For those dreaming of a week of pure climbing experience without car traffic in the summer of 2025, the Pyrenees Cycl'n Trip a godsend. Between 20 and 25 July, a five-day package is offered where between 9:00 and 12:00 only cyclists are allowed to enter the mountain passes - car-free, that is! The route starts from Arreau and takes you past some of the Tour de France's most famous cols: Port de Balès, Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet, Hautacam, Aubisque, Soulor and a brand new passage about the Spandelles
Stay comfortable, drive pain-free
Basically, this is a free initiative. What's hot: anyone in the area can ride up any climb themselves, on 21 - 25 July. So do keep in mind the cols are closed on the day in question. You can see that below.
But if you want to go for the adventure now, you can also book an all-in package. From €525 you sleep 5 nights in a hotel including breakfast, luggage transfer and a guide! So no lugging your belongings around: your bag or suitcase will follow you to the next lodge every day.
Route in a nutshell:
- Day 1 (July 21): Start with heavyweight Port de Balès, then the classics Peyresourde, Val-Louron Azet and Portet - idea for a hearty introduction
- Day 2 (July 22): Doublette with Col d'Aspin and Col du Portet, both in the Aure valley, with panoramic views of the Pic du Midi
- Day 3 (July 23): The king of the Pyrenees: Col du Tourmalet, you can optionally continue to Luz Ardiden - fatigue but also satisfaction guaranteed
- Day 4 (July 24): You choose top-class slopes: do you go for the splendour of Hautacam, or the charm of Cambasque? Or do you roll both?
- Day 5 (July 25): A stunning final ride with the premiere of Col de Spandelles, plus two classics: Soulor and Aubisque - day full of memorable cols
What makes this unique?
- Car-free climbing between 9:00-12:00 - safe and exceedingly exclusive!
- Flexible pass combinations: per day, you choose what you want to ride, from one climb to a whole fat trio of cols.
- Support & guidance: guides, itineraries as well as luggage transport - ideal if you want to ride without a care.
Who is this for?
- Anyone who loves mountain kilometres without stress
- Any cyclists who Tour-cols wants to experience in a safe setting
- Enthusiasts with ambition to conquer the Pyrenees in a week
For €525/person, you get a total package. Luxury extras, such as dinner at classic locations or upgrades, can be booked on the spot
A few more tips:
- Book your flight or train journey to Lourdes or Toulouse well in time - in July it is busy.
- Train specifically on long days: three or more cols a day is physically tough.
- Bring warm clothes - the peaks of Hautacam and Tourmalet can be chilly, even in July.
- Check your bike before you go. In particular, check that you have put on a climbing gear and that your brakes and tyres can still last.
Ready for the real thing? The Pyrenees Cycl'n Trip is an ideal pastime for summer!
