ve experienced them yourself.

This journey is the result of countless hours spent exploring the region by bicycle. We’ve combined the iconic climbs that have shaped the history of the Tour de France with hidden roads, forgotten valleys, and lesser-known ascents that most riders will never discover on their own. Some days are about conquering legendary cols. Others are about turning onto a quiet road and finding a place you never expected.

Throughout the trip, you’ll be supported by the RAID team. Experienced guides, support vehicles, ride food, mechanical assistance, and logistics are all taken care of, allowing you to focus on what matters most—riding your bike and enjoying the experience.

At the end of each day, hand your bike to our mechanic, settle into your hotel, and enjoy the evening. Exceptional riding deserves exceptional hospitality, and each night concludes with carefully selected accommodations and memorable meals shared with fellow riders.

Our journey begins in Saint-Lary-Soulan, one of the great cycling towns of the Pyrenees and our gateway to some of the most spectacular roads in the range. From there, we’ll cross the mountains through Bagnères-de-Luchon before making our way to the charming village of Saint-Savin, nestled beneath the legendary slopes of the Col d’Aubisque.

Over ten days, including eight days of riding, we’ll explore the very best of the Haute Pyrénées—legendary climbs, hidden roads, dramatic mountain scenery, and the unique culture of a region that remains one of cycling’s most special destinations.

This is the Pyrenees, RAID style.

D1 · Arrival in the Pyrenees

Welcome to the Pyrenees.

Our team will meet you at Toulouse Airport before transferring south into the heart of the mountains and our home for the next several days, Saint-Lary-Soulan.

Upon arrival, our mechanic will assemble and inspect your bicycle, making any final adjustments to ensure everything is ready for the week ahead. After settling into the hotel and enjoying a brief trip orientation, we’ll head out for an easy spin through the beautiful Vallée d’Aure.

This relaxed ride is designed to loosen the legs after travel, test equipment, and provide a first taste of the roads, scenery, and atmosphere that make the Pyrenees one of cycling’s most revered destinations.

Ride: 21 km
Overnight: Saint-Lary-Soulan

D2 · Cap du Long & Col de Portet

Touring: 63 km / 2,039 m
Classic: 85 km / 2,931 m
Passhunter: 103 km / 3,560 m

Our first full day in the Pyrenees begins with a ride deep into the spectacular Néouvielle Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in France.

Climbing steadily from Saint-Lary-Soulan, we’ll make our way toward Cap du Long, passing alpine forests, granite peaks, and a series of stunning high-mountain lakes. At the summit, we’ll pause for coffee and take in the dramatic scenery before descending back toward Saint-Lary for lunch.

For many riders, that will be a perfect day in the mountains. For those looking for a bigger challenge, the afternoon offers the opportunity to tackle one of the great modern climbs of the Pyrenees: Col de Portet.

At 2,215 meters, Portet is the highest paved mountain pass in the French Pyrenees and one of the most demanding climbs in the region. Its final kilometers rise above the treeline into a spectacular high-alpine landscape that has become a regular feature of the Tour de France.

On the return, riders can add one final climb to Pla d’Adet, the famous ski station perched above Saint-Lary and the site of numerous Tour de France summit finishes.

D3 · The Three A’s: Azet, Aspin & Ancizan

Touring: 82 km
Elevation Gain: 3,000 m

Today we tackle three of the defining climbs of the Haute Pyrénées, a spectacular loop of mountain passes that encircle our base in Saint-Lary-Soulan.

Known within the RAID team as the “Three A’s,” this ride combines legendary Tour de France roads with one of our favorite hidden gems in all of France.

The day begins with the climb to Col d’Azet. Rising above the Vallée d’Aure, the road twists through forests and mountain pastures before opening to sweeping views across two valleys. On the right morning, low clouds linger below, leaving villages peeking through the mist and creating one of the most memorable panoramas of the trip.

From the summit, we descend to the base of Col d’Aspin, one of cycling’s classic Pyrenean climbs. A fixture of the Tour de France for decades, Aspin is famous for its open slopes, grazing cattle, and spectacular views toward the high peaks that define this region.

Our final major climb is the magnificent Hourquette d’Ancizan. Quiet, remote, and surrounded by pristine mountain scenery, it remains one of our favorite roads anywhere in Europe. While less famous than Aspin or Tourmalet, many riders finish the day calling it the highlight of the trip.

