The Auvergne, Languedoc and Spanish Pyrenees offer great roads and marvellous scenery.
We understand long ferry journeys are not for everyone, so for this tour we have based it on an overnight ferry to St.Malo (which we no longer provide) then enjoy the best of French roads taking 3 nights to cross France. The Eurotunnel is also an option. Our first night is in the lovely Loire valley, second amongst the Cantal Mountains and the third in the medieval citadel of Carcassonne. Crossing into Spain we enjoy two, 2-night stops allowing us to unpack and enjoy daily ride-outs.
We ride along the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, which tends to enjoy the better weather and provides great roads and beautiful views. You will be amazed as you pass down deep river valleys, along mountain ridges and through rock gorges, how every corner brings something new - a castle, a reservoir or a rugged mountain peak. We have done this trip many times before and it represents everything good about biking - superb roads, stunning views and biker-friendly locals. Our return will be via Amboise in time to catch an afternoon ferry back to Portsmouth (which we no longer provide).
This is an Escorted Tour which means that although the guide will be with you, you are responsible for doing your own navigation. We provide a Tour Pack which will include a full itinerary, GPX route file and hotel location. This system suits many people, as it allows them to ride at their own pace and style, either alone or in small groups. However, if you prefer, you may ride with the guide, who will act as your escort throughout the tour.
Tour prices are inclusive of the following:
- Eurotunnel Crossing (See travel choice)
- 9 Nights' en-suite accommodation at 3 & 4 star hotels.
- 9 Regional breakfasts.
- 7 Evening meals.[1]
- Full use of the hotels' leisure facilities.
- Garage parking where available.
- GPX route file
- Guided Day tours.
- Services of experienced Tour Guide (Chris).
Not Included:
- Outward Portsmouth to St.Malo ferry (see travel choice)
- Inward day ferry Caen to Portsmouth.
- Meals onboard ferries
- Meals other than indicated
- Tolls
Accommodation
All the accommodation we use on this tour has been chosen not only for their qualities, but also location, and being bike friendly. Hotels are to our normal standard, that is of 3 star or better. All bedrooms are en-suite with the facilities you would expect, including TV, telephone and hairdryer. Many also have fridges, balconies, and free Wi-Fi access. Hotel facilities such as fitness rooms, spa, sauna and swimming pools are included, so we suggest you take your swimming gear. Evening meals are included unless indicated otherwise.
Notes:
- In Spain, it is the normal practice to eat quite late - evening meals will be traditional regional menus and mainly meat-based. Although we will do our best to obtain an alternative, vegetarians should be aware that the choice can be limited.
The tour itinerary is based on a Portsmouth - St Malo, Caen - Portsmouth crossing (see travel choice)
Thursday 24th June: Today you make your way to Portsmouth to catch the Brittany Ferries 2015hrs crossing to St.Malo (No longer provided). The evening sailing allows you to travel down on the day, and meet your fellow riders and guides before boarding. Included in your crossing is a en-suite cabin (for two persons), but we leave you to make your own dining arrangements.
Friday 25th June (235 miles): Those using the Eurotunnel crossing should arrive in time for a morning departure for their journey across northern France (340 miles). An early ferry arrival soon gets us under way on our cross country route along the banks of the Loire and past some of the fantastic Chateaux of the region. Your hotel tonight is located on the outskirts of a lovely medieval town in the Loire valley. On arrival, you can relax and enjoy a swim in the hotel’s pool, or maybe take a walk into this lovely historic town. Time to enjoy a drink on the hotel terrace before sitting down to our evening meal. 4 star hotel, Dinner and B&B.
Saturday 26th June (250 miles) : Choice of routes today, for those that have not previously visited it, there is the opportunity to visit the village of Oradour-sur-Glane. This village was the site of one of the greatest atrocities of the Second World War, when occupying SS troops massacred the entire population in reprisal for French resistance. The village has since been preserved exactly as it was then, and is well worth a visit. Alternatively, you can take a scenic cross country route through the Correze region to enter the Cantal's from the north. Either way, our day finishes at a 3 star hotel in a small rural town under the shadow of the Cantal Mountains. The hotel does not have a dining room so we leave you to make your own dinner arrangements at one of the many nearby restaurants. 3 star hotel, B&B.
Sunday 27th June (160 miles): Some great roads today as we ride south through the Parc Grand Causses and Parc Haut-Languedoc regions to our next overnight stop in the hilltop town of Carcassone. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Cite at Carcassonne is a painstakingly restored medieval walled city on a hill by the Aude River. With 53 towers, barbicans, moat and even its own drawbridge, its well worth a visit. Most of the hotels are in the modern part of the city, however I am pleased to say that we have secured accommodation within easy walking distance of the La Cite entrance. The hotel has a lovely outside pool, terrace area and enclosed private carpark. We take the opportunity to dine out within the city walls. 4 star hotel, B&B.
Monday 28th June (140 miles): Today we enter Spain via the Pyrenees. Some 275 miles long, the Pyrenees form one of the world’s great mountain chains, stretching from the Catalan Mediterranean in the south, to the Basque Atlantic in the north. We enter via the roads of the Parc regional des Pyrenees, again choices of route, including one will take you via the tax free state of Andorra. Your accommodation for the next two nights' is at a 3 star hotel set in the Cerdanya valley, with fantastic mountain views and great facilities. 3 star hotel, Dinner and B&B.
