About this trip.
The Atlantic to the Mediterranean by road bike
Nearly 800km of riding and 17,000m of climbing, from St Jean de Luz on the Basque coast to Banyuls-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean. Ten days, the entire Pyrenean range, and the climbs that turn up in Tour de France highlight reels every July. Saddle Skedaddle has been running a version of this trip for well over a decade, and the current route is the longest yet — coast to coast rather than just the central massif.
The Pyrenees form the natural border between France and Spain, and the ride traces it the whole way. You start in Basque country, cross into Catalan territory by the end, and pass through enough cultural shifts in between that the food and the road signs change as often as the scenery. Historically the region has been fought over plenty; these days the contest is mostly between cyclists and gradient.
The climbs and what the riding feels like
This is where the trip earns its grade. The "Circle of Death" — Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourde — is the centrepiece, four cols that any road cyclist with a bucket of ambition has heard of. The Tourmalet descent is the kind of road you remember in detail years later. Aspin and the Port de Pailhères give you those long views down switchbacks where you can see the next twenty minutes of road laid out below. There's a stop for crepes and coffee at the summit of the Peyresourde, which is the right kind of reward.
It is a hard trip. 17,000m of climbing across the days isn't trivial, and the route doesn't ease up much in the middle. Saddle Skedaddle grades it 5 out of 5, and that feels honest. You want a decent base of long days in the hills before you arrive.
The route, day by day
Day one is arrival into Biarritz and a transfer to St Jean de Luz, a fishing port turned resort with a sandy bay and Basque architecture — a calm first night before the work begins. From there the route heads east along the range. There's a stop in Bossost on the Spanish side for proper food and wine, and a soak in the outdoor thermal pools at Ax-les-Thermes when legs need it most. The trip finishes in Banyuls-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean, with a picnic on the beach and something fizzy to mark coast-to-coast.
Bookings and logistics
The trip runs ten days, guided, with prices from £3,245 per person. It's a road cycling holiday — your own bike or a hire, fit cyclists only, with daily distances and elevation that assume you've trained for them. Trip notes are available from Saddle Skedaddle directly, and the operator is based in Newcastle (+44 (0)191 265 1110) if you want to talk through whether the grade matches your riding before committing. Suited to experienced road cyclists who want a single, definitive Pyrenean trip rather than a sampler — and who like the idea of dipping their feet in two seas inside ten days.
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.
