Cycling in the Pyrenees

Organize your cycling trip in the Pyrénées

CLOSE TO LEGENDARY MOUNTAIN PASSESItinerary

Not far from the most famous cycling routes in the Pyrenees, the Grand Hôtel Gallia & Londres makes the ideal base for a cycling holiday with friends or an organised group. Your itinerary starts quite simply from the spacious private car park which has an area set aside for bicycles, with lockers, repair facilities and a bike-washing station. From there you can head for Tourmalet, Soulor, Aubisque, Hautacam, Luz Ardiden, etc.

Decorated in the “Grand Siècle” style of the 17th century, the Grand Hôtel Gallia & Londres offers tranquillity and a real change of scene. Our bright, comfortable rooms have a balcony, a mini-bar, satellite television, a private bathroom with bath or shower, and free high-speed Wifi.

Once back from the mountain passes, you can relax on the terrace in the shade of the castle, or in our chic and cosy lounge bar. You can also enjoy the jacuzzi, hammam and sauna of the Nuxe Spa, as well as massages and body treatments designed with athletes in mind.

Between the breakfast buffet, the gourmet restaurant serving traditional French cuisine, and the buffet-style restaurant, you’re sure to find just the thing to satisfy your needs and desires. Set menus and special takeaway picnics are also available on request.

The hotel has won the approval of the Jumbo Visma professional cycling team. It also carries the “Bicycle-friendly” quality seal.

TOURMALET ITINERARY

TOURMALET ITINERARY19 KM FROM LUZ SAINT SAUVEUR

This legendary pass needs no introduction! Since 1910, the Tour de France cyclists have climbed it 78 times and it has hosted 3 stage finish lines. Octave Lapize was the first competitor to win fame here during a 326-km race in 1910, the most difficult ever stage of the Tour de France. At 2,115 metres above sea level, the Col du Tourmalet is one of the highest Pyrenean roads located entirely in France. The impressive Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2,877 metres) towers above it. Ever since, this col has frequently featured on the Tour de France route, more times than any other pass. It was here that the Shleck vs Contador battle to the stage finish line took place in 2010.

Elevation:	2115 M
Starts at:	Luz Saint Sauveur
Length:	19.00 km
Elevation gain:	1404 m
Average %:	7.4%
Maximum %:	10.2%

Soulor/Aubisque ITINERARY

After the Col du Tourmalet come two other Tour de France giants: the Col d’Aubisque and the Col du Soulor. After a short but intense climb from Argelès Gazost and over the Col du Soulor, the road, carved out of the rock in the Cirque du Litor, follows the mountainside up to the Col de l’Aubisque. This route offers a succession of panoramic views over the splendours of the Ouzoum Valley.

Col du SouloR 1,474 metres - Category 2 (from Arrens-Marsous) - Climbed 54 times by the Tour de France

Elevation :	1474 M
Starts at :	Argeles Gazost
Length :	7.00 km
Length :	600 m
Average % :	8%
Maximum % :	11%

Col d'Aubisque 1,709 metres - Category 1 (from Col du Soulor) - Climbed 48 times by the Tour de France with 2 stage finish lines

Elevation :	1709 M
Starts at :	Argeles Gazost
Length :	17.00 km
Length :	959 m
Average % :	7%
Maximum % :	9%

Hautacam Itinerary

Hautacam Itinerary 14 km from Argelès Gazost

The resort of Hautacam (Tramassel) has hosted Tour de France stage finish lines on several occasions. To help you complete the climb, every turn of the pedal is rewarded with panoramic views of the Valleys of Argelès and Azun, as well as the Vignemale and its neighbouring summits! Take a break at the top to enjoy the panorama and prepare yourself for a magical 16-km descent!

Elevation :	1616 M
Starts at :	Argeles Gazost
Length :	14.00 km
Elevation gain:	1096 m
Average % :	7.7%
Maximum % :	11%

Luz Ardiden Itinerary

Luz Ardiden Itinerary 13 km from Luz Saint Sauveur

This legendary ascent from the Luz Ardiden plateau has been the finishing leg of no less than 5 Tour de France stages. The stuff of legends, with the memorable Miguel Indurain, then Lance Armstrong who, despite a fall, made the climb in 36 minutes to achieve his 5th Tour de France victory. The Luz Ardiden route is pleasant in summer because it starts in the shade and there is very little traffic.

