Catalonia & Pyrenees Passes

For those traveling by plane: morning transfer to the rental company and pick up the motorcycle. 

Head up above the city for a panoramic view from the Serra de Collserola Natural Park. 

First gentle hairpins. After Terrassa, you climb the ridges of the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park, with a first pass at 870 m: Estenalles. 

A beautiful series of bends brings you to the foot of the Serra de Picancel. You cross the superb Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, with the Col de Josa pass (1,640 m). 

Climb up to Josa de Cadí for a drink... Another detour to the village square of Tuixent. Final climb in the heart of the Serra de Boixeder, with magnificent views, before descending to La Seu d'Urgell.

Overnight in La Seu d'Urgell.

This is the longest stage of the trip—plan to leave early!

You cross Port del Cantó at 1,718 m, then ride through the Alt Pirineu Natural Park before arriving in Arties, a cute village in the Val d'Aran on the banks of the Garona (yes—the same Garonne that flows into the Gironde near Bordeaux). 

Stop in Vielha. Wander its charming medieval center with stone-and-slate houses. 

You cross the Col du Portillon, then stop in Bagnères-de-Luchon, known for its thermal baths and its ski resort. 

The rest is a treat for riders, with 2 legendary passes: the Houquette d'Ancizan (1,564 m) and the Tourmalet (2,115 m), dreaded by cyclists. Pit-stop in Barèges, then Luz-Saint-Sauveur on the banks of the Bastan. 

Overnight in Luz-Saint-Sauveur.

Those who stay will enjoy an exceptional environment! 

You are in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, land of the "cirques". Gavarnie, the most famous, is a glacial cirque rising to 3,000 m, with one of Europe's highest waterfalls (427 m). There are hikes for all levels. 

There are other cirques in the area, less crowded, especially in summer: Troumouse, Estaubé or Lys. And if you don't like cirques, nothing stops you from relaxing in the thermal baths in Luz-St-Sauveur or Argelès-Gazost. 

You can also enjoy popular mountain sports, like downhill MTB, which has become very trendy in recent years.

Overnight in Luz-St-Sauveur.

Note: it is possible to remove this day (and if so, move the night elsewhere on the route): contact us. 

The superb road linking the Col du Soulor (1,474 m) to the Col d'Aubisque (1,709 m) reveals all the magic of the High Pyrenees and the Ossau valley. You may encounter shepherds gathering their flocks—adapt your speed. 

Stop in Laruns, then back into Spain via the Col du Pourtalet (1,794 m). You're in Aragon, and thrilling hairpins lead to the hamlet of Laneza in the Tena valley, on the banks of the río Gállego. Tiny place, amazing setting! 

Head to Torla, one of the most beautiful villages in Aragon, at the foot of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. You cross it via a small panoramic road of bends with lovely "miradors" (viewpoints). 

Arrival in Ainsa, a former medieval bastide perched on its promontory. One of the most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees! 

Overnight in Ainsa.

Note: if you didn't enjoy the day in Gavarnie, you can make the detour, with a stop in Torla. Contact us. 

Head toward the Sierra y Los Cañones de Guara Natural Park. 

First stop in the superb perched village of Alquézar, one of the most beautiful in Aragon. Beyond the splendid Santa María la Mayor collegiate church-castle with its Romanesque capitals and organ, and the many hermitages, the site lies in a region renowned for its rock art remains, listed by UNESCO. And for its excellent Somontano wines! 

Head to Catalonia via the Montllobar Pass (1,050 m) and the Boixols Pass (1,330 m). The superb mountain road winding through the Serra d'Aubenç and leading to Coll de Nargo is dotted with viewpoints—each more beautiful than the last... Pure happiness! 

Your stop is just a short distance away, in Peramola, at the foot of Roc de Rombau. 

Overnight in Peramola.

Head for the principality of Andorra, wedged between Spain and France, famous for its ski resorts (among other things...).

Stop in Andorra la Vella, the capital, and do a bit of duty-free shopping. Even if it's not particularly pretty, the city has good addresses, notably accessory stores for motorcyclists. 

You cross Port d'Envalira, the highest road pass in the Pyrenees, at 2,408 m. After the ski resort of Pas de la Casa, it's time for the Col de Puymorens (1,915 m), which temporarily takes you back into France. Back in Catalonia, the ridge road to the charming village of Castellar de Hug, then into the Serra de Montgrony, is superb.

Your address for the day is just a few kilometers from Ripoll. We won't say more—it's one of our favorites.

Overnight near Ripoll (dinner included).

Note: possible to extend the stay in this wonderful place—where the food is great... Contact us.

One last incursion into France after crossing the Col d'Ares (1,513 m), then back into Spain toward Coustouges. 

The road gently winds toward the Big Blue, which you'll spot from the heights of the Cap de Creus peninsula. Change of scenery: goodbye mountains, hello the charm of the Costa Brava. 

The superb road tracing its curves down to the coast holds a wonderful surprise: the Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes. The site can be visited: church, cellars, crypt, cloisters, as well as the tower and the hamlet of Santa Cruz.

Arrival in Cadaquès, one of the most beautiful towns in Catalonia, on the shores of the Mediterranean. 

Cadaquès is full of charm: wandering through its narrow lanes lined with white houses and flowered facades is a real pleasure, even if it can be busy in summer. 

Overnight in Cadaquès.

A well-deserved free day to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle and relax by the pool. You can hop on a short boat excursion: there are beautiful coves reachable by boat. Those who want to ride can take their bike to explore the coast... 

Overnight in Cadaquès.

Note: it is possible to remove this rest day. Contact us.

Ride to Calella de Palafrugell, an adorable coastal village. Stop along the small paths that run by the beach. 

A lovely stretch of road, with the small Coll de la Ganga (211 m!) and great views, then back onto a nice section of hairpins along the ridges of a forested area.

You then descend to Girona. Girona is a magnificent city. Stroll through the historic quarter. The cathedral (with its Gothic nave, the widest in the world) is particularly impressive. Get lost in the maze of medieval lanes, especially in the Jewish Quarter, with stairways, arcades, sections of walls, small squares and gardens. A real delight.

Special mention for the houses along the Onyar River, whose silhouettes reflect in the water. The photo looks like a postcard, especially from the Eiffel Bridge, with its red metal structure. 

Overnight in Girona.

Head towards the roads of the small Cadiretes massif, in a wooded and hilly, little-traveled environment.

You reach the coastal road, winding between hills and the Mediterranean.

There are some lovely small coves (“calas”), such as Cala Pola and Cala Bona.

After the seaside resorts of Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar, you climb back into the hills, cross the Col d’el Pollastre (267m), and return to the coast.

A final climb via the modest passes of Sant Bartomeu and Font de Cera before arriving on the outskirts of Barcelona.

Return of your motorcycle to the rental company and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Barcelona.

Enjoy this beautiful city of Barcelona a little longer.

Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.

Return flight.

Stay extension in Barcelona or itinerary modification: please contact us