Gascony and the Pyrenees

The Intermediate ride heads northwest from Pau along the banks of the River Ousse to the village of Artiguelouve. From Artiguelouve, the route continues on a network of small country roads through the heart of the Jurançon wine region with vineyards, rolling hills, and traditional farmhouses. The final miles lead you back into Pau, with sweeping views of the Pyrenean peaks.

The Leisure ride follows the Intermediate route to Artiguelouve where it turns south towards the village of Saint-Faust and takes a shorter route back to Pau.

The Challenge ride builds on the Intermediate ride by taking in an additional loop to the south before making its way back to Pau.

The Epic ride is a classic Pyrenean test. From Pau, you ride through rolling vineyards on quiet lanes to the historic town of Oloron-Sainte-Marie — gateway to the High Pyrenees. A valley ride then takes you through forests and past limestone cliffs to the Col du Marie-Blanque — one of the region's most renowned climbs. The climb is narrow, shaded, and notoriously steep.

The Intermediate ride rolls south from Pau into the heart of the Pyrenean foothills. Quiet back roads pass across open farmland, through the market town of Nay, and to the historic pilgrimage town of Lourdes. Beyond Lourdes, the route continues alongside the Gave de Pau (river), the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, the valley narrows, and the Pyrenees rise up ahead of you. From Lourdes, you ride on the Voie Verte des Gaves, a converted rails-to-trails cycle path that takes you into the center of Argelès-Gazost.

The Leisure ride begins with a van transfer to the market town of Nay, where it joins the Intermediate route for a scenic ride along the valley floor into Argelès-Gazost.

Challenge riders leave the valley floor after the village of Nay and begin a long ascent up the Col du Soulor. The climb winds through forests before emerging into open alpine pasture.

The Epic ride heads even deeper into the mountains, conquering two famous climbs: the Col d'Aubisque and Col du Soulor.

Today you head into the Pyrenees National Park, a protected wilderness stretching 60 miles along the Spanish border and one of the last true wilderness areas in France. Narrow mountain roads wind through unfenced valleys where cows roam freely beneath snow-capped peaks.

All routes start heading south to the hamlet of Saint-Savin with its 10th-century Benedictine Abbey. From Saint-Savin, you head east into the pretty Estaing Valley.

The Leisure ride turns back at the village of Bun, enjoying an easy descent directly into Argelès.

The Intermediate ride continues to Lac d'Estaing. At 3,800 feet the lakeside café makes an ideal stop before enjoying a long descent back to Argelès.

The Challenge ride extends the Intermediate ride with a series of climbs up the Col des Bordères, the Col du Soulor, and Col d'Aubisque.

The Epic ride builds on the Challenge ride, adding a long descent into the remote Ouzoum Valley and an extra climb up to the Col de Spandelles.

Today you explore the Vallée des Gaves and the heart of the Pyrenean mountains. All rides head south on a bike path to the village of Pierrefitte-Nestalas.

From Pierrefitte, the Intermediate ride climbs the Cauterets Valley to the dramatically-sited spa town of Cauterets. The return route follows quiet country roads through small rural villages.

The Leisure ride avoids the climb to Cauterets, instead exploring the gentler valley floor before returning to Argelès.

The Challenge heads up the Hautacam from the village of Ayros-Arbouix. This ascent is 9 miles long with an average grade of 8% and maximum grades of 11%.

The Epic ride is a high-mountain adventure through remote landscapes. The route goes deep into the mountains to the village of Gavarnie before climbing steadily to the Col de Tentes, less than a mile from the Spanish border.

Today's Challenge ride heads towards the mountains, alongside the fast-flowing Gavarnie River. In the lively town of Luz-Saint-Sauveur, you turn east and begin climbing the legendary Col du Tourmalet. Towards the summit, the famous switchbacks lead you steadily to the 6,940-foot summit — the highest paved mountain pass in the French Pyrenees. The café at the top makes for a welcome rest stop. From the col, you enjoy 20 miles of pure descent into the vibrant market town of Bagnères-de-Bigorre.

The Epic route follows the Challenge ride but adds a demanding out-and-back climb to Luz Ardiden before the village of Luz-Saint-Sauveur.

The Intermediate route avoids the Col du Tourmalet by looping north through the rolling Pyrenean foothills on small lanes alongside sparkling streams.

The Leisure route follows the Intermediate route but takes a more direct route into Bagnères, skipping the climb up to Haut-de-la-Côte.

All rides start heading south up the Campan Valley, passing through the village of Campan.

From Campan, Leisure riders head west to explore the bucolic Lesponne Valley. The small village of Lesponne makes a good lunch stop.

The Intermediate ride continues climbing south from Campan to the hamlet of Payolle. Here, the grade steepens as you start an out-and-back climb of the Col d'Aspin. The climb starts in forests before emerging onto alpine meadows complete with dairy cows.

The Challenge route follows the Intermediate ride but adds an extra climb up the front of the Hourquette d'Ancizan — a beautiful climb on a small lane that takes you deep into the mountains.

The Epic ride follows the Intermediate ride up the Col d'Aspin. After summiting the col, you continue down to Arreau.