About this trip.
Atlantic start, Mediterranean finish
Seven days of cycling separate the Atlantic from the Mediterranean on this coast-to-coast traverse, beginning with a dip at Biarritz and ending with toes in the warmer Med at Perpignan. The route threads five French départements — Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Garonne, Ariège and Pyrénées-Orientales — and is built around climbs any keen road cyclist will recognise from the Tour de France: the Aubisque, the Soulor, the Tourmalet, the Aspin, the Peyresourde, the Portet d'Aspet and the Pailhères.
It's pitched as a serious challenge without the formal stopwatch pressure of a Raid Pyrénéen attempt. The reward for taking it on is a quieter mountain range than the Alps, where village roads pass through flower baskets, river gorges and vineyards rather than busy holiday traffic.
Cols, kilometres and pacing
Daily distances run from 50km to 135km, with anything between 1,000m and 2,700m of ascent, so mornings start promptly. The pacing is deliberate — not a race against the clock, but enough of an early start to climb without rushing, take photos at the summit, and stop for cake on the way down. The route deliberately avoids busier French roads, favouring quieter alternatives along fast-flowing rivers and through steep-sided gorges. Between the headline cols, valley days give the legs a chance to recover before the next big climb.
A support van shadows the group throughout, carrying spare kit, water and snacks at rendezvous points. It's a useful safety net on the longer climbs, and means you can ride with what you actually need rather than hauling a full day's food up Tourmalet.
Where you stay and how you eat
Accommodation is bed and breakfast across a mix of French auberges, small hotels and a cycle lodge. The lodge has a large loft sleeping six; everywhere else is priced on twin or triple share, with a single-room supplement of £350 if you'd prefer your own room.
Each day includes breakfast plus either lunch or dinner. On picnic-lunch days you choose the evening restaurant; on communal-dinner days you choose where to stop for lunch. Either way, expect French bread, cheese, salami, pastries and the occasional glass of local wine. Eating well isn't optional on a ride like this.
Booking and logistics
The 2026 dates are 13–21 June at £1,945 per person, currently held for private group bookings only. The standard list price is £2,145 and other dates can be arranged on enquiry. Seven cycling days sit inside the nine-day window, with travel at either end.
Bikes can be transported by the operator to Biarritz and home from Perpignan at the rider's own risk. Since the UK left the EU customs union, any bike crossing the Channel in the support van requires an ATA Carnet, which adds £60 per bike to the invoice. If you'd rather take your own bike on the plane, most airlines accept boxed bikes as additional luggage — flag it in advance so the van has room for the boxes.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
