Pyrenean Coast to Coast Tour

Three routes - one challenge

31 May - 7 June 2025

For 2025, we are offering this classic ride - across the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Med - but with a difference. As regular VVCC members already know we never settle for a one size fits all approach if we can design something better.

True to our core values of trying to provide ‘something for all’ we have designed three different routes offering three levels of difficulty, the ‘Classic’, the ‘Super Classic’ and ‘the Alternative Classic’. The Classic takes in all the climbs made famous in the Tour de France that you’d expect on a ride across this epic mountain range: the Aubisque, the cols d’Aspin and Peyresourde as well as the incomparable Tourmalet (pictured above) to name just a few!

And for those that really like their climbing the Super Classic throws in a few more: the beautiful Luz Ardiden ascent as well as the Col de Menté and the Port de Pailhères! And last but not least the Alternative Classic offers an almost identical experience - including as it does an ascent of the Tourmalet - but one which less experienced cyclists might find a little easier on the legs. You can see details of the itineraries below below and find more details on routes, accommodation, etc in our online brochure

Biarritz the starting point of this epic ride

JOIN this trip

What you get

7 Nights bed and breakfast accommodation.
2 Evening meals
Inbound transfer from Biarritz airport for you and your bike*.
Outbound transfer to Perpignan airport for you and your bike*.
Full vehicle support to transfer your baggage as required.
A qualified mechanic to support you on the road
2 ride leaders to guide you
Full itinerary and route information in advance as well as GPX files on request

*Transfers available from/to other airports on request for a supplement.

price

From £1485 to as little as £1150

This is based on 2 sharing a twin room and does not include flights*, drinks or evening meals although the following are available on request:

Single room supplement – £300 per person

discounts

As with all VVCC trips a progreesive discount will be available to members as the sign up for a trip. The 'early adopters' who are first to sign up and allow the committee to green-light a trip receive most discount. As more members join the trip they receive a progressive discount too until the trip is full. For more details of the VVCC trip discount scheme click here. Specific details of the discounts applicable to the PC2C trip can be found at the back of the online brochure

itineraries

You can find details of the route itineraries below:

Classic/Super Classic Route

The Super Classic Route is the hardest route we offer and involves significant high mountain climbing. It is recommended for strong cyclists able to climb a 6% gradient for an hour at around 14 kph or more. The Classic Route follows many of the same roads as the Super Classic but omits one or two of the climbs. It is recommended for strong cyclists able to climb a 6% gradient for an hour at around 9 kph or more.

Day 1 Biarritz to Montory (145km / 2300m of ascent) (Both routes)

Day 2 Montory to Luz Saint Sauveur (149km / 4200m of ascent) (Super Classic Route) (Classic Route omits the final climb to Luz Ardiden making a total of 120km / 3000m of ascent)

Day 3 Luz Saint Sauveur to Bagnères-de-Luchon (95km / 3134m of ascent) (Both routes)

Day 4 Bagnères-de-Luchon to Foix (134km / 2640m of ascent) (Super Classic Route) (Classic Route omits the climb of the Col de Menté making a total of 139km / 2250m of ascent)

Day 5 Foix to Prades (145km / 3500m of ascent) (Super Classic Route) (Classic Route omits the climb of the Port de Pailhères making a total of 137km / 2450m of ascent)

Day 6 Prades to Collioure 99km / 1550m of ascent) (Both routes)

Alternative Classic Route

This route takes things a little easier than the other two but still includes an ascent of the Tourmalet! On all but one night it stops in the same places as the other two routes so if you are planning a large group trip with differing abilities it is possible to swap stories with the rest of the group each evening. It is recommended for regular cyclists able to climb a 5% gradient for an hour at around 7 kph or more and is intended as an option for either individuals wanting a gentler Pyrenean challenge or for larger mixed ability groups to add as an additional option to the Classic and Super Classic routes.

Day 1 Biarritz to Montory (108km / 1650m of ascent)

Day 2 Montory to Luz Saint Sauveur (116km / 1900m of ascent)

Day 3 Luz Saint Sauveur to Aspet (120km / 2000m of ascent)

Day 4 Aspet to Foix (98km / 1650m of ascent)

Day 5 Foix to Prades (137km / 2450m of ascent) (Same as Classic Route)

Day 6 Prades to Collioure 99km / 1550m of ascent) (Sames as Classic and Super Classic Routes)

For more details on the routes please check out our online brochure

The castle at Foix - our resting place on day four

And here is the thing: these routes can be ridden individually as a stand alone tour or for larger, more mixed ability groups in conjunction with each other as the routes have been designed to overlap at hotel stops so you can still meet up with your friends from the other groups in the evenings to recount your tales of the day whichever route you choose.

Thus, no matter your level of cycling prowess, this Pyrenean Coast to Coast tour can be shared and enjoyed by everyone from intermediate cyclists to pros!