Marmot Tours :: Cols of the Tour de France - Road cycling holiday in the Pyrenees, France

Home

Our holidays

About us

How to book

Photo album

You are here: Marmot tours > Holiday summaries > Classic Cols of the Tour de France - road cycling holiday

Classic Cols of the Tour de France - road cycling holiday

Put on your polka dot jersey and challenge yourself on the legendary cols and TDF stage endings of the Pyrenees.


Experience the climbs first hand. Bags transported between hotels. 1 or 2 cols per day with optional extras! Stunning mountain scenery. Comfortable small town hotels. Great food throughout Up to 4000m ascent per day (optional)
To photo album (external website) Read client reviews To other road cycling holidays Classic Cols Challenge

INTRODUCTION

This road cycling holiday has been put together to give you the opportunity to cycle the best cols and stage endings that the Pyrenees has to offer. It is a point to point journey traversing the region from East to West, taking in the infamous climbs that the professional Tour de France cyclists head up every year.

Using our in-depth knowledge of the Pyrenees we have devised a basic route which warms us up gently with some of the 2nd Category climbs and gets progressively tougher in preparation for the final ascent of the infamous Col du Tourmalet. Taken slowly this route is manageable (and enjoyable) for most cyclists with the toughest day involving 1700m of ascent. However, each day there are 'optional extras' (both cols and TDF stage endings) increasing the possible daily ascent to over 3000m, making this holiday also suitable for those looking to really push themselves and take on our Classic Cols Challenge.

The unique thing about this holiday is its flexibility - you really can ride as much or as little as you like at a pace that suites you without holding up or being held up by others in the group. That said with a group of 16, you can be sure to find someone else on the trip with similar aspirations to you, whether that be sampling a glass of the local wine in a rustic village bar, or taking on every optional extra stage ending on offer.

This week is definitely a 'holiday' and riding on the quiet roads through the stunning mountain scenery of the Pyrenees is a real joy. The occasional car drivers are respectful and supportive of cyclists, the sun generally shines, the local French cuisine is plentiful and the good company of the others in your group all make for an excellent week.

Day 1: Transfer Day
Fly to Toulouse. Transfer to Ax-les-Thermes (2hrs). Ax is a lively thermal spar town on the banks of the river Ariège surrounded by roads heading up in all directions - the perfect place to start our Tour. Clients with their own travel arrangements will join the group at the hotel in the early evening. We stay in our hotel here for tonight and tomorrow.

Day 2: Warm up Day - Round trip from Ax
After breakfast there will be plenty of time to assemble your bikes or make any necessary adjustments to your hire bike. It is important that we warm up gently and the Col du Chioula (1431m) from the west provides us with the perfect gradient (max 5%) on a beautifully quiet back road linking together ancient villages. The view from the Col makes the effort well worthwhile and plate of pasta in the mountain top restaurant is sure to restock you fuel reserves for the second part of the day. After lunch we return to Ax where we have the options of relaxing, riding the beautiful Orlu valley or taking on the challenging TDF stage ending of Ax Bonascre (1380m).
Basic Route: Col du Chioula [38km, 830m ascent]
Harder Route: Col du Chioula+ Orlu Valley [52km, 1030m ascent]
Classic Cols Challenge: Col du Chioula + Plateau du Bonascre [54km, 1500m ascent]

Day 3: Ax to Lorp Sentaille (near St Girons)
Today’s ride starts along the ‘Route de Corniche’ which undulates its way along the south facing side of the valley of Ax with constant views to Tarascon. From here our basic route takes us over the Col de Port (1250m). Those with a bit more energy to spare have the option of detouring from the route de Corniche and taking on the much feared TDF stage ending of the Plateau de Beille (1800m). From Massat we follow the river down to our hotel near St Lizer whose hilltop monastery is well worth a visit.
Basic Route: Route de Courniches + Col du Port (1250m) [102km, 1410m ascent]
Harder Route: Route de Courniches + Col du Port + Col de Saraille [107km, 1710m ascent]
Classic Cols Challenge: Plateau de Beille + Col du Port ₊ Col de Saraille [126km, 2320m ascent]

Day 4: Lorp Sentaille to Luchon (Basic route is 79km with 1585m ascent)
With two days under our belt our legs are now ready to take on two of the most popular cols in the Pyrenees. Climbing gently through ancient farmsteads, we barely notice the incline to the Col du Portet d'Aspet (1075m). A short descent through mixed forest (past the memorial to Fabio Casertelli) prepares us for the never-ending Col de Mente (1345m). There is however the option of missing out the Col de Mente and taking on the beautiful and gentle climbs of the Col de Burret (599m) and the Col de Ares (797m). After a pleasant winding descent we can stretch our legs with a very gentle (almost flat) finale into the bustling spar town of Luchon. There is, however, an option of heading into Spain and ticking off the Col de Portilon (1293m) before rolling into town. We stay in our hotel here for tonight and tomorrow.
Easier Route: Col de Porte D'Aspet + Col de Burret + Col de Ares [87km, 1250m ascent]
Basic Route: Col de Porte D'Aspet + Col de Mente [84km, 1585m ascent]
Classic Cols Challenge: Col de Porte D'Aspet + Col de Mente + Col du Portillon [Total: 105km, 2255m ascent]

