The six day ride from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean Sea is one of the classic cycling itineraries. The Pyrenees are a fascinating mountain range and best explored in point to point linear fashion. As a range they have a character of their own; a blend of Basque, Spanish and French cultures and cuisines and a tranquility and peace not seen in some of the other cycling heartlands. Our well tested itinerary includes the giants of the Pyrenees along with some smaller surprises along the way.

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Day 1: Biarritz to Oloron Ste Marie 125km / 3,000m

Notable climbs: Palombieres / Osquich

We leave the laid back, surf town of Biarritz via the aptly named Route Imperiale des Cimes and already the peaks of the Pyrenees lie ominously on the horizon. The mix of cultures in this region of France is very obvious with Basque delicacies on the menu and pelota courts a feature in many of the villages. Our first "proper" col of the tour, Col des Palombieres often gives us a first sighting of the Griffon vultures that inhabit the full length of the Pyrenean range; an impressive sight and reminder of the wildness of many parts of this mountain range. After lunch a couple of minor cols take us over to the overnight stop in Oloron Ste Marie; a town centred on the picturesque Gave d'Oloron.   

Day 2: Oloron Ste Marie to St Savin 115km

Notable climbs: Ichere / Marie-Blanque / Aubisque / Soulor

Day 3: Saint Savin to Bagneres de Luchon

Notable climbs: Tourmalet / Aspin / Peyresourde

Day 4: Bagneres de Luchon to St Girons

Notable climbs: Portillon / Menté / Portet d'Aspet 

Day 5: St Girons to Gincla

Notable climbs: Port / Routes des Corniches / Pailhéres 

Day 6: Gincla to Collioure

Notable climbs: Aussieres / Fourtou

Leaving Gincla's enclosed and wooded valley it feels we still have some way to go to reach the long-promised Mediterranean, but soon we emerge from the dense forest as we summit the Col d'Aussieres and soak up the rays of the Mediterranean sun. A fun twisting descent past the