France·July 2 - 6 2023
Come and enjoy a week long stay with us at our 18th century home, whilst exploring all that the Bearn Pyrenees has to offer on two wheels.
ENQUIRE
You might have watched the professional riders of the Tour de France ride through the Pyrenees and thought to yourself, "I'd like to ride there”. Or you simply liked the idea of going somewhere new. Well, this is your chance. We've put our heads together to bring you an unforgettable week in the Pyrenees, with five days of riding, up to 9 cols, wine tasting, star gazing and gourmet meals - all whilst staying at our 18th century home, Maison Rancesamy.
Served on the terrace, the porch or in the dining room, our homemade breakfasts are to die for.
Our chef will prepare a delicious 4-course dinner from local produce. You'll be in the company of a local winemaker, who's wine we'll drink.
Treat yourself to a free massage courtessy of us
You'll cover over 500kms and ride up 9 cols, including the Tourmalet, Aspin, Aubisque, Soulor and many more
Meet your hosts
Tobias is a professional adventure athlete, journalist and author. He has competed in well over 200 races around the world, from wife carrying to 550km adventure races. His work has been published in over 40 publications and he's the author of two books a contributor to many more.
Living in the Pyrenees is a marriage of his passion for France, the mountains, DIY, trail running and cycling. A consummate optimist and lifelong athlete, he's always on the lookout for his next adventure.
For someone born in Zimbabwe and raised in South Africa, it's not surprising that Zayne is passionate about the outdoors and animals. A lifelong runner, who's tackled many of the world's toughest races, served on operations with the British Army in Iraq and Afghanistan and worked 17 years as a nurse in Emergency Care, it would be fair to say she's not one to sit around twiddling her fingers.
Thanks to her flair, talent, and hard work, Secret Pyrenees is as beautiful as it is. She's also the powerhouse behind the scrumptious food you'll eat with us.
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DAY 1
After arrival you'll be have a chance to unpack your bags, take a swim and catch your breath before dinner.
DAY 2
After a tucking into our famous breakfast, you'll take to the mountains to tackle the Col de Marie Blanque
Distance: →78km
Elevation Gain: ↑1625m
DAY 3
Today we head out towards the Western Bearn and the Aspe Valley. We'll tackle two small but not to be underestimated cols - the Col d'Ichere and the Col de Lie.
Distance: →100km
Elevation Gain: ↑1765m
DAY 4
This is the biggest day of the week. No cycling trip in the Pyrenees is complete without Col de Tourmalet, so why not add in the Col d'Aspin and the Col d'Hourquete d'Ancizan whilst your there.
Distance: →98km
Elevation Gain: ↑3669m
DAY 5
Today we'll stay relatively local and explore the rolling hills of the Jurancon, stopping as we go at a vew of our favourite vineyards.
Stats:
Distance: →100km
Elevation Gain: ↑1800m
DAY 6
One of the most iconic climbs of the the Tour de France, the Col d'Aubisque feels like a good Col to include on our final day. And since we're in the area, we'll take you up the Col de Soulor and then the Col de Spandalles. We'll be with you every step of the way, supporting you as you make your way to the top of each of the climbs. The carrot at the end of the stick will be finishing the day with a relaxing dip in the thermal waters of the Argeles-Gazost spa.
Distance: →85km
Elevation Gain: ↑2660m
DAY 7
It will be with a sad heart that we must bit you farewell, as this is the final day. For those who feel the urge, there will be time for a quick one hour ride before breakfast.
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Mid-Week Laundry
Hot drinks throughout day
Dinner with alcohol
Secure Bike Storage
Wine tasting
Use of Yoga Mats/Foam Rollers
Two fully supported days on the Cols de Tourmalet and Aubisque
Ensuite Accommodation
One dinner in an award winning restaurant
Travel Insurance
Flights
Bike Rental (extra cost)
MAISON RANCESAMY
Maison Rancesmay is a restored 18th century Bearnaise farmhouse. It has been our home since 2016. With a large swimming pool, flowing gardens, a river and woodland, all set within 3.8 hectares of parkland, we hope you'll feel at home.
Measuring 12x6m, our stunning pool offers plenty of room to gently float, swim a few laps or even lie beside whilst soaking up the rays
A communal area for chilling out, having a coffee or sometimes breakfast.
An ideal pleace to relax and thumb through one of the many books and maps that we have available to you
Soak up the views in our beautiful garden, where you'll be joined by the bees and the birds who inhabit this lucious space overlooking the mountains.
Whether it's eating breakfast, or enjoying a glass of wine after a day in the mountains, it's a glorious place to relax and gaze at the view.
The beating heart of our home - where all of us pass at some point or another - on our way to the pool, breakfast, fairy forest - or just linger and smell the flowers.
Our secret place tucked away at the bottom of our domain, idylically situated next to La Baïse river.
You're welcome to arrive anytime after midday. If you're flying in by plane and need collecting from the airport, let us know.
You don't need to be superfit, but at least have the confidence to spend 3-4 hours on the bike with at least a 1000m of climbing in your legs.
Not at all. We welcome solo travellers as well as couples.
As a family ourselves, we know the struggles of finding suitable accommodation. However, the makeup of our bedrooms and our small capacity precludes us from children being present on our 'experience weeks'.