7-Day, 6-Night Pyrenees Cycling Tour Route (Tour de France Inspired)

Depart from Lourdes toward Argelès-Gazost, then climb up to the hillside village of Saint-Savin overlooking the Vallée des Gaves. After passing through the Val d’Azun valley, the real ascent begins: starting from Arrens-Marsous, you will tackle a 17 km climb with a total elevation gain of 1,150 meters.

Following the climb, enjoy a 22 km descent to give your legs a well-earned break, before taking on a final 8 km ascent to reach the summit of Col d’Aubisque—one of the legendary climbs featured in the Tour de France.

Afterward, descend via Laruns (or optionally via Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre) and return to Lourdes.

Route: Lourdes – Col du Soulor – Col d’Aubisque – Laruns – Lourdes (optional Col des Bordères)
Distance: 110 km | Elevation Gain: 1,950 m

A private transfer will take you and your bicycles from the hotel to the starting point in Luz-Saint-Sauveur. From there, ride towards the Pont Napoléon, built between 1859 and 1863, before continuing through the village of Gavarnie, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by glacial mountains forming a spectacular natural amphitheatre.

The route continues with an 11 km ascent to Col des Tentes (2,208 m), where you will enjoy breathtaking views over the Hautes-Pyrénées National Park. After a short break, descend and loop back toward Luz-Saint-Sauveur, then continue the climb to Luz Ardiden, a renowned winter ski resort, before returning to Luz-Saint-Sauveur.

Route: Luz-Saint-Sauveur – Gavarnie – Col des Tentes – Luz Ardiden – Luz-Saint-Sauveur
Distance: 87 km | Elevation Gain: 2,785 m

Today you may choose to take a well-deserved rest and explore Lourdes at your own pace. For those interested in architecture and design, a highly recommended visit is the Basilica of St. Pius X, also known as the Underground Basilica. Built in 1958 (one hundred years after the Marian apparitions of 1858), it was constructed underground in anticipation of potential future conflicts.

This modern concrete structure features an elliptical design measuring 191 m in length and 61 m in width, with a relatively low ceiling height of 10 m for a church. It resembles a modern-day “Noah’s Ark” and was initially controversial in its design. Today, however, it is appreciated for its innovative architecture. The basilica is entirely underground, with a unique presentation of saints’ images displayed on hanging banners rather than traditional fixtures. The central space is completely pillar-free, offering a vast open area of approximately 12,000 square meters and a capacity of up to 25,000 people.

Alternatively, if you still have energy to ride, you may choose to climb Hautacam. Known for its irregular gradients and sustained steep sections exceeding 10% over a demanding 3 km stretch, it is considered one of the most challenging climbs in the region—often regarded as even harder than the Tourmalet. After reaching the summit, you may descend via the Vallée de Castelloubon toward Col de Lingous before returning to Lourdes.

For food and wine lovers, this is also an excellent opportunity to enjoy the gastronomy of Occitanie in southwestern France. Optional wine estate visits or day excursions can also be arranged. A must-try local specialty is the renowned Porc Noir de Bigorre (black pork ham), produced at the foot of the Pyrenees. It is not available in Taiwan, so this is the best chance to experience it. Even the fat is remarkably light and clean in taste, without any greasy aftertaste.

Route (optional ride): Lourdes – Argelès-Gazost – Hautacam – Juncalas – Col de Lingous – Lourdes
Distance: 77 km | Elevation Gain: 1,770 m

Depart from Lourdes with a warm-up climb to Loucrup, a 2 km ascent at an average gradient of around 7%, before descending toward Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Continue through Campan and Sainte-Marie-de-Campan—names that may sound familiar.

This area is part of Tour de France history, famously associated with Eugène Christophe’s legendary 1913 Tourmalet stage. After his bicycle’s front fork broke during the descent, Christophe was forced to walk to Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, where he found a local blacksmith to repair it. Although he repaired the fork himself, race organiser Henri Desgrange ruled that the assistance still violated the rules, resulting in a 3-minute penalty.

From here, the route gradually rises again toward Gripp before the final 5 km approach to the climb begins. This is where the legend truly starts: Col du Tourmalet, one of the most iconic climbs in the Tour de France. With 17 km of climbing, an average gradient of 7.3%, and 1,255 m of elevation gain, it is easy to understand why this pass is one of the most frequently featured ascents in cycling history.

After reaching the summit, descend via Barèges and return to Lourdes.

Route: Lourdes – Campan – Col du Tourmalet – Barèges – Lourdes
Distance: 100 km | Elevation Gain: 2,100 m

The final riding day is expected to be the toughest of the entire itinerary—endure it, and it will be yours. Today’s route features over 3,000 m of total elevation gain, but also some of the most spectacular scenery of the trip.

Start with the ascent of Hourquette d’Ancizan, riding through peaceful alpine pastures often shared with local wildlife. Descend toward Saint-Lary-Soulan before beginning a major climb into the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, reaching Lac de Cap-de-Long. This section covers 22 km of riding with 1,340 m of elevation gain. Surrounded by rich flora and fauna, dramatic mountain landscapes, and glacial lakes, this is one of the most visually rewarding sections of the entire journey.

After descending back to Saint-Lary-Soulan, the final challenge begins from Arreau: the climb to Col d’Aspin. This 12 km ascent with 780 m of elevation gain offers a classic Pyrenean finale.

Route: Payolle – Hourquette d’Ancizan – Saint-Lary-Soulan – Cap de Long – Arreau – Col d’Aspin – Payolle
Distance: 102 km | Elevation Gain: 3,050 m