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

DAY 1 | INTO THE PYRENEES

Toulouse → Saint-Savin | Arrival & Shakeout Ride

We meet in Toulouse and head south. The city falls away, the roads narrow, and before long the Pyrenees begin to fill the horizon. We're headed for Saint-Savin, a small mountain village perched above the Vallée des Gaves, surrounded by some of the most storied roads in cycling.

First order of business: bikes. Our mechanic will get everything built, checked, and dialed in for the days ahead. Once we've settled into our hotel, we'll roll out for a short spin down the valley toward Lourdes.

Nothing heroic today. A chance to shake the travel out of your legs, make sure the bike feels right, and get your first taste of the roads we'll be calling home.

These mountains need little introduction. The Tour de France has been writing its history on these roads for more than a century. Tomorrow, we start writing a little of our own.

Ride: 35 km +300m
Overnight: Saint-Savin at Hotel Le Viscos

D2 · Col de Spandelle + Col de Soulor + Col d’Aubisque

Touring 85 km ✧ +2500 m
Passhunter 100 km ✧ +2900 m

Col de Spandelles · Col du Soulor · Col d’Aubisque

No more warm-ups. Today we head into the high mountains, where the roads narrow, the gradients bite, and the Pyrenees begin to show their teeth.

Three exceptional climbs are on the menu, with plenty of ways to put them together. First up, Col de Spandelles, a local favorite with narrow roads, thick forests, almost no traffic, and gradients that don't give much away for free. From there, Col du Soulor, following the ascent from Argelès-Gazost, a route set to feature in the 2027 Tour de France. And then the main event, Col d'Aubisque. More than a century of Tour de France history and one of the most spectacular stretches of road anywhere in cycling, carved into the cliffs high above the valley.

For our Pass Hunters, there's one more temptation: a detour to Lac d'Estaing, a hidden alpine lake at the end of a quiet mountain road. A few more kilometers, a little more climbing, and a road most visiting cyclists never discover.

Three legendary cols. A little suffering. A lot of reward. This is why we came.

Overnight: Saint-Savin at Hotel Le Viscos

D3 · Le Cirque de Troumouse

Touring 65 km ✧ +2100 m
Passhunter 90 km ✧ +3000 m

We leave Saint-Savin behind and push deeper into the Pyrenees. For our Pass Hunters, the day begins with Luz-Ardiden, a Tour de France heavyweight. A relentless staircase of hairpins climbing high above Luz-Saint-Sauveur. No shortcuts. You earn every meter.

But today isn't just about collecting famous climbs. We leave the main roads behind, threading together forgotten mountain villages, high alpine lakes, and narrow ribbons of pavement that rarely make it onto anyone's cycling itinerary. This is RAID country. Roads chosen not for their reputation, but for the sheer pleasure of riding them.

The real surprise comes at Cirque de Troumouse, a wild, immense amphitheater of limestone cliffs and alpine meadows, reached by a spectacular series of hairpins. We'll stop for lunch here, surrounded by a landscape that feels more like the Canadian Rockies than southern France.

From Troumouse, we make our way to Gavarnie, a tiny mountain village dwarfed by towering peaks, waterfalls, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the Pyrenees.

Big mountains. Empty roads. Extraordinary places. This is what RAID is all about.

Overnight: Gavarnie at Hotel du Cirque

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.