Tomme Rider: Cheese and Motorbikes

Meet at 08:00 in Bayonne, before setting off on a 6-day gourmet motorcycle adventure to discover some of the finest cheese-producing regions of the Basque Country and the Pyrenees.

The first day begins with an immersion into the world of Ossau-Iraty at the Bergers de Saint Michel dairy, including tastings and a visit to the ageing cellars. The journey continues with a stroll through the picturesque streets of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, followed by a convivial lunch at a local inn in Lecumberry.

Accompanied by Antoine, your motorcycle guide, you will then ride through the Iraty Pass, Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin and the village of Lescun, combining mountain roads, winding curves and spectacular panoramic views on the way to your gîte.

Designed for a small group, this trip blends scenic riding routes, encounters with passionate local producers, private tastings, and participation in the Cheese Festival, along with stays in exceptional gîtes. It is a full immersion into the landscapes, flavours and spirit of the region, allowing you to truly become a Tomme Rider.

Dinner is not included but can be shared in a friendly atmosphere at the gîte or in a nearby restaurant with the whole group and team.

Departure from the gîte at 08:00 to begin the second day. The morning is spent at the Lanset Farm in Aydius, where you will discover the production of traditional farmhouse goat’s cheese. You will visit the ageing cellars and take part in daily farm life, including helping to lead the goats out to pasture and feeding them, for a truly authentic immersion experience.

Lunch will be served at the Auberge des Isards, featuring dishes prepared using cheese from the farm.

In the afternoon, you will continue the journey along a spectacular route crossing the Col de Marie Blanque, Laruns, Arrette and Asson, before returning to the gîte in Lescun. With open landscapes, winding mountain roads and stunning valley views, this day offers a full immersion into the Béarn terroirs, offering a beautiful contrast with the Basque regions explored the previous day.

Departure from the gîte at 08:00 for the third riding day, heading towards the high mountain pastures.

The morning begins with a climb into altitude to the Espélunguère mountain huts and the Ossiniri Farm in Borce, where you will discover the traditional production of sheep’s cheese made in the summer pastures. A short walk will also take you to spectacular and rarely accessible viewpoints, offering an authentic mountain immersion.

Lunch will be shared with the shepherds, featuring a convivial meal based around a lamb barbecue in this unique alpine setting.

In the afternoon, the route continues on the Spanish side through the Somport Pass and Canfranc, before returning to the gîte in Lescun. Between dramatic mountain landscapes, gourmet discoveries and winding roads, this day offers a full immersion into local traditions, with a few surprises along the way to make the experience even more memorable.

Departure from the gîte at 08:30 for the fourth day, beginning with a morning visit to the Caprices de Lescun Farm. Camille, your guide and producer, will introduce you to the full process of making farmhouse lactic goat cheeses. You will also discover the traditional Béarnaise sheep shearing method using hand scissors, with the opportunity to take part in this unique experience for those who wish.

Lunch will be enjoyed at Transhumance Pyrénées, a restaurant located in a former train station in Accous, before setting off again on a spectacular riding loop through the Col de Marie Blanque, Laruns, Col du Portalet, Lanuza, Sabiñánigo, Jaca, and the Col du Somport, returning to the gîte in Lescun.

Between winding mountain roads, breathtaking panoramas and meaningful encounters with local producers, this day offers a perfect blend of gastronomy, landscapes and adventure, with the added possibility of hands-on immersion in local traditions.

Departure from the gîte at 08:30 for the fifth day, featuring a special morning at the Lées-Athas Cheese Festival.

Each participant becomes a jury member, tasting and evaluating cheeses from across the Aspe Valley, a unique experience usually reserved for professionals. Between tastings, meetings with local producers and village festivities, the lively atmosphere promises an unforgettable moment in the heart of the mountains.

After lunch on site, the journey continues on a scenic loop through La Pierre Saint-Martin, Isaba and Ansó, before returning to the gîte in Lescun. Blending gourmet discoveries with mountain landscapes, this day offers a perfect mix of celebration, gastronomy and motorbike adventure along the winding roads of the Pyrenees.

Departure from the gîte at 08:00 for the final day of the adventure. The morning begins with an exceptional stop in Castetnau-Camblong, where you will visit a small sake brewery and discover the production of traditional mountain sheep’s cheese. You will be guided by Mr Tanaka, who passionately shares a rare and precious Japanese craftsmanship combined with local pastoral know-how.

The journey then continues towards Sauveterre-de-Béarn for a convivial lunch at La Guinguette Sud, before a relaxed ride back to Bayonne.

The adventure concludes at Christophe’s cheese shop, where each participant will receive a small thank-you gift, a souvenir of these unforgettable days spent riding through winding roads, spectacular landscapes and gourmet encounters.

End of the trip.