It is in the Pyrenees that the Tour de France is often won or lost but you don't have to match the professionals to enjoy cycling through this wonderful landscape. From a leisurely family outing to a heart-stopping mountain bike descent the Pyrenees provides the perfect backdrop. There are plenty of bike hire shops if you don’t want to bring your own.

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​La Vieille Ferme is situated at the foot of the Port de Bales, a well used Tour de France climb. 20km climb at an average gradient of 6.2% takes you through several villages and through the trees until you reach the peak. From here you can choose whether to ride back down or descend into Bourg-d'Oueil and down through the picturesque valley to Luchon. From Luchon you can then cycle back through the valley floor for a great circular ride.

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For a more leisurely route you can cycle through the Barousse Valley, a lot less challenging but equally as picturesque. The ride to St Bertrand de Comminges provides a good route and a great spot to stop for lunch and re-fuel.

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Mountain Biking in the Pyrenees (VTT) is increasingly popular. There are many marked routes for you to explore, each graded to help choose the right circuit. The grading system follows the standard ski descriptions (green - very easy, blue - easy, red - difficult, black - very difficult).

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Downhill biking in Luchon is served by the ski lift in the summer. Getting you and your bike up the mountain without effort conserves your energy for the adrenaline-fuelled descent. Heavy, sturdy custom bikes with a low saddle position for a downhill posture are used which have the strength to cope with the rough terrain. Full head-to-toe protection can be hired and is advised!