Now that the Tour de France has finished, with Italian
Vincenzo Nibali donning the yellow jersey, many cycling fans may be left
dreaming of their own two-wheeled tour of Europe.
If your love of cycling has been reignited and the Tour de
France has left you wanting more, this may be the perfect time to consider your
own cycling trip. Whether you like cities, hillsides, wining and dining or
would rather just stay closer to home, there are plenty of fantastic tours you
can make on your own two wheels. Here’s a selection of some of Europe’s most
impressive cycling regions to whet your appetite.
For Tour de France fans: The Pyrenees
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| Image courtesy of kingArthur_aus |
One of the key routes of the Tour de France, the Pyrenees offer
challenging routes and winding pathways between the area’s many peaks. These
hefty climbs reward cyclists with high speed descents and awe-inspiring views
of mountains, forests and high altitude lakes.
Beginners could start with the Col des Ares climb, which
offers gentle gradients of 310m in total, with winding turns throughout. Cycle
6.7km from la Moulette to the summit, where you’ll be able to celebrate your
journey with a cooling beverage.
Another great climb, and one of the most popular, is
Guardader d’Arres, which can be started on the Spanish side of the border. This
winds through tall forests before offering jaw dropping views across the
valley. Following the moderately steep, but steady climb, cyclists can enjoy a
fun descent, speeding through the village of Arres, with plenty of hairpin
bends to get the heart racing.
