8 cycling routes with views of the Pyrenees

Cycling routes with a view in the 64: 8 routes between passes and panoramas.

Between the valleys of Béarn and the peaks of the Basque Country, we’ve selected 8 cycling itineraries that are a feast for the eyes… and the calves!
Mythical mountain passes, panoramic roads, sporty loops or high-altitude bike rides, here every pedal stroke brings you a little closer to the summit… and a breathtaking view.

Whether you’re a road bike enthusiast or curious about nature cycling in the 64, you’ve come to the right place.

In the saddle? We’ll take you on a tour of the most beautiful cycling routes with mountain views.

As you travel up the Gave de Pau, you can stop to discover the bastide town of Nay, the village of Lestelle-Bétharram or the caves of Bétharram. Explore the varied landscapes of this itinerary, with the Pyrenees always at your side.

This fairly sporty route covers 50 km and has a 300-metre positive gradient, so it’s great fun on two wheels!

Here, you don’t need to climb one mountain pass after another to enjoy the view. On this 27 km cycling loop, you can pedal at your leisure – with 143 m of positive difference in altitude – between the VTC3 and Vélosud cycle paths. It’s the perfect itinerary for a bike ride that combines nature and heritage in the Pays de Nay.

Along the way, you’ll follow the banks of the river Gave, passing through charming little villages… and above all, keep your eyes wide open: the view of the mountains from the Nay bridge is well worth a photo stop (or two!).

A cycling tour of Béarn’s heritage and views of the Pyrenees

Typical houses, castles, dolmens, wash-houses… on this 47 km cycle route, the heritage of Béarn is revealed as you pass through its hamlets and villages. Each stop is an invitation to look up and take in the scenery.

But be warned, there’s quite a climb: 735 m positive! A perfect itinerary for road cyclists, with superb views as a reward.

Hold on tight, it’s going to be uphill: 54 km and 1417 m of ascent, starting fromOloron-Sainte-Marie. A real cycling loop, alternating hillsides, plains and forests, with emblematic passages such as the Buzy dolmen or the Bager d’Arudy.

An itinerary as varied as it is demanding, to be reserved for well-trained cyclists. Please note: this cycle route passes through a pastoral zone, so remember to adopt the right precautions to avoid disturbing the herds… and the patous.

A 58 km cycling loop with 386 m of positive ascent, perfect for an accessible yet exotic outing. Head for the lake at Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, then immerse yourself in the traditional Basque landscape, with a detour to Ortillopitz, a 17th-century house.
Two small passes, typical villages, the sea not far away, the mountains in the background… what more could you ask for?

Ah si : Espelette! But a word of advice from a seasoned cyclist: save the peppers for after the ride… unless you want to test the turbo effect on the way back!

Departure from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for an 88 km cycling loop with 478 m of ascent. Here, you’ll be spoilt for choice: vineyards, medieval houses, ancient forges and the Aldudes valley, where pastoralism is still very much alive.

Bonus? A final bike climb to the Goyhenetchéa farm, to savor the effort with a view and local flavors. A complete itinerary for cycling enthusiasts, combining Basque culture, panoramic routes and local discoveries.

How about a 41 km cycling loop with 900 m of ascent in the heart of the Iraty forest? It’s a demanding cyclist’s route, but accessible on an electrically-assisted bike (the Buricleta is the perfect ally for tired calves!).

We cross vast mountainous areas, skirt the shores of Lake Irabia, and take a well-deserved break at the Casas de Irati bar-restaurant.
An outing in the heart of nature, between effort and pleasure, for all profiles, from sharp climbers to lovers of cycle touring in the Basque Country.

With its 80 km and 804 m of positive altitude difference, this cycling loop in the Basque Country is a real sporting challenge: an undulating profile, short but steep climbs, and a scenery full of character.

You’ll pass through Aussurucq, a charming little Basque village, and take a well-deserved break in front of the UNESCO-listedRomanesque church of Hôpital Saint-Blaise.

A mountain bike itinerary that combines effort, heritage and panoramic views… ideal for lovers of demanding bike tours and local history.