Marmot Tours :: Long weekend cycling Tour de France passes and stage endings in the Pyrenees, France

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Long weekend of 'Tour de France' roadie climbs.

An action packed cycling weekend of legendary stage endings and infamous cols in the Pyrenees, France.


2.5 days in the saddle. Take on the Plateau de Beille and Ax-Bonascre. Summit the Port de Pailheres (2001m) Experience the Route de Courniches. Ride in a group or by yourself. Lodge with mountain views. Special bikers cakes! Meet fellow roadie cyclists. Cheap flights from UK regional airports. Airport Transfers included.
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OVERVIEW

Cycling the back roads and passes of the Pyrenees can be one of the most pleasurable cycling experiences anywhere in the world. The scenery is stunning, the road surfaces good and the occasional car drivers are extremely courteous.

Ax-les-Thermes is the perfect base for a short blast of uphill road riding. From the door of our mountain chalet there is a 'Tour de France' col or stage ending in every direction. The real Tour de France finishes in the valley each year, so the climbs are full of nostalgia and stories of great achievements.

IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?

If you are a regular leisure cyclist or Tour de France enthusiast wanting to push yourself, then you would enjoy this trip. This trip is not competitive and the rides can be taken at any pace you like. A guided ride will be offered each day, but you are naturally welcome to go off on your own in couples if that is your preference. It is important to us that people book the correct trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any doubts.

DATES

There are no scheduled departures for this trip, however, if you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact us to enquire as to a customised trip.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The holiday costs £250, starting at Toulouse Airport. Flights are not included but can be picked up very cheaply if booked in advance. Allow about £30 for drinks and the meals not included (outlined below). There are no other local payments or hidden costs. 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. More Info >>

WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?

2.5 days guided / accompanied rides. Airport Transfers (at specified times). Medical and mechanical support van on standby. 3 nights accommodation. 2 evening meals (with moderate wine). 3 picnic lunches. 3 breakfasts.

WHERE DO WE STAY?

We stay in L'Alpage, a comfortable chalet / Lodge 15 mins walk uphill from the centre of Ax. Alan creates a warm and relaxed atmosphere in his beautiful Chalet style house. The spacious lounge and bar opens on to a panoramic south facing terrace - the perfect place to relax with cool beer at the end of a great day riding up the hills! Accommodation is normally allocated on a twin share basis with shared facilities.

FOOD

3 substantial continental style breakfasts are included. 2 evenings meals are taken at the Lodge, where we will be served regional specialities like confit du canard and Cassoulet. A moderate amount of wine is included with these meals. Dinner on the first day is not included due to the differing arrival times of the group members. 3 lunches are included which you are expected to carry with you on the bike. Vegetarians are welcome and will be looked after very well.

GUIDING AND INSTRUCTION

You are accompanied by James Thompson or Alan Toogood. James and Alan are both competent mechanics and experienced First-aiders. Guided rides will be offered every day however you are free to go off on your own or in pairs if that is your preference. The support bus will be a telephone call away if it is needed

GROUP

There is a maximum of 8 people plus James and Alan on this holiday. Bookings from single people are welcome as activity holidays are a great way to make new friends.

BIKE HIRE

If you do not want to have the hassle of bringing your own bike; you can hire one in France. The 3 day charge is 60 Euros for either a Commencal Colt (Andorran brand) or Specialized Allez Sport. This must be arranged in advance as there are limited bikes available. This trip is not suitable for mountain bikers with slick tyres. A front 'triple' is highly recommended. For more information please see the Bike Hire section.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Toulouse Airport is only 1hr 45mins form Ax by road. Please see the Transport section for all travel options (air, road, rail), plus getting to the start point independently of the group transfer. Please see our guidelines if traveling with a bike.

HOLIDAY ITINERARY
DAY 1	Transfer 1hr 45 mins from Toulouse airport to our tour start point at Ax-les-Thermes, near Andorra. Assemble bikes and go for a few beers in town. Dinner tonight is not included due to the late arrival times of the group.
DAY 2 / 3	The exact itinerary remains flexible to allow for the differing abilities and desire of the group. You can expect to be cycling anything from 50 to 150km with 800 to 2000m of ascent. Whatever the route choice, you can be be assured of great cycling in fantastic scenery. From out base at 720m there are numerous 'Tour de France' cols and stage endings within easy reach including: Ax Bonascre (1380m), Col de Chioula (1431m), Port de Pailheres (2001m), Col du Pradel (1679m), Port de Lers (1517m), Col du Port (1250m), Col de la Core (1395), Col d'Agnes (1570m), Plateau de Beille (1800m), Port d'Envalira - Andorra (2407m). You will also have the opportunity to ride the stunning Route des Corniches - a most memorable experience.
DAY 4	We need to leave the lodge at 4pm, so that we can get back to Toulouse in tie for the evening flights back to the UK. In the morning we will have time to take in at least one more col or stage ending.

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