A to B (east to west) along the length of the Pyrenees (French side)

[Wapping]

Here it is downloaded from the Michelin book ‘Road Trips à Europe’.





It’s fairly well known, tried and tested, running near enough along the top of the hills and mountains for 560 miles. What though is perhaps interesting is that, by pitching your stops at some towns, you can ride a mass of other cols and passes, some pretty small. Here is a sample:

 

[wessie]

I did part of that route in Sept 2022. I came into it from the Parador at Argomaniz after a ferry to Santander. Over the Puerto de Larreau and did a loop on the D19 & D18, then stayed at the Hotel Le Central in Oloron Ste Marie. The next day I just followed the D918/D618 to where it meets the Spanish border and stayed in Vielha. I think it was about 270 miles but felt more like 400 as it is very squiggly in places but some of the best views in the Pyrenees and unlike 2018, no low cloud, just sunshine.
I stayed in Vielha for 2 nights and did a loop on the Spanish side before moving on.

Hotels which I would certainly use again:
Parador Argomaniz - join the Amigo programme for discounts and a free drink.
Le Central Hotel, Oloron - popular with local bikers as it has a nice cafe bar. Was in the middle of renovations in 2022 so should be complete now. Off street parking
Hotel Eth Pomer, Vielha - super friendly hotel with great breakfast buffet and garage parking

 

[Wapping]

think it was about 270 miles but felt more like 400 as it is very squiggly in places

I know the feeling. I rode west to east, along the top in two days. By the time I got to the end, I was glad not to see another bend