Tuesday 29th June (free day): Our two night stop gives you a free day to explore this unique part of the Pyrenees. Widest and brightest of the Pyrenees valleys, Cerdanya it is said to be shaped like the "handprint of God" and is in area that enjoys over 3000 hours of sunshine per year. Fought over for many years, the Valley was eventually divided between France and Spain in 1659, however inhabitants on both sides of the border consider themselves Catalans.
If you want a peaceful day the hotels boast a fitness centre, spa, sauna, inside and beautiful inside/outside swimming pool. If even that sounds like hard work, time to relax in the solarium or on the hotel terrace, admiring the stunning mountain views over a glass or two of wine. For those that wish, retail therapy is available in the form of the tax free Principality of Andorra, just a short ride away. The rider is not forgotten, as to the south lay the mountains of the Serra de Cadi offering challenging roads and fantastic mountain scenery. Or why not visit three countries in the day? As you take a circular route through Andorra, France and back into Spain again. 3 star hotel, Dinner and B&B.
Wednesday 30th June (168 miles): Our journey continues as we take a leisurely ride westwards along the N260 as it twists and turns past Sort and up to road to the Bonaigua Pass (6,800ft) from where you get tremendous views. Passing Vielha, the capital of Vall d’ Aran we pass through the Tunnel de Vielha to enter Aragon. Our day finishes at one of our favourite hotels, set in a rural setting and offering lovely mountain views. 3 star hotel, Dinner and B&B
Thursday 1st July (free day): The central or Aragonese Pyrenees are the highest, wildest and most spectacular section of the range boasting the peaks of Monte Perido (3355m) and Aneto (3404m) amongst others. Between these are valleys whose inhabitants were so isolated that they had their own distinct traditions and dialects and, indeed, saw no form of motor transport until the late 20th century. Surrounded by three national parks we are not short of places to visit, however, we suggest a ride-out to the best known of them all, the Ordesa National Park. Created in 1918 the park is not only known for its spectacular scenery and stunning natural beauty, but being an area rich in woodlands, lakes, waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Should you fancy a day off the bikes there is a fascinating medieval town close by, or perhaps you would prefer a swim in one of the two hotel pools and a beer or glass of wine on the hotel's panoramic terrace. 3 star hotel, Dinner and B&B
Friday 2nd July (220 miles): Multiple choices today as we ride back over the Pyrenees and into France. You can take the Col du Somport, scenic Col du Pourtalet or maybe the iconic Col du Tourmalet, much favoured by the Tour de France. Either way all routes will take you to our next hotel situated in its own grounds close to the Garonne river. The hotel as an outside pool and lovely wooded terrace, just the place to enjoy a drink or two before sitting down to an evening meal. 3 star hotel, Dinner and B&B.
Saturday 3rd July (279 miles): Using predominantly N roads we take a cross country route to our final destination back in the Loire Valley. This gives us a chance to enjoy the first nights hotel again. 4 star hotel, Dinner and B&B.
Sunday 4th July (110 miles): Those using the Eurotunnel (340 miles) will be at Calais in time for a late afternoon crossing. Those using the ferry have an easy run today that takes us back to Caen to catch the 1630hrs ferry back to Portsmouth (No longer provided). There should be plenty of time to visit the Pegasus Bridge, originally called the Bénouville Bridge after the neighbouring village, it is now a war memorial and is the centrepiece of the Memorial Pegasus museum at nearby Ranville. Our ferry docks at 2130hrs, where we bid our farewells.
Travel Choice: The tour itinerary is based on a outbound Portsmouth to St Malo crossing and inward ferry from Caen to Portsmouth. The outbound ferry travels overnight so an en-suite cabin is required. Inward crossing is approx. 6 hour crossing. Portsmouth ferry outbound sails 2015hrs, inward ferry arrives 2130hrs.
For those who are not keen of using ferries, there is the option to use the Eurotunnel crossing.
These ferries save on overnight stops, fuel costs, and wear and tear on your bike. Ferry reservation is not included with this tour.
Personal Travel & Breakdown Assitance Cover
On all European tours (including Southern Ireland) we require clients to take-out some form of Personal Travel and Accident/Breakdown cover. This is essential for repatriation of yourself and your motorcycle in the event of an accident or medical emergency. If you have an existing policy you should check that your company would repatriate your bike, even if undamaged, should you be unable to ride it (many do not!) .
We also strongly urge you to take out insurance that includes cancellation cover in the event of accident, illness or redundancy when you make your booking.
| Tour Cost |
|
Ferry (Not included) |
Eurotunnel |
| Two persons, one bike, shared room |
|
£1410 ea |
£1530 ea |
| One person, one bike, shared room |
|
£1410 |
£1655 |
| One person, one bike, own room |
|
£1750 |
£1975 |
Deposit £150 per person
* (based on single hotel room & single cabin on ferry)
Note: all prices based on current VAT rates and Euro-GBP rates as of July 2026
If booking to share a room without knowing a second person, please refer to our T&C's