From July 13th to 17th: mountain passes reserved for cyclists, for the Pyrénées Cycl'n Trip!

Every year, during the week following the passage of the Tour de France through the Hautes Pyrénées, the famous Cycl'n Trip , where the mountain passes are reserved for cyclists.

For five days, a dozen mountain passes are closed to car traffic, at a rate of 1 to 3 per day, in order to allow cycling enthusiasts to climb these mythical slopes, each at their own pace.

Come and join us for this wonderful cycling festival, with family or friends!

Why should only professionals have exclusive access to roads in one of Europe's most beautiful cycling areas?
Why not offer the opportunity to ride in the wake of champions, when cyclists from all over the world are dying to discover our mountain passes?

It is on this observation that the Departmental Council of Hautes-Pyrénées, in collaboration with the municipalities concerned, conceived this unique system "Pyrénées Cycl'n Trip" which has now been operating for several years.

Thus, every year, on the Monday following the passage of the Tour de France, the mountain passes are closed from east to west, to allow cycling ascents on "privatized" roads, and this is done on each side. 

In total, 11 reserved passes which represent a potential of 153 km of climbing.

Participation is open to all: free, no registration, no fixed start time and no timing, everyone rides at their own pace … it can hardly be more open!

And since there are no cars, you can stop whenever you want to catch your breath, wait for friends, or simply admire the scenery... At the top of each climb, refreshments await you, as well as a small souvenir and a stamped passport before heading back down!

Passionate and experienced cyclists, families or groups of friends of all levels, on classic or electric bikes, all come together to share the climb of their choice, for one or more days.

This operation mobilizes numerous departmental and local stakeholders with the support of the gendarmerie.
The success is commensurate with the effort, with nearly 5,000 participants across all the mountain passes. On the legendary Tourmalet alone, almost 1,000 cyclists were counted in the morning!

At the start of each mountain pass reserved for cyclists, a vehicle checkpoint and cyclist reception area is set up. Depending on the pass, the closed section of road varies in length. Only certain vehicles are permitted: emergency services, organizers, and local residents. Thus, right from the start, not a single car is allowed!

A great atmosphere of competition, whether for the personal challenge of "conquering a mountain pass" or even for the time trial – some excellent amateur teams make the trip – or simply the pleasure of a climb in the peaceful valley.
Because, beyond the safety aspect, what a joy it is to climb without an engine roaring in front of you, or the fear of a car whizzing past as it overtakes you!

For one morning, engines disappear in favor of the "click" of gear changes... From one end of the pass to the other, only bicycles!

It's so nice that some people even choose to take their holidays at that time, just to participate in this event.

Come and enjoy these great moments by staying at Chalet La Source during the Cycl'n Trip!