Classic Cols Of The Tour De France Cycling Holiday

Saddle up and ride some of the famous passes of the Tour de France

Every year France holds its breath as the multi-coloured peloton winds its way into the Pyrenees, but 2013 will be particularly memorable as it's the 100th edition of the world's most famous cycle race. But the cols are not just the preserve of the likes of Wiggins, Evans and Voekler.

All the mountains can be ridden by anyone who is fit and wants to experience the buzz of cresting a pass, having climbed through some of Europe's most beautiful scenery. This challenging itinerary takes in eight of the most famous cols, including the Aspin, Portet d'Aspet and Peyresourde, and gives you the option of taking on a few more.

What goes up must come down and the exhilarating descents are a great reward for your hard work. The support vehicle will urge you along, or give you a lift, and as you conquer each mountain the sense of achievement just gets better and better.

Our crowning moment is the ascent of the Col de Tourmalet, at 2115m the most formidable road pass in the Pyrenees and a fitting end to our quest to become King (or Queen) of the Mountains.

What makes this trip responsible?

All the hotels selected by our local partner in the Pyrenees are small family run businesses, thus benefiting the local communities. Both the start and end points are easily accessible by train, avoiding the need to travel to an airport and wait for checked-in luggage. A perfect way to reduce your carbon footprint!

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: France

Day 1

Fly London to Toulouse; transfer to Ax-Les-Thermes.

Day 2

Warm-up ride on the Col du Chioula (optional afternoon riding some of the beautiful Orlu Valley or the col of Ax Bonascre).

Day 3

Undulate along the 'Route de Corniche' with constant views towards Tarascon, crest the Col de Port and descend, following the river to Lorp Sentaille.

Day 4

Head to the thriving spa town of Luchon via the Col de Portet d'Aspet and the long steady climb to the Col de Mente (optional extension to Spain for Col du Portillon).

Day 5

Free day in Luchon; optional trip to thermal baths, or ride up to Superbagneres ski station, where Scotsman Robert Millar was a stage winner in 1989.

Day 6

Two beautiful 1st category cols: Col de Peyresourde and Col d'Aspin with a fast and exciting descent to the villages of Ste Marie Campan and Aste (option of climbing to Azet and Adet).

Day 7

The unclassified Col de Tourmalet, the classic Pyrenean col that is etched on the memory of many tour riders; then an epic 35km descent to Argeles-Gazost. (option of climbing to Luz Ardiden or Col d'Aubisque)

Day 8

Free morning or optional ride to Hautacam; afternoon transfer to Toulouse and fly to London.

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Exodus images from CLASSIC COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

Note: Click on a thumbnail to enlarge.

Stage start in Luchon, 2006 Tour de France

Nearly at the summit of the Col du Tourmalet, Pyrenees

Support and promo cars on Col de Peyresourde, 2006 Tour de France

View of Pico Aneto in Spain, taken from Superbagneres, abouve Luchon.

Group at the Col d'Aspin