TransPyrenees – Girona (Gerona) to Argelès-Gazost

The TransPyrenees cycle tour will take riders on the ultimate traverse of the Pyrenees. 

Starting in the superb city of Girona (Gerona), we’ll first enjoy the best local riding, including the spectacular Costa Brava. 

Then we’ll head west on an incredible journey through Spain and France, culminating in the ascents of the classics like Tourmalet and Aubisque. 

This ride will include all the classic cols of the Pyrenees that you’d expect, but there are many more. 

We’ll spread our ride time between this stunning range’s French and Spanish sides and even find time to dip into Andorra to scale the highest road pass in the Pyrenees, Port d’Envalira, at 2407 metres.

Alpine Cadence carefully designs the tour format to ensure riders of all levels can enjoy the journey to the maximum. 

Flexible route choices on most days will ensure an achievable trip for all and a challenging trip for stronger riders.

Arrivals for this trip will be at Barcelona (or Girona) Airports on Wednesday, June 28th. Departures will be from Toulouse airport on Saturday, July 8th. 

The TransPyrenees cycling schedule

Wednesday, June 28

Arrive at Barcelona airport or Girona airport.

See the TRAVEL INFORMATION below for the recommended arrival times. 

Travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Barcelona airport and 20-minutes from Girona airport. 

Transfer to hotel in Girona.

Thursday, June 29

Girona – Girona.
120kms and 1500m climbing.

This ride will showcase the best coastal riding near Girona. 

The magnificent stretch from Tossa de Mar to St Feliu de Guixols will highlight our day.

Friday. July 30

Girona – Olot.
125kms and 2500m climbing.

We head west into the foothills of the Pyrenees. 

Lots of flexibility as to our route choice with the climbs of Rocacorba and Mare de Deu del Mont on the agenda.

Saturday, July 1

Olot – Puigcerdà.
110kms and 2400m climbing.

The spectacular Col de la Creueta will be today’s highlight offering panoramic views of the Pyrenees as we enter the Cerdanya area.

Sunday July 2

Puigcerdà – Tarascon.
130km and 2200m climbing.

We head into France to tackle the wild and spectacular Col de Pailhères. One of the highest passes in the Pyrenees at nearly 2000m and one of the most remote and beautiful too. 

We’ll follow it with a long descent to Tarascon sur Ariege.

Monday, July 3

Tarascon – Bagnères de Luchon.
135kms and 2500m climbing.

We head a long way westwards, taking in the Col de Port, Col de Portet d’Aspet and Col de Menté.

Tuesday, July 4

Bagnères de Luchon – Bagnères de Luchon.

Two nights in Luchon mean lots of flexibility on ride length today. 

If riders need to recuperate, there’s a chance for a more leisurely day.

However, there are climbs such as Port de Bales, Superbagnères and Col du Portillon on our doorstep, so there’s plenty to fill a big ride if required.

Wednesday, July 5

Bagnères de Luchon – Argelès Gazost.
100kms and 2000m climbing.

Col d’Aspin or the parallel Hourquette d’Ancizan will follow Col de Peyresourde. 

On arrival in Argelès Gazost, there will be the option to complete the day with the challenging ascent of the Hautacam.

Thursday, July 6

Argelès Gazost – Argelès Gazost.

Today, we’ll scale the Col du Toumalet from it”s classic and most spectacular side. 

The afternoon will is filled with the challenging options of the climb of Luz Ardiden and the Cirque de Gavarnie.

Friday, July 7

Argelès Gazost – Argelès Gazost. 

The final day of our vast journey will take in the superb and perhaps most spectacular Pyrenean climb, the Col d’Aubisque. 

Add the Col du Soulor and the pretty Col de Couraduque, and we’ll have the perfect way to finish our tour.

Saturday, July 8 

Transfers to Toulouse airport.

See the TRAVEL INFORMATION below for recommended departure times. 

Who would enjoy this trip?

This trip is long and challenging but offers excellent flexibility in each day in its route choice. 

As a result of this flexibility, this trip will be an amazing experience for a range of rider levels. 

Depending on the daily options chosen, riders will ride between 650km and 950km on this journey. 

The total amount of climbing will be between 13000m and 20000m. 

The main prerequisites for the TransPyrenees are that you come prepared and are happy to ride for 5-6 hours each day. 

We would anticipate most riders on this trip having already ridden in high mountains before, but not always. 

As is always the case, please contact us to find out if this trip suits you.

What we include

• Nine days of guided rides, eight with vehicle support.
• Ten nights of accommodation, twin share, in a combination of gites and 2/3 star hotels.
• Breakfast every day.
• Dinner on eight nights.
• Transfers from Barcelona or Girona airport 
• Transfers to Toulouse airport.
• Energy drink powder, bananas, and pastries are available on the rides.
• Alpine Cadence bidon.

What we don’t include

• Lunches.
• Flights.
• Travel insurance.
• Evening meals on two nights in Girona.

Arrive early and enjoy Girona

Although June 28th is our official arrival day for this trip, riders can arrive any day from Monday, June 26th onwards to make the most of the riding in the Girona area. 

Girona is a fantastic ride base, and there is enormous potential to ride various circuits in the area in the days leading up to the main trip starting. 

We’ll be there to ride and support you for those days; please contact us to discuss when you’d like to arrive.

VAM Rating

Riders on this trip should be capable of climbing at a rate of around 700 metres/hour on a long climb. 

The measurement certainly does not mean that riders have to ride at this level for the duration of the trip. 

Find out more about VAM in our Frequently Asked Questions.

Travel information

Flights arriving at Barcelona airport on Thursday, June 28th, should ideally arrive before 14.00. 

Flights into Girona airport can arrive at any time. 

Flights out of Toulouse Airport on July 8th should be at 12.00 midday or later. 

Please talk to us before booking flights to ensure that our pickups and drop offs are convenient. 

Please contact us to find out more or to make a booking.