Wilder and woolier than the Alps, the Pyrenees have often served as a dramatic battlefield for the Tour de France and the first week of the 2023 edition has seen stages in these mountains. For cycling enthusiasts unafraid of climbing, the Pyrenees experience is a must-do, and an excellent book by Peter Cossins provides an insider’s look at some great riding.

Nestled between the infamous Col du Tourmalet and Col de Peyresourde in the beautiful Hautes-Pyrénées, the Col d’Aspin has a long and illustrious history with the Tour de France, first featuring in the race as part of the inaugural mountain stage (a mere 326km from from Luchon to Bayonne dubbed the Circle of Death) in 1910.

TRAVEL: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to cycle the famous cols in the Pyrenees? For 12 years Allan Reeves has led a leg-crushing and ego-boosting trip across the Pyrenees most famous peaks that spans 1000 miles and climbs 100,000 feet in 12 stages. Here's what riders can expect on this the trip of a lifetime with France From Inside cycling tours.

For thousands of years, intrepid spirits have crossed the Pyrenees, Alps, and Dolomites—from Hannibal with his mighty elephant herd to the campaigns of Charlemagne and the humble treks undertaken by medieval pilgrims. Today, you’ll see spandex in place of chainmail all over these ranges as cyclists challenge themselves to conquer the bucket-list giants.

France From Inside Tours specializes in cycling holidays for small groups in southern France, like their epic 'Conquer the Pyrenees' trip. 1000 miles, 100,000 feet climbing, 12 days of riding across the Pyrenees, coast to coast and back. The company owner and lead guide, Allan Reeves, explains how next year’s 8th presentation of this marathon ride unfolds.

Roadside St. 8: The race had it's first date with the mountains today as Les Pyrénées mark the first mountain experience in the 100th edition of Le Tour. And what a day it was driving over the hors category Col de Pailhères to Ax-le-Thermes.

France From Inside Tours specializes in cycling holidays in southern France. One of their most popular trips is the epic Conquer the Pyrenees, 12 days riding 1000 miles from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and back, climbing over 94,000 feet. The company owner and lead guide, Allan Reeves, explains how next year’s 6th presentation of this marathon ride unfolds.

Part 2: In 2010, the ErgVideo crew launched their most ambitious mission yet to the French Pyrйnйes to ride, film, and ultimately produce their next batch of training films. We recently showed you Part 1, and the adventures continue here as they cover Pla d’Adet, the Peyresourde, Hautacam, Luz Ardiden, Col du Solour and the Col D’Aubisque.

Every year Allan Reeves, of France From Inside Cycling Tours, counts the days to his once a year epic cycling trip: Conquer the Pyrenees, 12 days riding from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and back, 1000 miles, and climbing 94000 feet. 2011 marks the 5th presentation of this marathon ride. PEZ takes a moment to ask him some questions about this journey.