Day 5: Free Day in Luchon
Today is indented to be a 'leisurly' day in Luchon, giving us an opportunity to rest aching limbs in the thermal baths. Alternatively, why not try paragliding, 'Le Hot Dog' (inflatable canoe) or mountain biking. The die-hard tour enthusiasts and those who can’t bear to be separated from their road bike for the day can take in the stage-end of Superbagnères (1804m) or the recently surfaced Port de Bales (1755m).
Superbagneres - [38.6km, 1200m ascent]
Port de Bales - [70km, 1300m ascent]
Classic Cols Challenge: Port de Bales + Superbagneres [109km, 2500m ascent]

Day 6: Luchon to Campan
Possibly the toughest day of our tour in terms of ascent (depending on how many extras you have already fitted into your week!). We start with the Col de Peyresourde (1565m, 829m climb over 13km, 1st category), even the support bus struggles up this one! The incentive to get to the top comes in the form of a café selling fantastic pancakes. Those that really want to abuse their bodies could take in the Col D'Azet (1580m) or even the Pla d'Adat (1680m). On the basic route, next up is the beautiful Col d’Aspin (1490m) where large-horned goats have been known to charge flagging cyclists! A spectacular downhill takes us to the small and quaintly bizarre town of Campan.
Basic Route: Col du Peyresourde + Col du Aspin [64km, 1750m ascent]
Harder Route: Col du Peyresourde + Col D'Azet + Col du Aspin [85.3km, 2315m ascent]
Classic Cols Challenge: Col du Peyresourde + Col D'Azet + Pla d'Adet + Col du Aspin [107.3km, 3215m ascent)

Day 7: Campan to Argeles Gazost
The big boy - it just has to be done! The punishing Col du Tourmalet (2115m) - it’s worth it for the photo!! From here we can enjoy a 35km downhill all the way to our finishing line at Argelés-Gazost. Those with some energy could always make a slight detour up to Luz-Ardiden (1735m).
Basic Route: Col Du Tourmalet [60km, 1515m ascent]
Classic Cols Challenge: Col Du Tourmalet + Luz Ardiden [90km, 2575m ascent]

Day 8: Transfer Day (but still some time for more cycling…)
A free morning to take it easy, visit the marmot sanctuary and pack up the bikes. However the really keen would have time to take in the stage end of Hautacam (1618m). After lunch we transfer 2.5 hrs to Toulouse, arriving in Gatwick in the early evening full of admiration for the 'real tour' cyclists, who cover our entire route in one day!!
Classic Cols Challenge: Hautacam [32km, 1095m ascent]

Why come road cycling with Marmot Tours?

We have been running this road cycling holiday since 2001 so know the region and its cols exceptionally well. Over the years we have tweaked the itinerary to give people the best cycling whilst maintaining our philosophy of supporting the local economy by staying in family run hotels which serve up generous portions of tasty regional dishes.

This trip is all about you and your bike - we do the rest. We provide you with comprehensive notes with altitude profiles, route descriptions and top tips on the best places to eat lunch. You then ride whichever of the route choices you feel like doing, to bring you to the hotel, meeting up with our support vehicle periodically throughout the day to restock with water and snacks.

We minimise time in the van so that you are only have the transfers at the beginning and end of the holiday - the rest of the time you are cycling, which after all is what you have come to do. Our routes go direct from hotel to hotel, and naturally all your baggage (including bike boxes) is transported on for you.

The support vehicle will never be far away, offering mechanical help, refreshments and lifts up (or down) the hills. This holiday is even suitable for non-cycling partners who want to enjoy exploring this beautiful part of the world.

It is important to us that people book the correct holiday. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any doubts.

THE CLASSIC COLS CHALLENGE

For those of you out there that like a challenge, why not ride all the optional extra cols and stage endings (in red on the above itinerary). This makes your weeks cycling 600km with 15460m of ascent! For completing the challenge you receive a free Marmot Tours cycling jersey.

HOLIDAY DATES

Sun 23 May - Sun 30 May 2010 (Trip code RFP J22)
Sun 20 Jun - Sun 27 Jun 2010 (Trip code RFP J26)
Sun 19 Sept - Sun 26 Sept 2010 (Trip code RFP J39)

HOW MUCH DOES THE HOLIDAY COST?

This holiday costs £699 starting and ending at Toulouse Airport. Allow about £100 for the meals not included and drinks (depending on your thirst). Please note that we offer a 5% discount if you book more than 3 months before the departure date. We also offer group and loyalty discounts.

This price includes: 6 nights 2-star hotels, 1 night 1- star hotel. 6 evening meals and 7 breakfasts, fruit and cereal bars whilst cycling, airport transfers as specific times, vehicle support.

NB: The price above is based on sharing a room. If you would like your own room for the holiday there is a supplement of £120 - this must be arranged on booking.

WHERE DO WE STAY

We stay in comfortable 2-star hotels where accommodation will be allocated on a twin share basis with private facilities. Rooms normally have private facilities, but depending on season and group size, we may have up to 3 people per room. With larger groups we can not guarantee that we will all be staying in the same hotel, however we will always eat together. In Campan we stay in a 1 star hotel.

