"Best Cycling in the French Pyrenees"

Unique & Custom Pyrenees Bicycle Tours!

Introduction

The following pages feature a list of things that I recommend as part of your Pyrénées vacation. The eye icon marks the things to see, the dancers mark the things to do and the wine glass marks the best places to sample local specialties.

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port / Oloron-Ste-Marie / Arette / Argelès-Gazost / Saint-Lary-Soulan / Bagnères-de-Luchon

Bagnères-de-Luchon

Bagnères-de-Luchon, always simply called Luchon, is one of France's most fashionable spa towns. It is isolated at the end of a long narrow valley and surrounded by some of the highest summits in the Pyrénées, but that hasn't confined Luchon's growth. Its sulfurous hot springs have been a mecca since Roman times,so this lively city features a wide range of accommodation, making it an ideal base for both road and mountain bike riding. Its proximity to Spain via Col du Portillon makes visiting the ancient Spanish town of Vielha a highly recommended side trip.

Bike Shops:

There are only a few small cycle shops in Luchon but a wider selection can be found in the Tarbes. Check the full list of bicycle shops in the regions covered in our "Best Cycling Routes of the Pyrénées" guidebook.

Au Cycle: 82 Avenue Maréchal Foch 31110 Bagnères-de-Luchon / Tel: 05 61 79 12 87
Luchon Mountain Bike: 4 place Comminges 31110 Bagnères-de-Luchon / Tel: 05 61 79 88 56

What to see and do in Bagnères-de-Luchon:

Museum: Le Musée du Pays de Luchon

This museum is all about Luchon and features everything from prehistory to the present, including mountain climbing here, spelunking and the history of its thermal baths.

Entertainment & Health: Vitaline

Vitaline offers the largest natural sauna in Europe—the steam comes from its sulfurous geothermal waters. A full service spa with everything from mud wraps to fitness programs, it also features a la carte stays so you can take a day or two off and spend time in luxury.

Entertainment: Casino de Luchon

If you like to gamble, try your luck at the Luchon Casino, where they also offer live music in their piano bar.

Entertainment: Ecole Soaring

Whether you are already a licensed paraglider pilot, want to learn to be one or just want to enjoy a tandem flight to see the sights, this is a stellar opportunity to soar like a bird over the Pyrénées. More info at www.soaring.fr .

Gourmet Restaurant: Hotel Étigny

Luchon claims two specialties of cuisine that are all its own: pétéram and pistache. One of the best places to dine on these and other local specialties is the popular gourmet restaurant at the Étigny Hotel. (3 Avenue Paul Bonnemaison - Opposite the thermal baths - 31110 Luchon / Tel: 05 61 79 01 42).

Around Bagnères-de-Luchon

What to see and do around Bagnères-de-Luchon:

Entertainment: Antignac Rafting
(4 km/2.5 mi north of Luchon)

Here's the place to try hydrospeeding, a unique white-water sport invented in France. A special favorite of the deeply adventurous, a small floating shell—and your wetsuit, helmet, flippers, and knee and elbow protectors—are all that stand between you and the rapids! Rafting and other white-water sport activities including different types of kayaking are also available for your pleasure.

Artisan Cheesemakers: Sost
(31 km/19 mi north of Luchon)

The rural village of Sost is famous for its cheeses, each made individual by the magic of its maker. Signposts to places to visit individual cheesemakers and sample their specialties can be seen throughout the village. Route 17 passes very near Sost, providing the perfect opportunity for an energy stop before your long climb. More info about one of these farms .