The World's Greatest Bike Race
France 2010! In the Pyrénées
Join Backroads in the French and Spanish Pyrénées to experience the passion, glory and heart-pumping action of the world's greatest bicycle race. Ride hand-picked sections of classic stages only hours ahead of the pros, testing your legs on burley climbs, such as Col du Tourmalet. Then watch from the sidelines while your favorite heroes of the road challenge themselves against terrain that has become legendary among cycling fans. Following days of unbelievable biking through some of France and Spain's most glorious scenery, unwind in comfortable, perfectly located hotels. Topping off the experience are the unparalleled leadership, support and camaraderie for which Backroads is known. No matter how fast you pedal, you'll definitely feel like a winner on this trip. Allez! Allez!
- Pedal in the same rarefied environment as the world's top cyclists
- Incredible biking amid glorious Pyrénées scenery
- Watch elite cyclists speed by just a few feet away
- Immerse yourself in the euphoric race atmosphere - unlike any other
- Tackle famous mountain passes ahead of the pros
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Vielha, Spain
Meet in Tarbes 
Shuttle to our hotel in the Catalan Pyrénées of Spain After a welcome lunch, set out on a warm-up ride that introduces you to the region's gorgeous mountain terrain As the pros face three legendary summits, you tackle Col de Portillon to reach Bagnères-de-Luchon in time to watch the racers hammer across the stage finish line Or, if you feel strong, test your legs up Port de Balès and find a prime viewing spot along the way to catch the action.
Days 3-6 Lourdes, France
Pedal the official race route over 5,148-foot Col de Peyresourde, an eight-mile climb with an average grade of seven percent 
If you crave mountain passes, Col d'Aspin and Col d'Aubisque (which recently challenged the peleton) are yours for the taking Immerse yourself in the jubilant atmosphere as the publicity caravan passes and the professionals push toward the exciting Col du Tourmalet finish Explore the town of Lourdes or savor one last spin on small country roads through quaint villages of the Pyrénées foothills.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
Phenomenal. Some of the hardest miles I've ever ridden on a bike, given the terrain, but I was ready to do it all over again by the time we were packing up to go home. In fact, a few of us were already talking about where we might meet up next year. Perhaps the French Alps? Gotta climb those hills!- Verona, NJ All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For biking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
The World's Greatest Bike Race
Comfortable Retreats: Casual Inns
Parador de Vielha
Vielha, Spain (2 nights) Set in the beautiful Aran Valley, our first hotel features spacious guest rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and panoramic views of the Pyrénées.
Hotel Eliseo
Lourdes, France (3 nights) Enjoy mountain vistas from the terrace or solarium of this modern four-star hotel, done in warm tones and rich colors.
The World's Greatest Bike Race
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 15 - 20 miles
- 985 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 37, 75 miles
- 1,915 - 8,630 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 100 miles, with shorter options available
- 9,200 - 11,140 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 4 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 55, 62 miles
- 3,770 - 4,540 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 30, 60 miles
- 5,630 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Available
- 17 miles
- 640 feet elevation gain
Due to the high altitude and mountainous terrain, the routes on this trip may feel more challenging than the mileage alone suggests.