nstallation in warm, comfortable guest rooms. Once your bikes have been delivered, you'll set off on an easy, flexible loop through the heart of the Val d'Azun, climbing the accessible slopes of the Col des Bordères and its few twists and turns. The route takes you through bucolic countryside surrounded by high peaks. Optional return trip to the legendary Estaing lake.

The southern slopes of the Col du Soulor take you gently up in a succession of curves to the Col du Soulor. Meadows and barns follow one another in a beautiful rural mountain landscape, with the eternal snows of Balaïtous (3144m) looming at the bottom of the valley. From the Col du Soulor, panoramic views of the border peaks on one side and the National Park towards the Pau plain on the other, all enhanced by the company of numerous herds of cows, ewes and other horses roaming freely. Crossing the mythical Cirque du Litor, with its cornice road above the abyss. Arrive at the Col d'Aubisque for an exceptional view of Gourette and the Ossau valley, a traditional cheese-making centre. A long, beautiful descent down the Ossau valley to Laruns, then a more or less flat route along the valley floor to reach the accommodation at the foot of the Col de Marie-Blanque.

The first kilometre out of the village is steep, but soon gives way to the pretty high plateau of Bénou, its meadows dotted with barns dominated by fir forests and peaks. The fir forests soon take you through a series of curves until you cross the Col de Marie-Blanque (1035m). A refreshing descent into the Vallée d'Aspe is followed by a shady and very pleasant walk through the Bois de Bager, through which the Gave d'Ossau flows and which lies at the foot of the Pyrenees. Back at the entrance to the Ossau valley, all you have to do is climb a few hills to reach a charming little hotel with a gourmet restaurant.

Today, the route begins with a delightful walk along the hillsides of the Béarn region, with the Pyrenees in the background. After around twenty kilometres, you can decide to return to the Val d'Azun either by continuing the route via the foothills (this is a long option, but it's the easiest), or via the mountains, with the choice of climbing 2 different passes: the superb, medium-level climb on the north side of the Col du Soulor; or the wild, sporty Col des Spandelles. In either case, return to your accommodation on the first day.

Let's set off for 2 days of stages before climbing the legendary Col du Tourmalet: down to Argeles-Gazost to ride along the banks of the Gave de Pau on a pleasant cycle path. Then discover the authentic and little-known Castelloubon valley, with its remote villages and traditional houses, before reaching Bagnères-de-Bigorre. The first slopes of the Tourmalet will take you to Sainte-Marie de Campan for 1 night in a friendly, cosy, recently refurbished hotel run by a Pyrenees lover.

Early departure to climb the Tourmalet. Once you reach La Mongie, you can take the cable car (at an additional cost) up to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and discover its astronomical observatory perched at an altitude of 2877m. The view of the Pyrenees and the plain is immense. Back in La Mongie, it's time to get back in the saddle to climb the last few kilometres of the legendary Col du Tourmalet (2115m), which zigzags through the high meadows. Descend the Barégeois side of the pass to reach the Toy country and Luz-saint-Sauveur. The Gave de Pau will keep you company again before you return to the Val d'Azun via the pretty village of St-Savin and its superb Abbey. Return to the B&B where you spent your first few days for a final night.
You can add a night in a 3-star hotel half-way along the route (extra charge) so that you can continue up the valley towards the Cirque de Gavarnie and/or Troumouse.

End of stay after breakfast.