The Pyrenees may not be quite so lofty as the Alps but they’re still packed with amazing riding. The roads have a slightly different character, depending on whether you’re on the French or Spanish side of the mountains… and many of the best biking roads are the passes that cross between the countries.

It’s a fair way from the UK to the Pyrenees – at least two days or even three if you’re staying off motorways as much as possible – but fine riding isn’t confined to the high peaks. The foothills of the Pyrenees are also stuffed with great roads, so the fun begins even before you get to the mountains. However, it’s possible to get to the mountains more quickly by taking a ferry to Santander.

With fine weather, great scenery, amazing local food and fantastic places to stay, this is definitely one of Europe’s best touring destinations.

Where to stay

French Pyrenees

So many fantastic towns. To ride the high passes of the Tour de France, try basing yourself in Pau or Bagneres de Luchon. For the wilder, narrower roads of the eastern French Pyrenees try Ax les Thermes or Foix.

Spanish Pyrenees

From Pamplona to the Med, the N260 offers up a succession of great places to base yourself to explore the mountains. Consider Jaca, Ainsa, Sort, la Seu d’Urgell or Ripoll as base towns.

HOTEL IN JACA

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HOTEL IN SORT

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HOTEL IN RIPOLL

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When to go

As they’re lower and slightly further south, the Pyrenees have a slightly longer riding season than the Alps. There’s good riding from April to the end of October, though we’d favour going in May/June or September, as it can get seriously hot in the valleys at the height of summer

Must ride roads in the Pyrenees

Here are the must ride routes and roads in the Pyrenees. No trip there would be complete without tackling one of these beauties. 

The N260, Spanish Pyrenees

This iconic road runs the length of the mountains on the Spanish side, packed with corners and views.

Col du Tourmalet, French Pyrenees

The highest pass in the Pyreness is so beautiful – and challenging – it’s the only pass to have featured in every Tour de France since the cycle race began.

Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin, French/Spanish Pyrenees

This quiet, high pass delivers mountain riding with a twist: a complete 360-degree corner at the ski centre near the summit.

Source: madornomad.com