Mediterranean by bike and the Pyrenees, from Collioure to Cadaqués
Go by bike from Collioure and explore the Mediterranean coast as well as the mountains plunging into the sea towards Spain! Following scenic roads and balcony paths, this route is designed to be accessible.
Every day, you will cross vineyards, cork oak forests and scrubland. Thanks to electric assistance (or without for the more sporty), the ascent to the magnificent panoramas from the mountains overlooking the sea will be easy.
At the end of each stage, we invite you to enjoy the treasures of our region: wine tastings with our favorite winegrowers, swimming in wild creeks, snorkelling, cultural visits and tapas tasting on the terrace...
On this program, two route options are offered to you each day. The longer version is often a little more demanding but the efforts are rewarded by the tourist interests and/or viewpoints.
Day 1: arrival in Collioure or Perpignan
Explore Collioure freely and benefit from a tasting as well as advice from a local cycling instructor. Welcome to Collioure, the charming Catalan village that inspired the famous artists Matisse and Derain. Surrounded by terraces of vines descending in steps from the mountains to the sea, you can enjoy the panoramas, the intertwining cobbled streets, the art galleries and the beaches. A wine tasting is possible at our wine merchant partner Sylvain.
At the end of the afternoon, receive your bikes and advice from a local professional. Dinner is free, and the night takes place in a three-star hotel in Collioure.
Suggestions:
- Reception at the station or airport of Perpignan with transfer to Collioure (option)
- Additional night(s) in Collioure (option)
- Tasting of Catalan wines at Sylvain, our wine merchant/art gallery partner.
Day 2: from Collioure to Banyuls - 25 km and + 450 m or 35 km and + 700 m
This first day of cycling harmoniously combines mountains, vineyards and creeks with clear waters. You head towards the mountains away from the tourists, discovering Mediterranean scents in a magnificent setting. You overlook ancient terraces of vines descending in steps towards the coves of the Côte Vermeille. This cycling stage brings you closer to nature, highlighting the resources of the Catalan land since the Middle Ages. At the end of the day, taste local wines in the Bay of Paulilles before a swim in the clear waters of the sea. Arrival in Banyuls, followed by a free dinner and a night in a hotel in Banyuls.
Suggestion:
- Wine tasting
- Swimming in Paulilles Bay
Day 3: Cerbère and the underwater loop trail - 25 km and + 650 m or 45 km and + 800 m
The colorful atmosphere of the trip envelops you while the day promises a radiant program! The morning climb takes you through mountains where you might notice cactus-like shrubs bearing small, colorful fruits, such as prickly pear. You drive towards the ridges, the natural border between France and Spain which you will reach tomorrow. Passage through Cerbère, the last small French port, renowned for its exceptional nature reserve. End the day with a snorkeling exploration of the underwater trail, a fun stroll to discover underwater life. In Banyuls, tasting with the brothers Vincent, Augustin and Martin, successors of their father Marc, passionate about wine culture. Free dinner and second night in Banyuls.
Suggestions:
- Mask and snorkel diving at the underwater trail of the Banyuls reserve
- Tasting of dry wines from Collioure and sweet wines from Banyuls in a family estate
Day 4: from Banyuls to the port of la Selva - 40 km and + 820 m or 50 km and + 900 m
On the way to Spain for this new day. Protected from the very touristy Costa Brava by Cap de Creus, you enter Spanish lands that seem frozen in time. Passage by the small Benedictine abbey of Saint Quirze, nestled in the heart of the Albères mountains. You descend through fields of olive trees, holm oaks, arbutus trees, cysts, where the scents of thyme and rosemary mingle with the sea spray. Arrival at the small Spanish fishing port of Puerto de la Selva, ideal for enjoying some tapas by the sea. Free dinner and overnight in your hotel in Puerto de la Selva (or Llança).
Day 5: from the port of La Selva to Cadaquès - 40 km and + 820 m or 50 km and + 900 m
Leave Puerto de la Selva and cycle towards the Cap de Creus natural park along ancestral paths lined with pretty dry stone walls. Founded in 1998, the national park offers a contrast with the coast further south, remaining the largest uninhabited coastal area in Spain. The landscape has remained wild, almost unchanged since the creation of the surrounding villages by the Greeks and Romans. Arrival in Cadaqués, where the crystal clear waters are reflected on the beautiful typical white houses. Free dinner and overnight in your hotel in Cadaqués.
Day 6: discovery of the Cap de Creus Natural Park in a loop - 27 km and + 550 m or 42 km and + 800 m
This morning, leave Cadaqués in the heart of the Cap de Creus natural park by bike to discover coves, ancestral paths and of course, the cape which seems to be the end of the world. Possibility of lunch at the lighthouse restaurant offering a beautiful view of the sea. In the afternoon, explore our favorite coves for a swim in nature. Return to the "white village" with the recommendation to visit Dali's house in Portligat. Free dinner and second night in your hotel in Cadaqués.
Suggestions:
- Visit to Dali's house in Portligat
- Lunch at the Cap de Creus lighthouse
- Swimming in wild creeks
Day 7: arrival in Collioure or Perpignan
Breakfast in Cadaqués. Departure at 10 a.m. for your private transfer (1h15) to Collioure or Perpignan, with an arrival scheduled for late morning. Arrival in Collioure or Perpignan at 3:00 p.m. (to be specified when booking).
Suggestion: shuttle with stop in Figueres and visit to the Dali Museum.
