Western Pyrenees
These mountains have everything, from miracles to majestic passes
THE SOUTH WEST of France has some of the most spectacular scenery and riding in the country – and it’s packed with fascinating places to visit, too. There are unspoilt beaches on the Altantic and Mediterranean coasts, historic villages and castles plus amazing riding in the mountains of the Pyrenees, the gorges of the Tarn and hills of the Cévennes. As a touring destination, it really does have everything anyone could want.
This western end of the Pyrenees is simply fabulous. Whether you approach overland from northern France or by sea, after a Santander ferry, the roads here will be the highlight of any trip. The mountains are the big attraction but there’s more to this area than just the high passes. So whether you come for the big-name passes, the smaller hill roads of Lot-et-garonne and the Midi-pyrenees or the quiet coastal pine forests, there is riding here to suit all tastes.