Cycling routes in South France

colm_gti

Driving to France next month for a holiday with herself, and have gotten the thumbs up (or at least no thumbs down :rolleyes:) to put the bike in the boot. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions of routes to explore on the bike while I'm there.

Will be staying in Navarrenx, 20km NW of Oloron.

Don't want to be out on the bike all day, so ideally routes in and around the 100km distance. The mighty Tourmalet is a bit far, out and back from her house, but I could drive to Lourdes and do a loop over it if is worth doing.

velopeloton

Lots of great riding around there, quite country roads. Head south from Navarrenx for lots of great climbs in Pays Basque.

Col de la Pierre Saint Martin is a gem, should be about 60km.


Col du Soudet
Col Budincurutcheta
Col Bagargui
Col de Marie-Blanque

If you drive to Lourdes or Argeles-Gazost you have a much bigger choice.

Idleater

velopeloton wrote: »

Col de Marie-Blanque.

12%, 9.5%, 13.5%, 13%

I recommend this climb, but to do it properly you need 170odd km in the legs before you climb it :-)

Aubisque/soulor, tourmalet. Are great "big" climbs, but for a day in the saddle the foothills might be better.