Cyclists

We are a perfect base for individual, group or family cycling holidays; from beginners to would-be professionals. There is our annual Tourmalet challenge; our very own Allant Raid des Cols (ARC) over some of the most famous Pyrenees mountains; a range of local cyclosportives; simple, undulating rides through beautiful countryside; or numerous tracks for mountain biking. The Passeport Velo scheme gives you the chance to earn a gold, silver or bronze award, depending on the number of cols you climb during one stay, or more. Pre-holiday coaching, guided tours, maps, a workshop for repairs: create a cycling holiday to suit you! And of course, during July the Tour de France passes close by - have a look at our Tour de France 2009 package or come and do some pre-event training over the mountains ahead of this year's Étape du Tour.

"A top notch holiday...an excellent location for all cycling." G.C., Cambridge.

Come and cycle our Tourmalet Challenge - the guest with the quickest time wins a prize

Beginners - learn to cycle or improve your technique with a British Cycling-qualified coach. If you don't have your own bikes to bring, you can hire mountain, road or children's bikes from us. Take a look at the example training package that we offer for climbing and descending skills, or contact Steve to create your own training holiday. There is a field for mountain biking practice on-site, while the local country roads are a safe and comfortable starting point for beginners - flatter routes at first and then nearby hills as your confidence increases. If you want to build up your strength, stamina or skills before you come to visit, then why not opt for a pre-holiday coaching package. This will give you a weekly training plan based on your ability and time available (contact us for more details).

Would-be professionals - the Pyrenees are the setting for a number of cycling events. We can enter you in the events, provide pre-event training schedules and last- minute practice before the off. Transfers to the events and meals, if requested, are available. Between May and September we run our own ARC (Allant Raid des Cols) event, taking in five major climbs in a 176km course. You can choose to ride this route over 1, 2 or 3 days, depending on your fitness, holiday duration and mental state!!! During 2007 & 2008 the Étape du Tour organisers chose the Pyrenees to host this prestigious event. Why not come and have ago at these routes in your own time, or get in some vital mountain miles ahead of this year's Etape over Mont Ventoux. Have a look at our climbing and descending training package to get some ideas of what is on offer. Between February and September there are many cyclosportives taking place close to us, which Steve will be participating in. They are well organised, very challenging and open to all riders passed fit by a doctor. At other times, experience the same routes as these events or pit yourself against our other guests' times in our annual Tourmalet Challenge and all cols climbed can be ticked off on your Passeport Velo to achieve a gold, silver or bronze diploma.

Tour de France cols - Every year, the Tour de France visits the beautiful cols of the Pyrenees, such as the Peyresourde, Col d'Aspin, Tourmalet, Col d'Aubisque or Pla d'Adet. Experience these climbs with our guided trips: These can involve a full day of cycling to the cols, taking in the climbs and returning for an evening meal; or a car transfer to and from the climbs. Don't forget our ARC (Allant Raid des Cols) if you like a real challenge. If you prefer cycling alone, take our maps and advice on how to experience the cols on your own. Packed lunches are always available on request or we can recommend suitable stop-off points along the way. Advanced cyclists can enjoy multiple cols in one day (and can mark their progress using the Passeport Velo scheme), while beginners could try part of a climb. You can also try setting a new best time for our Tourmalet Challenge. If you are bringing non-cyclists on holiday with you, don't forget the area has so much more to offer.

Local rides - the house is situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees  offering a wide range of rides starting just outside the door. The quiet country roads are perfect for families or beginners - cycling past farms and woods, rivers and villages. For cycling clubs or experienced individuals, the local roads provide a range of routes for training sessions - again, we can provide guided trips or maps and advice.

Tour package - Every July, the Tour de France visits the Pyrenees. This year, two stages of the Tour pass close by us. Our special package includes all your accommodation, breakfasts, lunches, dinners and transfers to the stages. If you choose to stay for longer, you could even try the whole Pyreneen Tour route for yourself!!! If you want to read what we got up to for 2008's Tour de France, take a look at our diary page.