Classic Cols of the Pyrenees

Day 1 (Sunday)

Transfer from Pau airport or TGV station to our hotel in Pau itself. The hotel is in the heart of th old part of the city, a few steps from the medieval chateau and the spectacular view of the montains on the Promenade des Anglais. Depending on time of arrival there will be a minibus transfer to Oloron-Sainte Marie, from where you can ride back to Pau via the Col D'Ichere, an amuse-bouche which will fire your appetite for the first course proper, the Col de Marie-Blanque. Described as 'a killer in disguise' by Graeme Fife in his authoritative book Tour de France, this Category 1 climb makes up for its lack of absolute height ( just over 1000m) with steepness. The distance for this optional ride is around 50km.

Before dinner there will be an introductory briefing from the guides to run through the schedule and options for the week, as well as a chance to meet the other riders.

Day 2 (Monday)

Temptation in the boulangerie.

Our week begins in earnest with a warm-up ride through rolling foothills - no major climbs today but plenty of kilometres through magnificent scenery. The first section takes us to the legendary pilgrimage town of Lourdes, where we stop for coffee. After this the route continues through the foothills with the majestic mountains on our right, through picturesque villages to lunch in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, a start town I many tour stages. After lunch we follow the river Garonne, here a noisy stream as it starts n its journey to the Atlantic at Bordeaux. We finish at a splendid hotel in the village of Villeneuve-Rivière outside the town of Saint-Gaudens. The view from the swimming pool to the Pyrénées is quite stunning! A fabulous dinner awaits as a reward for the day's exertions, which will have been around 130km of rolling and flat terrain.

Day 3 (Tuesday)

Port de Balès

The first of the big passes come today so yesterday's easier kilometres will have served as good preparation to 'find your legs"! After a steady 30km of gentle uphill, we attack the fearsome Port de Balès. First included in the Tour in 2007 (before this part of it was an un-surfaced cart track!) This 1755m pass is a beast because of the constantly changing gradients whicj include short sections of 12-13%. We will picnic at the top of the climb, before freewheeling 15km downhill. The fun isn't over however because we immediately start the climb of the Col de Peyresourde, a veteran of 40 Tours de France since 1947. The list of riders who have been first over its 1,569m summit reads like a who's who of climbers.

The descent from the Peyresourde brings us into the village of Arreau where our 3* hotel, with a refreshing pool, awaits us. The distance today is around 90km.

Day 4 (Wednesday)

Today is an excursion day; no need to pack this morning as we will be returning to Arreau. There are two major climbs today; the first is the little known Col d'Azet. At 1,578m the Azet is one of the prettiest cols in the Pyrénées ; and though quite steep, the steady gradient means you will be able to enjoy the views! We descend into the bustling town of Saint-Lary for lunch.

In the afternoon our route takes us to the ski station of Pla d'Adet at 1,675m. This has been the scene of notable victories in Le Tour – most recently in 2005 when George Hincapie took the honours, and in 2001 when Lance Armstrong took the win on the way to his third TdF success. A shorter day today, the return to the hotel brings up a total distance of 80km.

Day 5 (Thursday)

Col du Tourmalet

A big day! The first challenge is perhaps the most beautiful in the Pyrénées - the Col d'Aspin. After a steady climb to pass the summit at 1,489m, a fantastic descent to Ste-Marie-de-Campan, where we stop for coffee. Now for the Big One – we ride the most legendary of the Pyrénéen climbs, and one of the true giants of the Tour, the mighty Col du Tourmalet. Climbing 1,404m to its summit at 2,115m, over a distance of 19km, this is not a col to be taken lightly. The scene of some of the Tour's fiercest mountain battles, you will be glad to see the statue to Jacques Goddet as you crest the pass, and you will feel immense satisfaction at having conquered this beast of a climb.

Cirque de Gavernie

After taking lunch at the top, we decend into the village of Luz-Saint-Saveur where there are various options - to continue gently downhill to Argeles-Gazost and our hotel, or to make a detour to to the stunning natural amphitheatre of the Cirque de Gavarnie, one of the most glorious views in the Pyrénées, where spectacular waterfalls cascade down immense rock faces. The hotel is blessed with one of the finest restaurants in the region so you can be sure of a fitting reward to todays exertions!

Distance is 82km, with optional trip to Gavarnie 112km.

Day 6 (Friday)

Col d'Aubisque

Our last day of riding is slightly more relaxed. Have a lie-in, or get up early to have a crack at the Hautacam, scene in 2000 of Armstrong's imperious disposal of Marco Pantani. This is a tough climb at 1,560m, but with fresh legs it shouldn't prove too difficult.

The ride proper takes in the Col du Soulor at 1,444m. This is followed by a short descent into the breathtaking Cirque du Litor then straight on to the short climb to the Col D'Aubisque, a hors categorie climb at 1,709m, but fairly easy in this direction. From the top of the Aubisque it's downhill (nearly) all the way back to Pau. At a charming restaurant a stone's throw from the chateau de Pau we meet up for a final celebration dinner. Raise a glass to a tough but immensely satisfying week of cycling and to new friends.

Day 7 (Saturday)

After breakfast, transfer to airport or railway station for homeward journey.

What’s included

• Transfers to and from Pau airport or railway station.
• 6 nights 3star character hotel accommodation.
• 6 buffet breakfasts.
• 6 gourmet dinners with half-bottle of wine per guest per night.
• Experienced bi-lingual guides.
• Welcome pack with full information, route guides, advice and a water bottle.
• Luggage transfer. When we move hotels your baggage will be waiting for you in your room when you arrive.
• Full minibus back-up and mechanical support, including inner tubes.

What’s not included

• Travel to pick-up points
• Bicycle (you will probably want your own best bike; we do have a limited number of race bikes in a few sizes — please phone or e-mail to discuss)
• Lunches, although we will recommend good spots for lunch. For those who don't want to stop for lunch and would prefer to eat on the road, Tour de France-style, we will, for a very reasonable supplement, provide food suitable to be carried in your jersey pockets.
• Additional drinks or minibar costs (including beers, soft drinks and coffees).

“We had a great time. The food was exceptional; the guides were the best, they catered to our every need. A superb holiday.”

Carolyn Montgomery, Maine, USA.

“The Dordogne tour is a complete delight – Alan couldn’t have been a better guide.”

Margaret Miller, Victoria, Australia.

“Excellent value, great cycling routes. Can’t wait to do the next one!”

Carole Engelder, Texas, USA.

“Alan was outstanding in sorting out vegetarian meals, and for his wonderful picnics. An excellent tour, enjoyable in every aspect.”

Lea Stogdale, Manitoba, Canada.

“Dear Ruth,

“Carole and I recently returned from our Dordogne Tour and wanted to let you know that we very much enjoyed the trip – even better than lasts year's tour in Provence, though it too was heavenly. The Dordogne tour was in all respects a PERFECT holiday! Much kudos due to Alan and Chris for their attention to every detail.”

“Looking forward to more cycling holidays with FCH!

Eva Moldovanyi, Texas, USA.