Pyrenees

» WHY GO? Great roads, amazing scenery, good campsites and affordable hotels, but plan weekend accommodation in advance during mid-summer. It’s like the Alps, but with fewer, and friendlier, people and a better choice of roads. We usually spend most time on the Spanish side. Fantastic trails too, but research and map reading required to avoid expensive fines. » WHEN AND HOW? Get a 1:1000,000 Michelin map, look for the squiggles and take your pick. The highest mountain passes can remain shut until May, and it starts getting colder at altitude from September. If riding coast-to-coast (recommended) allow plenty of time, and coincide it with a visit to Wheels and Waves in Biarritz, or the Catalan GP. » GETTINGTHERE Ten hours riding from St Malo to the Spanish/french border. Fly to Biarritz or Girona and rent a bike to save the slog through France. Or get the Bilbao ferry to Spain and start from there.