Ekevation :	1720 M
Starts at :	Luz Saint Sauveur
Length :	13.00 km
Elevation gain :	1010 m
Average %:	7%
Maximum % :	10%

Gavarnie Itinerary

Gavarnie/Col de Tentes Itinerary17 km from Luz Saint Sauveur

A physically challenging climb in the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of the valley of Gavarnie.

Elevation :	2208 M
Starts at :	Luz Saint Sauveur
Length :	17.10 km
Elevation gain :	1497 m
Average % :	7.5%
Maximum % :	10.7%

Cycling events

Cycling events NOT TO BE MISSED

On 6th June 2020, a sporting event with a party atmosphere accompanies a monumental statue nicknamed “Octave” on his climb to the Col du Tourmalet. The celebrations mark the beginning of the summer season of cycling events in the Pyrenees.
The “Great Loop” as the Tour de France is sometimes known, the longest-running but also the most famous of the three “grand tour” cycle races, comes to the Pyrenees on 4th and 5th July. Since its beginnings in 1903, the popularity of the Tour de France has extended across borders in terms of both spectators and competing cyclists.
The Pyrenees Cycle’n Trip takes place from 6th to 10th July 2020 Anyone can join this free event and experience the freedom of cycling at their own pace along the legendary passes of the Tour de France which are closed to traffic for the occasion.
On 12th July 2020, a major annual challenge, the Pyrénéenne Cyclosportive, follows the emblematic passes of Hautes-Pyrénées.
The Marmotte Granfondo Pyrénées cycle race on 30th August 2020 is the Pyrenean version of the Marmotte Granfondo Alpes event. It attracts cyclists from across the world, all keen to cover a succession of unclassified mountain passes in an electric atmosphere as international as they come.
The Vuelta a España is another of the cycling world’s three most prestigious “grand tours” (with the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia), and the Col du Tourmalet is hosting one of its stage finish lines on 28th August 2020.

Exclusive Offers

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Stays

Cycling freedom

At Lourdes, you’re within reach of no less than 10 legendary mountain passes!
Offer valid from 04/07/2020 to 31/12/2020

Stays

Holiday freedom, Pyrenees-style

With your family, friends or partner, make the most of this gateway to some of the Pyrenees’ most beautiful valleys. Sample the South-West art of l...

Stays

Golfing freedom

Complete peace of mind in your favourite sport with access to 3 or 5 Hautes-Pyrénées golf courses. Chop and change between courses of varying level...

Cycling freedom

At Lourdes, you’re within reach of no less than 10 legendary mountain passes (Tourmalet, Hautacam, Aubisque, Luz Ardiden, Portet, etc.)! !

Leave your car on the car park, enjoy the freedom and live the dream, intensely! Every morning from Monday to Friday, alone or in a small group organised by our partner, take to the legendary Pyrenean routes!

We propose 3-night and 7-night half-board options in 3- or 4-star accommodation. (Breakfast-only rates on request.)
To book your stay, send an email to [email protected], or phone us on +33 (0)562 428 428.

Offer valid from 04/07/2020 to 31/12/2020

Tel: +33 (0)5 62 94 35 44

Holiday freedom, Pyrenees-style

With your family, friends or partner, make the most of this gateway to some of the Pyrenees’ most beautiful valleys. Sample the South-West art of living!
Try our breakfast or half-board packages when you stay in our 3-star and 4-star hotels!

Offer valid from 04/07/2020 to 31/12/2020

Tel: +33 (0)5 62 94 35 44

Golfing freedom

Complete peace of mind in your favourite sport with access to 3 or 5 Hautes-Pyrénées golf courses. Chop and change between courses of varying levels and make the most of the sublime natural scenery of valleys, lakes and rivers.

Offer valid from 04/07/2020 to 31/12/2020

Tel: +33 (0)5 62 94 35 44