FOOD

Breakfast: Continental style breakfasts are provided by the hotels. We supplement these with cereals and fruit.
Lunches: These are not included so you can choose your own diet while cycling. We recommend suitable places en route depending on individuals pace.
Dinner: 6 evenings meals will be taken together either at the hotel or a suitable restaurant in town. All the 3 or 4 course meals will be tailored to the requirement of cyclists and the portions are very generous. One of the evening meals in Luchon is not included, giving you the opportunity to head into town and try out one of the many fine restaurants.
Snacks: Cereal bars and fruit are included in the price and will be distributed by the support van. However we suggest you bring your own favourite energy powders/gels/bars with you as these will not be easily available en route.
Special diets: The hotels are very used to providing excellent meals for vegetarians and celiacs. Please contact us if you have any other special dietary requirements.

GUIDING AND INSTRUCTION

Your group leader will be driving the support vehicle during the trip. As it is not expected that the group will stay together, you will be given comprehensive notes, with directions, altitude profiles and details of the night's hotel. Your support vehicle will drive near the rear of the group, offering support and lifts up (or down) the hills as needed, plus allowing you to stock up on water etc.. The van has a bike rack to take assembled bikes as needed, and the leader will have bike mechanic skills.

BIKE INFO

If you do not want to have the hassle of bringing your own bike, you can hire either a Specialized Allez Sport (with front triples) for £120 or a Carbon Time (compact) for £200. You will need to reserve one on booking. For more information on hiring or packing up your own bike for travel please see the Bike Hire section.

If you are bringing your own bike, you may have some questions regarding gear ratios. One of our experienced clients who has often cycled the Pyrenean cols suggested the following:

"The only really important thing to worry about is the lowest gear: - all of our group had a lowest gear of 34" and they all reckoned it worked perfectly given the gradients and length of time going uphill. This can be obtained with the following combinations:
a) Small ring at front 34 tooth, large ring at rear 27 tooth
b) Small ring at front 36 tooth, large ring at rear 29 tooth OR

If using a triple chainset then small ring at front 30 tooth, large ring at rear 25 tooth."

He did also add that there was no substitute for training! We have also had some feedback from another client on this trip that he regretted not having a triple with him for the cols - so would advise anyone who has not had time to do quite as much training as they would like to have done, that a triple is a great idea!

If you not sure how to pack your bike, or do not have a bike box, then check out Bike Box Online for hire of boxes and professional bike packing. Any other bike related questions, then don't hesitate to email us.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

We get people coming on our holidays from all over the world, so it is impossible to include all the information on our website. The notes below are tailored to travellers from the UK. People from other countries please contact us for advice.

Free minibus transfers from Toulouse Airport to Ax-les Thermes and from Argeles Gazost to Toulouse Airport at specified times are included in the cost of the holiday see below.

If it is easer for you to take a flight that arrives before or after our transfer then you will need to make your own way to Ax-Les-Thermes (easy & cheap bus & train journey). Alternatively you could extend your holiday by arriving the day before and spending an afternoon / evening exploring the vibrant and ornate red bricked city of Toulouse. We would pick you up from your hotel on the morning of our transfer.

Please see the t ransport section of our website for all travel options (air, road and rail) plus information on getting to the Hotel Terminus independently of the group transfer from Toulouse or Carcassonne Airports. There are no specific notes for the end of the holiday, so please contact us if you have any questions.

We would like to emphasise that for this road cycling holiday taking the train from the UK is a fun, cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to air travel, please see our Green Travel pages. It is possible to take trains direct to Ax and at the end of the trip we would drop you in Lourdes station any time before 1100. Alternatively you can take the train to / from Toulouse and join our group transfers.

If you decide to drive out, it is best to drive to Toulouse Airport, where you can leave you cat in a secure parking for 22 Euros and join our group transfers.

Airport transfers:
For this road cycling holiday we offer airport transfers for people and bikes which tie in with the flights listed below. If any of these flights are delayed then the transfer will naturally be rescheduled. People arriving on the earlier of the flights will be expected to wait at the airport (max 2hrs) for the later flights to arrive:

British Airways from London Heathrow
Out: departing Heathrow at 1415 and arriving in Toulouse at 1710.
In:   departing Toulouse at 1800 and arriving in Heathrow at 1855.

Easyjet from Bristol
Out: departing Bristol at 1330 and arriving in Toulouse at 1620.
In: departing Toulouse at 1645 and arriving in Bristol at 1730.

Easyjet from London Gatwick
Out: departing Gatwick at 1410 and arriving in Toulouse at 1655.
In: departing Toulouse at 1720 and arriving in Gatwick at 1805.

Air Lingus From Dublin
Out: departing Dublin at 1300 and arriving in Toulouse at 1605.
In: departing Toulouse at 1640 and arriving in Dublin at 1745.

Contact Marmot Tours: info@marmot-tours.co.uk
Tel/fax: 0033 561 02 80 43. French Mob: 0033 (0)6 30 01 12 98