For those still looking for more climbing, we have one final surprise: a brutally steep hidden road averaging nearly 11%, leading to a tiny mountain village tucked beneath some of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees.

A true Pyrenean classic.

D4 · Peyresourde, Port de Balès & Superbagnères

Touring: 107 km / 2,566 m
Passhunter: 145 km / 3,752 m

Today marks our first traverse across the Pyrenees as we leave Saint-Lary-Soulan behind and make our way toward the historic cycling town of Bagnères-de-Luchon.

The day begins with one of the region’s great classics: Col de Peyresourde. Featured regularly in the Tour de France, Peyresourde offers a steady, rhythmic climb through mountain villages and open alpine terrain. Near the summit, we’ll make a short detour to the hidden altiport perched high above the valley for spectacular views across the central Pyrenees.

From there, we follow the route of the Tour de France down toward Luchon before turning onto one of the Pyrenees’ finest hidden treasures: Port de Balès.

Less famous than many of its neighboring giants, Balès is a true cyclist’s climb—quiet, remote, and beautifully wild. Winding through forests and high mountain pastures, it delivers some of the most rewarding riding of the entire trip and is often remembered as one of the week’s biggest surprises.

Our destination is Bagnères-de-Luchon, the historic spa town known as the “Queen of the Pyrenees.” But before checking into the hotel, one final challenge awaits.

Riders looking for the full experience can finish the day with the climb to Superbagnères, rising directly above town. This classic ascent rewards the effort with sweeping views across the mountains we’ve crossed throughout the day.

For those ready to relax and enjoy the town, the climb is optional, allowing riders to finish directly at the hotel.

D5 · Peyresourde, Crêpes & Recovery

Touring: 49 km
Elevation Gain: 1,780 m

After several big days in the mountains, today offers a chance to catch our breath and enjoy a slightly shorter ride before the second half of the adventure begins.

Leaving Bagnères-de-Luchon, we’ll climb Col de Peyresourde once again—this time from the opposite side. Many locals would argue this is the more beautiful ascent, and it’s hard to disagree. The road winds steadily through quiet villages and open mountain slopes, revealing a completely different character from the side we climbed earlier in the week.

At the summit, we’ll stop for one of the Pyrenees’ great cycling traditions: crêpes at the top of Peyresourde. Take a seat, enjoy a coffee, and soak in the views as we reflect on the roads we’ve ridden and the mountains still to come.

From there, we descend back toward Saint-Lary-Soulan and return to our hotel for a well-earned afternoon of recovery.

Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the spa, wellness facilities, or simply relaxing in town. The first half of the journey may be behind us, but there are still plenty of legendary climbs waiting on the horizon.

D6 · Across the Haute Pyrénées

Touring: 89 km / 2,100 m
Passhunter: 130 km / 3,300 m

Today we leave the Vallée d’Aure behind and begin our journey toward the western reaches of the Pyrenees.

The day starts with a climb back over the magnificent Hourquette d’Ancizan, giving us one final opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful roads of the trip. Rather than following the major valleys, we’ll spend much of the day on quiet backroads linking small mountain villages, hidden hamlets, and rolling countryside that many visitors never see.

This is classic RAID terrain—roads chosen not because they’re famous, but because they’re exceptional.

As we make our way west, the landscape gradually changes. The valleys broaden, rivers carve through the mountains, and the high peaks of the central Pyrenees begin to dominate the horizon.

Our destination is the charming village of Saint-Savin, tucked beneath some of the most dramatic mountains in the range. For riders looking for one final challenge, an optional extension climbs deep into the Vignemale Massif toward Clot de la Hount, where towering peaks, waterfalls, and powerful mountain springs create one of the most spectacular natural settings in the Pyrenees.

Riders may choose to finish directly at the hotel or continue on the extended route for a deeper exploration of the mountains.

D7 · Into the High Pyrenees

Passhunter: 120 km
Elevation Gain: 3,300 m

Today is a day of grand landscapes and dead-end roads that lead deep into the heart of the mountains.

Our route explores two of the most spectacular cirques in the Pyrenees, both situated beneath the towering frontier that separates France and Spain. These roads don’t lead anywhere except into the mountains themselves—which is precisely what makes them so special.

