Take up a new challenge: this summer, go to the Pyrenees to discover the mythical road of the passes by bike! Cirque de Gavarnie, lake of Génos-Loudenvielle, Pic du Midi... take the time to be amazed. After all, it's not about racing!
Day 1: Lake Génos-Loudenvielle
For the first stop on your bike tour, choose the lake of Génos-Loudenvielle in the Louron Valley. Take a picnic by the water after a dip in the lake, or continue pedaling with a pedal boat tour! It is also possible to walk around the lake, thanks to the many small paths that surround it. Bring your camera and sunscreen! Otherwise, sit comfortably on the grass or on a bench to simply admire the panorama offered by the meeting of the mountain, the forests and the lake, in shades of beige, green and blue. It's breathtaking!
Day 2: Néouvielle National Nature Reserve with 70 lakes
Make another stop in the heart of one of the first nature reserves created in France in 1936: the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve. It owes its reputation to the beauty of its 70 lakes and their crystal clear waters. Hikers, cyclists and nature lovers also come here to admire the granite ridges, the marmots and the immense and imposing massifs of hooked pines. Here, all the richness and beauty of the Pyrenean biodiversity is expressed.
Day 3: Tourmalet pass
It is impossible to go through the Pyrenees without stopping at the Tourmalet! This pass is one of the greatest symbols of the Tour de France, known throughout the world. It is 2 115 meters high and offers a panoramic view on the Bastan and Gripp valleys. Nestled at the foot of the Pic du Midi of Bigorre, which rises to 2,877 meters, this exceptional site dominates the Pyrenees. You can also take the cable car to visit the planetarium and the observatory which are installed there. Beware of sunburn!
Destination Tourmalet-Pic du Midi de Bigorre
Opening dates for the Col du Tourmalet :
Because of its high altitude and the weather conditions that prevail there, particularly in winter, the Col du Tourmalet is normally closed from the beginning of November to the end of May. Before taking the Route des cols des Pyrénées in the Tourmalet sector, it is strongly recommended that you check the access conditions with the Tourmalet- Pic du Midi tourist office.
Day 4: The Gavarnie cirque
After the Tourmalet, you absolutely must stop at the Gavarnie cirque, located in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1997, for its cultural and natural wealth, this spectacular site is one of the largest glacial cirques in Europe. In addition to its snow-covered summits, the cirque de Gavarnie is famous for its large waterfall of more than 420 meters high. One crosses there many hikers, come to admire the nuances of the stone, the limestone and the plants, but also eagles and marmots. This place is a must-see in the Pyrenees, so give yourself a well-deserved break in your bike trip to contemplate it!
Day 5: Pyrenean Wildlife Park
What better way to end your cycling trip than with a stop at the Pyrenees Wildlife Park? Located in Argelès-Gazost, it is home to more than 120 wild species, from bears to wolves, from vultures to otters, from prairie dogs to ibexes, from deer to parrots, not to mention the local mascot: the marmot. If you have always dreamed of getting close to the marmots, you can feed them alongside the caretakers, inside their enclosure.
A number of unusual lodges and huts have been set up in the park, allowing visitors to observe red pandas, brown bears and grey wolves up close and personal. Nature lovers will have the chance to wake up face to face with the park's tiny inhabitants: a memorable experience for the whole family or just the two of you.
By Sandy Pérolle
Epicurean and lifestyle specialist.
