The Tour de France and the Spanish Vuelta is often decided in the spectacular mountain stages of the Pyrenees. However for those who enjoy an easier ride, the Pyrenees also has much to offer as most of the interesting places to visit lie along the river valleys, where the slopes are gentle. Mountain-biking is also very popular in Pyrenees and many tracks have been created and adapted for all levels. Cyclists shoudn't be daunted by the Pyrenees. You can find plenty of rolling hills and even flat terrain (Cerdanya - Cerdagne for example). There are numerous recognized circuits in the French side.

In the East there are the relativelyeasy tours such as the Circuit des Aspres (85 km)and Circuit des Donjons Cathares (105 km); in the central zone the way gets tougher,but you can still find fairly undemanding routes through the Baronnies or in the Pays de Sault.

If you want to emulate the heroics of the Tour de France, there are limitless opportunities, especially within a short radius of the Col de Tourmalet. On the Spanish side you don't have the same extent of planned routes(though more and more Spanish guides to bike touring are being published - and the hotter weather discourages all but the hardiest from cycling inland,though you should find company as you get nearer to the sea, particularly on the Santiago (Saint James) route. Cycling in the Pyrenees has the necessary ingredients to satisfy all your expectations: peace, enjoyment of the countryside and the possibility of covering considerable distances in one single day.