L’Argalyde · Tourmalet · PyreneesPlan my cycling holiday
Tourmalet cycling holidays
in the Pyrenees
Ride the roads of a legend, since 1910.
Ride the Tour de France climbs and return each evening to the comfort of L’Argalyde. In Ayzac-Ost, near Argelès-Gazost, our five-star residence is your base for a cycling holiday where mountain roads, elegance and wellness come together.
1910The Tour enters Pyrenean cycling legend
Octave Lapize · 1910
At the Tour de France finish on 31 July.
Agence Rol · BnF · Wikimedia Commons
A cycling heritage to experience for yourself
The Tourmalet: a road through cycling history.
In 1910, the Tour de France ventured into the high mountains of the Pyrenees for the first time. Octave Lapize was first over the Tourmalet. The climb became one of the race’s enduring symbols.
More than a century later, get your bike ready and follow in the champions’ wheel tracks. Climb the same slopes, discover the landscapes that shaped the Tour de France and experience the thrill of a legendary mountain pass. A cycling holiday at the Tourmalet is your chance to ride the champions’ roads and write your own chapter in the Pyrenees.
At the summit, 2,115 metres above sea level, the panorama gives a new perspective on the effort of the climb. The descent and the ride back to your base complete a memorable day in the mountains.
Explore the history further: the story of 1910 on the official Tour de France website.
One base, a whole range of legendary climbs
Explore the Pyrenees by bike. Come home to L’Argalyde.
Settle in for several nights and ride straight from the residence. Tourmalet, Soulor, Aubisque, Hautacam, Luz-Ardiden, Spandelles, Aspin, Gavarnie, Cauterets, Col de Bordères… There is plenty to choose from, with each day shaped around your interests and pace. Return to the same accommodation each evening, without moving from place to place.
Riding from L’Argalyde means you can plan your outings without transfers to a starting point. We help you choose routes suited to your ability and put together a balanced holiday, with our road and gravel GPX tracks.
Made for cycling
Secure bike storage, a workshop area and GPX tracks to help plan your rides. At the Cycling Coffee, share the day’s highlights and talk over tomorrow’s route.
Comfort every evening
Five-star suites and apartments, space to spend time together and the freedom to organise your stay. Discover L’Argalyde’s accommodation for couples, friends and cycling clubs.
Time to recover
Hot tubs, a sauna, a cold plunge and a gym complement your stay. Swimming pools are available seasonally; massages can be arranged on request. Access conditions for the facilities are explained during your stay.
Landscape, movement, freedom
In your wheel tracks, in the heart of the Pyrenees.
The road unfolds, the landscape opens up and the mountains fill the horizon. An invitation to picture your own day on the bike, starting from L’Argalyde.
Plan your ascent
Ride to the Tourmalet from your base.
From the Argelès-Gazost valley, the route to the western side takes you through Luz-Saint-Sauveur and Barèges before reaching the Col du Tourmalet. This is a demanding ride: plan for the approach, the climb and the return to the residence.
| Route from L’Argalyde | |
|---|---|
| Summit altitude | 2,115 metres |
| One-way distance: residence to Tourmalet | 39.2 km |
| Elevation gain on the outward ride | 1,745 metres |
| Return distance: residence to Tourmalet | 78.4 km |
We check the weather conditions before your ride. When choosing a day in the high mountains, the conditions matter just as much as the enjoyment of riding.
A holiday idea, shaped around your pace
Five days to savour the Pyrenees.
Here is a suggested programme to spread across your stay. The order and difficulty of the rides will be adapted to your ability, the weather and road openings.
| Your experience | |
|---|---|
| Find your bearings | A ride through the valley to explore the area, get your bike ready and choose the next routes. |
| Spandelles, Soulor and Aubisque | A full day in the mountains linking these three legendary Tour de France climbs, with a route suited to your ability and interests. |
| Take a breather | An easy ride or a day of discovery: the Cirque de Gavarnie, within a UNESCO World Heritage site, or the views from the Pic du Midi. Time with your non-cycling companions and a wellness break round off the day. |
| The big day | The Tourmalet: follow in the champions’ wheel tracks and write your own Pyrenean story before returning to the comfort of L’Argalyde. |
| Choose your final climb | Hautacam or another route through the valley, depending on what you feel like riding. |
This is a suggested holiday programme, rather than a package with included services. Guides, massages and other services can be arranged on request.
Travelling with a cycling club or tour organiser? Discover how we welcome cycling groups in the Pyrenees. For more route inspiration, explore our road cycling holidays.
Your questions before you travel
Plan your Tourmalet cycling holiday.
Where is L’Argalyde?
In Ayzac-Ost, near Argelès-Gazost, in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Stay in the valley, with several major climbs accessible on rides starting from the residence.
Can we ride straight from the residence?
Yes. Set off from L’Argalyde by bike and return to the same accommodation each evening. Explore the legendary Tour de France climbs without a transfer to a starting point or a change of base.
How many nights should we plan?
A stay of at least five nights gives you time to spread out the rides, include an easier day and choose the best conditions for the Tourmalet. Minimum stays and availability vary by season: contact us with your dates.
Do we need to be experienced cyclists?
You do not need to be a competitive cyclist to enjoy a cycling holiday in the Pyrenees. The key is to choose routes suited to your riding experience, fitness and interests.
The Tourmalet remains a demanding climb that requires preparation and an honest understanding of your ability. We help you build a progressive programme, alternating major climbs with shorter routes and days for exploring or recovering.
An e-bike can also help you adjust your effort and enjoy the scenery at your own pace. Tell us about your plans so the route can take account of your experience and the bike’s battery range.
Are GPX tracks and a guide available?
We have road and gravel GPX tracks. Guided rides can be arranged on request, subject to the provider’s availability and terms.
Can non-cycling companions join us?
Yes. Our suites and apartments let you share the holiday. Your companions can enjoy the residence and explore the valleys while you ride. Meet up afterwards at the Cycling Coffee, relax in the wellness facilities or discover the Pyrenees together.
Your next chapter starts here
Inspired by the Tourmalet?
Let’s plan your holiday.
Tell us your dates, group size and what you would like to ride. We will help you choose your accommodation and plan a Pyrenean cycling holiday at your own pace.
