French Pyrenees - good bases for riding

[doxter]

considering the pyrenees late next month for a 10 day biking jaunt in the hope of doing some nice mountain climbs - maybe maximum distances of 120km

based on that can anyone suggest a good city / otwn to use as a base - mayeb even split the time with a town in the west and another in the east.

would be an advantage to have a place thats active too - just so the evenings aint too lazy

all advices are appreciated

 

[The Cobra]

You could go to Bagnères-de-Luchon. Beautiful place, and is surounded by some great climbs, Tourmalet, Port de Bales, Col de Peyresourde, Col de Aspin etc. all within riding distance. The Tour stops there all the time.

 

[Pandora]

considering the pyrenees late next month for a 10 day biking jaunt in the hope of doing some nice mountain climbs

Anywhere between Arreau and St. Lary Soulan.
In the surroundings you'll find Col d'Aspin, Hourquette d'Ancizan, Col d'Azet, Pla d'Adet, Col de Peyresourde, Peyragudes, Piau Engaly, and the road toward Spain (I don't remember the name of the pass). If this won't be enough, Col du Tourmalet is just around the corner (i.e. you have to pass Col d'Aspin or Hourquette first, and again on return )
St. Lary is a nice small town and has several hotels and appartment buildings.

Another pretty good place is Ax les Thermes, but not that good. There you have Ax 3 Domaine, Col de Pailheres, Plateau de Beille, and some smaller passes, plus road to Andorra.

 

[zalacain]

There's a great hostel at Germ near the top of the Pyresourde.

 

[Cycle Fiesta]

I would agree that Luchon is very well placed. If you want to split it into two places, Luz Saint Sauveur or Saint Savin would also be excellent. These two towns are close to Aubisque, Soulor, Hautacam, Luz Ardiden, Gavranie and Luz is at the foot of the west side of Tourmalet.