Central Pyrenees
A grand col mountain adventure
Last year Viva Velo partnered with our long time friend and associate, Dean Thompson, to offer its clients the opportunity of riding some of the most famous Cols in The Pyrenees. Dean, who moved to France from the UK five years ago, is based in the small village of Bertren a few pedal strokes down the valley from Bagnères-de-Luchon famed as a destination for many a Tour de France. Based right in the heart of some of the most stunning mountain scenery, Dean, who very much shares the Viva Velo ‘run by cyclists, for cyclists’ philosophy offers a range of fantastic riding both guided and unguided, organising rides on the basis that you’re with us to enjoy yourself. So whether you’re in the advanced stages of training for a major event, trying out riding in the high mountains for the first time, or after a mix of relaxed riding and longish café stops, our team will put together a trip for you that ticks all the right boxes.
Our Pyrenees base is a restored 19th century French farmhouse dating back to 1877 situated in the superb Barousse valley which is peppered with roads leading off either side towards some of the best climbs in the world. With six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a dining hall, separate guest kitchen/sitting room, TV lounge, free wi-fi access, a tooled bike workshop and generous patio area. It provides you with a stay that combines comfort, practicality and rustic charm in equal measure. The property provides single, twin, double and triple rooms, there is also a self-contained gîte with two bedrooms for a little more seclusion.
The awesome Cols of the Barousse valley offer something for experienced and intermediate cyclist
From our base in Bertren there is a huge range of riding available from steady ‘tempo’ Category 3-4 hills through to the mythical HC (‘hors category’) climbs which so often feature in the major shake-ups of the Tour de France. The closest of those start within 3 kilometres of the front door; dozens are within easy riding distance and there are around 60 to choose from if you opt for a day or two of vehicle transfers/support from us to help get you to your target climb.
If your priorities are to catch the pros in action, then the Pyrenean stages of the Tour de France should provide another drama-packed backdrop to a great week’s riding.
This year the Pyrénées will feature in the third and final week of the Men’s 2024 Tour de France.
Étape 14 – 13th July Pau – Pla d’Adet: 152km – A mountain-top finish at Pla d’Adet via Tourmalet & Horquette d’Ancizan
Étape 15 – 14th July Loudenvielle – Plateau de Beille: 198km – Including local cols Peyresourde, Menté & Portet d’Aspet
To stay a short ride from the heart of the action and watch the Pros up close, please contact us for more details and availability.
“The kind of service and experience we haven’t seen beaten” Procycling Magazine “Tour climbing heaven” Cycle Sport Magazine
Above and below: stunning scenery and quiet roads. This part of the Pyrenees is simply climbing heaven.
Included on all our Central Pyrenean Camps:
Comfortable accommodation in our 19th century French farmhouse in the Barousse valley.
HALF BOARD – a hearty breakfast and three course dinner
Fully guided rides or self-guided options for all abilities
Itineraries specifically tailored to suit you and your group
Access to a fantastic array of climbs from Cat 3/4 to HC Grand Cols
Return transfers from an airport of your choice*
*We operate inclusive transfers from Pau, Lourdes and Toulouse airports.
Cost: POA (All our packages are individually designed but short breaks start from £395)
For 2024 we will be running packages from April to October.
