EVERYTHING ABOUT THE VIELHA CYCLING TOUR 2024
If you’re looking for an excuse to organize your next mountain getaway, we’ve made it easy! The third edition of the Vielha Cycling Tour returns to the Aran Valley on July 20, a special event in the heart of the Pyrenees. This year, we’re lucky enough to be taking part as the principal sponsor. Without doubt, a unique opportunity to discover the valley during a lively weekend full of activities – even for those who don’t practice this sport -. Read on to find out more about the event and our suggested summer plans in the Aran Valley!
1. ONE RACE, TWO ITINERARIES
You’ve probably dreamed of riding the mountain passes that Miguel Indurain, Bernard Hinault, and Eddy Merckx – among many other champions – have climbed and descended many times. Can you imagine crossing the typical stages of the Tour de France, the Vuelta a España, or the Volta a Catalunya during the Vielha Cycling Tour? You’ll feel like a cycling legend on its two routes at different levels – so you can choose the one that best suits your technique -.
This 90-kilometer itinerary will give you 2680 meters of vertical gain. You’ll cross the valley’s impressive natural landscapes, including the Plan de Batalher and the Col du Portilhon. On the way up to Arròs, you’ll have the chance to test yourself at one of the valley’s historic mountain passes. Would you like to find out which pass it is?
This 150-kilometer route runs through the heart of the valley. It takes you through the French departments of Haute-Garonne and Hautes-Pyrénées. Along the way, you’ll come up against six mountain passes with a positive vertical gain of 3700 meters, all of which have been the subject of famous cycling tours. Among them, the Port de Balès – special category -, the French Portilhón – timed section – and the Guardader d’Arres – specially asphalted for the race -.
2. PROGRAM AND REGISTRATION
The Vielha Cycling Tour will start on July 19 – race number distribution – and July 20 – race day -. During the weekend, sport and nature lovers will meet to share their passion for cycling in a challenging, yet friendly and relaxed atmosphere. If you dare to pedal through the most beautiful mountains in the Pyrenees, don’t forget that you can register until June 20. Guarantee your participation!
REGISTRATIONS
3. ACTIVITIES IN THE ARAN VALLEY
In summer, the Val d’Aran becomes a paradise for outdoor activities, with hiking trails on the Baqueira Beret ski slopes, also suitable for children; water activities such as rafting, canoeing, and hydrospeed with Deportur; tours and zip lines at the Naturaran adventure park; or guided tours of the Aigüestortes National Park and the Estany de Sant Maurici, where children can learn about the region’s flora and fauna.
If you’re looking for a comforting bath, visit the thermal waters of Arties or the ones of Baronía de Les, where you can relax body and mind after exploring the Pyrenees.
4. GASTRONOMY IN THE ARAN VALLEY
The Aran Valley’s gastronomy offers a unique culinary experience that reflects its rich cultural heritage and mountainous environment. Marmite aranaise – olla aranesa in Spanish – is a stew of different meats, legumes, and vegetables. It’s perfect for cold winter and summer days – for the more audacious -. You can also try wild boar civet, a stew of wild boar meat marinated in red wine and slow-cooked with aromatic herbs.
We recommend the mountain pâté and artisanal cheeses produced in the region, – such as the one made in the Hormarges Tarrau store in Bagergue -. If you’re looking for an international touch, you’ll also find the French influence in Aranese cuisine. During your visit to the valley, choose a crespèth, a sweet or salty crepe, an iced cookie, or a walnut and raisin cake.
Here are our gastronomic recommendations for the Aran Valley. Just find the village you’d like to visit and its gastronomic options!
5. VACATION RENTALS IN THE VALLEY
Whether you’re coming with your partner, with friends, or with the whole family, there is space for everyone in our vacation rentals in Baqueira – even to store your bikes -. From apartments with balconies and views of the Aneto to houses with private gardens where you can prepare delicious barbecues, we want you to feel right at home at FeelFree. Discover our collection of vacation rentals in Vielha and surroundings villages, with all the necessary amenities to make your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible.
In the picture above: El Jardí Secret, in Escunhau.
Find your mountain refuge to rest and recharge your batteries after the race. The Vielha Cycling Tour is suitable for everyone. Remember that it doesn’t matter if you are a professional cyclist or have been cycling for a short time. See you at the start line!
In the picture 1: Arriu Nere, in Vielha; in the picture 2: Nheu d’Arties, in Arties.