HOLIDAY DETAILS
The Area: This trip takes you through three distinct regions, the Aquitaine region of France, the high Pyrenenean
mountains that straddle the border between France and Spain, and the Catalan region of Spain. The area to the north and east
of Bordeaux is home to some of the worlds finest vineyards, but south of the Garonne River the landscape is mostly a vast pine forest
(now a Regional Park), which gradually becomes hillier as you approach the Pyrenees.
The Pyrenees is a high mountain range that forms a natural border between France and Spain. Less well developed than the Alps
it is a beautiful area of high rocky peaks, forests, meadows and streams.
Crossing into Spain you pass into Catalunya, a distinct region with its own language and culture. The Spanish side of the Pyrenees
tends to be drier than French side, with noticeable differences in the landscape and vegetation. In the foothills of the Pyrenees
are several groups of impressive rock formations, the most distinctive of which is Montserrat, a saw-toothed rocky outcrop
which is also home to an ancient monastery.
On the coast, to the south of the infamous "Costa Brava" is Barcelona, the capital of Catalunya. Boasting some outstanding
Gothic and Art Noveau buildings, as well as some great museums, it is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in Europe.
The Tour: This is a Fully Supported Holiday with a tour leader and a vehicle to carry all the luggage and
provide additional assistance if necessary. With a mix of gentle and more challenging cycling the holiday gives you a chance
to enjoy this beautiful area. Although parts of the route are mountainous the daily mileages on these days is less to ensure
that the trip is suitable for anyone who cycles fairly regularly. Passing through the Pyrennes there are several long climbs,
but these are generally well graded with plenty of switchbacks. Hills here are nowhere near as steep as hills in some parts
of the UK. Gradients usually around 7% or 8% (that’s about 1 in 14 or 1 in 12). There are, of course, also some exhilarating
downhill stretches as well as more level sections along river valleys. The majority of the route follows minor roads and
these are usually delightfully quiet. There are a few busy little towns and villages along the way, and some of these have
heavier traffic for a while. There are a limited number of roads in the Pyrenees and so we are sometimes forced to use 'main'
roads for a while and some of these can be moderately busy, particularly in Spain. The route ends in Barcelona,and there is heavy
traffic on some sections of road as you approach the city, but this is unavoidable.
Accommodation & Food: Accommodation is in small family run hotels, generally graded 2* or similar, offering clean
and comfortable rooms. Single people travelling alone will be booked into a twin bedded room with another person of the same
sex – unless the additional single supplement has been paid. We book rooms with en-suite facilities where available, but this
cannot always be guaranteed. Breakfast is provided at the accommodation, most hotels also have a restaurant attached for an
evening meal, or there is at least one other restaurant nearby.
Start: The holiday starts at the accommodation in the centre of Bordeaux. The railway station is nearby with regular TGV trains from Paris (with Eurostar connections from London) or flights are available to Bordeaux from Bristol, Edimburgh, Gatwick, Liverpool, Luton and Manchester airports in the UK.
Finish: The holiday ends in Barcelona. You have 2 nights here. The last full day of the trip is
free to allow you to explore the city before you return home the following day. Intercity trains connect Barcelona with Paris (with onward Eurostar connections to London) and flights are available from Barcelona to Bristol, Heathrow, Leeds, Liverpool, London City, Luton, and Stansted airports in the UK. Note: The cost of travel to Bordeaux and the return from Barcelona is not included in the cost of the holiday. You may book flights or trains yourself or if you wish us to make the booking for you we can do so (an additional fee is payable). A separate form will be sent to you if required.
Cycle Transport: If required we offer a cycle transport service to take your bicycle from your home in the UK
to the start of the holiday, and return it to your home at the end of the trip (additional fee payable).
Documents: You require a passport to visit France. Nationals of some other countries also require a visa. Non
EU passport holders should check with the nearest French and Spanish Embassies. You are also required to have travel insurance for the duration of the holiday. If you do not purchase insurance from us you will be required to provide evidence of a suitable alternative policy.
Bikes: All types of cycle are suitable for the trip. The most important thing is that the bike functions
properly and that you are comfortable riding it. Whatever type of cycle you are taking you should make sure that it has
suitable gears for this sort of trip. As previously mentioned parts of the route are hilly and most people find that they
need a bottom gear of about 25 - 30 inches, which will usually mean having a triple chainring. If you are riding a mountain
bike then you should fit it with narrow 'slick' tyres.
You should also make sure that you are able to carry some spare food and clothing with you on the bike. The route does
cross some wild exposed areas with little in the way of shelter and no services, and you can get cold descending some of the
higher passes if the weather is bad.
Weather: The weather at the end of June is generally very warm and sunny, with temperatures in the valleys
in the high 20’s or low 30's. However you should be aware that mountain weather is unpredictable and it can change very quickly, and
there is also a chance of an afternoon thunderstorm. |