Bordeaux to Barcelona: Bike challenge to France

Bordeaux to Barcelona

The cycle from Bordeaux to Barcelona is a truly classic ride that takes you from southern France, across the Pyrenees and eventually arriving in Spain. There is a superb variety of scenery and sights along the way including vineyards, famous Tour de France cols, gorges and fabulous rock formations. There will also be plenty of coffee shops in pretty European villages, including the cheesy Roquefort and Marciac, famed for its love of jazz. This, combined with the culture of southern France, northern Spain and Barcelona – arguably Europe’s most vibrant city – make this an unforgettable cycling challenge.

9 days | France | Extreme

Your challenge day by day

Day 1, Sat 24 Sep 2016

International departure from London

Meet the rest of the team and a Charity Challenge representative at the airport for the long-awaited flight to Bordeaux. On arrival it’s a 30-minute transfer to the city centre where you will have a chance to explore before the first dinner and a a pre-ride briefing. Overnight hotel.

Day 2, Sun 25 Sep 2016

Bordeaux – Roquefort, 650m (approximately 107 kilometres)

And we’re off! Begin by riding out of the city through its famous vineyards. The scenery soon changes as we head into vast pine forests that cover this area of France. As the route becomes more undulating, ride through farmland to our overnight stop in the village of Roquefort, famed for its delicious cheese. Recharge overnight in a hotel before the push on southwards tomorrow.

Day 3, Mon 26 Sep 2016

Roquefort – Marciac, 1,137m (approximately 100 kms)

Spend the day heading south towards the Pyrenees through undulating farmland and vineyards to the town of Marciac, famous for its jazz and bustling main square. There are plenty of scenic coffee stops along the way as we pass through a host of picture perfect villages. Overnight hotel.

Day 4, Tue 27 Sep 2016

Marciac – Argeles Gazost, 721m (approximately 74km)

There’s less riding today, in anticipation of the challenging few days in the Pyrenees to come. Tonight’s base is in the town of Argeles at the foot of the Pyrenees, from where we can see the mountainous hurdles that lie ahead. If you’re brave, you may even want to consider the mighty Hautacam climb – a road made famous by many Tour de France hilltop finishes. Overnight hotel.

Day 5, Wed 28 Sep 2016

Argeles Gazost – Bagneres-de-Luchon, 3,900m (approximately 111 kms)

Today is the highlight of the event, drawing riders east along the spine of the Pyrenees. We take in the Col du Tourmalet and the Col D’Aspin before dropping in to Bagneres-de-Luchon for a rest. At 2,115m, Col du Tourmalet is the highest point of the ride, offering incredible vistas. Bagneres-de-Luchon is a spa town and the perfect place to recover for more mountains tomorrow. Overnight hotel.

Day 6, Thu 29 Sep 2016

Bagneres-de-Luchon – Sort, 2,633m (approximately 106 kms)

Venture out of France into Spain via the Col de Portillon. Once over the borderm the scenery changes and after scaling the mighty Port de la Bonaigua we descend towards Sort through the Spanish countryside. Sort is famous for outdoor sports and when you get there you will see why. A fantastic location for our first evening in Spain. Overnight hotel.

Day 7, Fri 30 Sep 2016

Sort – Cardona, 2,791m (approximately 126 kilometres)

Head off on the final big climb of the trip and then – give or take a few shorter rises – it’s flat or downhill to Barcelona. The rugged Spanish country side provides the perfect backdrop as we head to the castle town of Cardona. Its hilltop fortress can be seen from miles away, as we approach from the west. Overnight hotel.

Day 8, Sat 01 Oct 2016

Cardona - Barcelona 1,471m (approximately 95 kms)

From Cardona the route is flat and fast, providing plenty of time to celebrate and enjoy the attractions of Barcelona, one of Europe’s most exciting cities. Whether you vist Las Ramblas, hang out in a tapas bar or lounge on the beach, there will be plenty of free time before dinner and our awards ceremony. A brilliant end to a brilliant ride. Overnight hotel.

Day 9, Sun 02 Oct 2016

Return to UK

Before heading home, there’s some free time to explore the city and partake in some last minute souvenir shopping. Eventually, however, it’s time to head to the airport for the flight home to London.

Important information

The itinerary is there as a guide and may change due to unusual weather patterns, the strength of the group, and so on. We will do our very best to keep to the set itinerary; however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your expedition leader will have the final say.

Version:	3.6.0
Build:	0a3f35828b12a46e3e1920ab0bb605826dc49f19-RR
Time:	2024-03-25 20:20