The day begins with the climb toward Col de Tentes, high above the legendary Cirque de Gavarnie. Surrounded by sheer rock walls, waterfalls, and some of the highest peaks in the range, this is one of the most dramatic settings in all of France. The road climbs steadily toward the Spanish border before eventually ending beneath an amphitheater of towering summits.

After descending through the valley, we’ll continue toward another hidden masterpiece: Cirque de Troumouse.

Before tackling the final ascent, we’ll stop for lunch and take in the immense scale of the cirque. Vast alpine meadows, towering limestone walls, and endless mountain views create a landscape that feels more like the Rockies than Europe.

The climb itself is unforgettable, a ribbon of pavement winding through a series of spectacular hairpins toward one of the most remote and beautiful destinations in the Pyrenees.

A day defined not by famous passes, but by extraordinary places.

D8 · The Green Giant

Touring: 82 km / 2,500 m
Passhunter: 116 km / 3,000 m

Today we ride one of the true giants of the Pyrenees.

Col d’Aubisque has been a defining climb of the Tour de France for more than a century and remains one of the most spectacular roads in all of cycling. Unlike the stark, rocky landscapes found elsewhere in the range, Aubisque rises through lush green valleys, high mountain pastures, and dramatic cliffs that seem to hang above the road.

From our base in Saint-Savin, riders will have multiple options to build their perfect Aubisque experience. Whether you’re looking for a classic day in the mountains or an all-out climbing challenge, today’s route allows you to choose your own adventure.

The menu includes three of the region’s finest climbs:

Col du Soulor – a Pyrenean classic that serves as the traditional gateway to Aubisque.

Col d’Aubisque – one of cycling’s most legendary summits, offering panoramic views across the western Pyrenees.

Col de Spandelles – a relatively recent addition to the Tour de France and one of the most beautiful hidden climbs in the region, featuring quiet roads, dense forests, and steep gradients.

Ride one, ride two, or conquer all three. However you choose to approach it, today is a celebration of some of the finest climbing roads in Europe.

D9 · Hautacam & Luz Ardiden

Classic: 93 km
Elevation Gain: 3,100 m

Our final full day in the Pyrenees is reserved for two of the most iconic climbs in French cycling.

The day begins with the ascent of Luz Ardiden, a legendary Tour de France summit finish perched high above the valley. The road climbs through dense forests before emerging into open alpine terrain, delivering sweeping views and a fitting challenge for the penultimate day of the journey.

After descending back into the valley, we turn our attention toward the final objective of the trip: Hautacam.

Made famous by some of the Tour de France’s most memorable mountain battles, Hautacam is a climb that demands respect. The road rises relentlessly above Argelès-Gazost before reaching the high plateau and ski station far above the valley floor.

For those looking to complete the full experience, the route continues beyond Hautacam to Col de Tramassel. Perched above the summit, this final climb offers one of the finest viewpoints in the Pyrenees. On a clear day, riders are rewarded with a panoramic view of the mountains, valleys, and legendary roads we have explored throughout the week. Often rising above the clouds, it provides a spectacular perspective on the journey and a memorable conclusion to our time in the Haute Pyrénées.

A fitting finale to an unforgettable week in the mountains.

D10 · Departure

After one final breakfast together, it’s time to say goodbye to the Pyrenees.

Our team will coordinate transfers to Toulouse Airport for departing flights. As always, your bicycles and luggage will be handled by the RAID staff, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed and stress-free departure.

As we make our way north toward Toulouse, we’ll have one final opportunity to reflect on the roads we’ve ridden, the mountains we’ve crossed, and the friendships formed over the past ten days.

From legendary Tour de France climbs to hidden backroads, remote valleys, and unforgettable mountain scenery, the Haute Pyrénées offers a cycling experience unlike anywhere else in Europe.

Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you on another RAID adventure soon.

What’s included:

• Nine nights in a single occupation in 4* Hotels (breakfasts and dinners included).

• Fully supported rides - on bike guide and vehicle support (*Ride food, spare parts and riders wet weather kit will be carried in the support car - accessible throughout the day.

• Mechanical support during and post rides - daily wash and spare parts provided.

• Ride food - energy bars and drinks, hand crafted snacks, coffee and lunches/picnic stops.

• Airport transfers - scheduled based on guests arrivals/ departures.

What’s not included:

• Flights

• We do not provide or include personal travel insurance, but it is mandatory for all guests to have suitable coverage for the activities that you are undertaking with us.