Group of mountain bikers on a trailA group of mountain bikers is descending a trail. They are wearing helmets and protective clothing. The trail is surrounded by trees and vegetation. The sky is clear and blue.
©A group of mountain bikers enjoying a sunny day in the mountains.|Charles RIPON

Free to pedal in the Ariege Pyrenees

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The Ariege Pyrenees are a land of cycling. Here, there’s something for everyone: cycle touring, cyclosport, electric-assist bikes… You’ll need to be in varying degrees of physical condition, depending on the model you choose, but you’re guaranteed to get away from it all thanks to the magnificent landscapes of the Ariege Pyrenees! And if you’ve forgotten your bike, you can always hire one from one of our partners. Some have even been awarded the accueil vélo label

Cycling country

Legendary races

When we say “land of cycling“, we’re not just talking about words: to prove it, you only have to look at the many national and international cycle races that have passed through here:

  • TheTour de France, with its high altitude finishes on the Plateau de Beille and Plateau de Bonascre, its crossings of the Col de Pailhères, Col de Port and Port de l’Hers…
  • The Ronde de l’Isard, an international race for young people under 23, with a finish at the Goulier-neige resort.
  • And last but not least, created in 1995, the cyclosportive “l’Ariégeoise “, now ranked among the top 5 cyclosportives in France. To take part in the Ariégeoise is to ride on the roads of the Tour de France and climb the passes that have made the history of modern cycling!
A group of cyclists prepare to start the Ariégeoise cycling eventA group of cyclists gather under an inflatable starting arch for the Ariégeoise cycling event. The arch is blue and red with the text 'L'Ariégeoise' and 'Occitanie'. The cyclists are wearing helmets and colorful cycling gear. Spectators are visible in the background.
©Participants gather under the starting arch for the Ariégeoise cycling event.
Three cyclists climbing a mountain roadThree cyclists in sportswear are climbing a mountain road. The sign reads 'Col d'Agnes Alt 1570 m'. The mountains are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
©Three cyclists training on a mountain road with a breathtaking view.
Three cyclists in sportswear on a country roadThree cyclists in sportswear are pedaling on a country road. They are equipped with helmets and road bikes. The road is lined with trees and lush vegetation. The sky is clear and the weather appears to be sunny.
©Cyclists enjoy a sunny day in a natural setting.|pb

    The Corniche route

    Let's get started!

    No mountain pass today, but we’ll be taking a ‘leg-breaking’ route: the Route des Corniches!

    This beautiful road, perched at an altitude of 1000 m, reveals its typical mountain villages, its Romanesque churches and a sumptuous panorama of the Pyrenees. We decided to take a break in Lordat, partly for the beautiful view of its castle, but also… because there’s a fountain there!

    Yes, cyclists drink regularly, in small sips… so they know perfectly well where there’s drinking water (fountains, cemeteries…) to fill their bottles.

    Aerial view of the ruins of a castle on a green hillThe ruins of an ancient castle are perched on a lush green hill. Below, a village with stone houses stretches into a verdant mountainous valley. The stone walls of the castle and partially collapsed towers are visible, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
    ©The castle ruins overlook a picturesque village nestled in the mountains.
    Village surrounded by mountains with vultures flyingView of a village nestled in a mountainous valley. The mountains are covered with lush vegetation and two vultures are flying in the sky. The village is located in the center of the image, with scattered buildings and winding roads. The sky is partially cloudy with white and blue clouds.
    ©A peaceful village surrounded by lush green mountains and flying vultures.|DDM
    Medieval stone castle on a green hillA medieval stone castle is situated on a green hill. The stone walls and towers of the castle are well-preserved. The hill is covered with trees and lush vegetation. The sky is slightly cloudy, creating a serene atmosphere.
    ©A medieval castle stands majestically on a green hill.|STEPHANE MEURISSE

      From collar to collar

      Just for the view

      We continue towards the Col de Marmare, where the road narrows and offers long, shady stretches… before reaching the Col du Chioula, where we decide to stop and take in the breathtaking views.

      Sign indicating Col de Marmare at 1361 meters with a bike next to itA sign reads 'Col de Marmare altitude 1361 m'. Next to it, a bike is parked on a dirt path. The landscape is lush with trees and hills in the background. Several road signs are visible around.
      ©A bike is parked next to a sign indicating Col de Marmare at an altitude of 1361 meters.
      Four cyclists on a mountain trailFour cyclists are riding on a mountain trail. The sky is blue with a few clouds. The hills are green and the trail is winding. The cyclists are wearing helmets and sports clothing.
      ©A sunny day for a mountain biking adventure.|Charles RIPON - ADT 09
      Two cyclists riding on a dirt path in the mountainsTwo cyclists are riding on a winding dirt path in the mountains. One of them is wearing a blue cycling jersey and a helmet, while the other is wearing a red cycling jersey and a helmet. The path is surrounded by green grass and hills, with trees in the background. The sky is partly cloudy.
      ©Two friends enjoy a mountain biking adventure in the lush green hills.|STEPHANEMEURISSE

        Descent to Ax-les-Thermes

        Cyclist's rest

        After that, it’s downhill to Ax-les-Thermes and here we are on our bikes, playing with the brakes and looking for the best curve… At Ax-les-Thermes, it’s a stop at the bistro that awaits us all (and it’s a sacred occasion!), over half a litre for most of us… before heading back to the starting point and finding our cars!

        Attacking the passes

        Just for fun

        I like these outings that alternate climbs and descents, but what I prefer is when the gradient rises for many kilometres. Mountain passes, you might say! And in the Ariege Pyrenees, we’re spoilt for choice.

        So, it’s decided, get your gear and let’s get rolling?

        Cyclists on a trail with signageSeveral cyclists are riding on a dirt trail. In the foreground, a wooden post carries signage with symbols and arrows. The trail is surrounded by dense vegetation and grassy terrain.
        ©Cyclists follow a well-marked trail with signage.|Acrofilm ADT09
        Four mountain bikers descending a trailFour mountain bikers are descending a trail on their off-road bikes. The trail is surrounded by greenery and mountains in the background. The bikers are wearing helmets and protective gear.
        ©Four mountain bikers enjoy a thrilling descent.|Acrofilm ADT09
        Group of mountain bikers on a trailA group of mountain bikers is descending a trail. They are wearing helmets and protective clothing. The trail is surrounded by trees and vegetation. The sky is clear and blue.
        ©A group of mountain bikers enjoying a sunny day in the mountains.|Charles RIPON

          Let's get ready!

          Your next cycling trip

          Living intensely

          Experiences in the Ariège Pyrenees
          Family outing on the Plateau de Beille
          My spa treatment at Ax-Les-Thermes
          My thermal water wellness day at Ax-les-Thermes
          I’ll be arriving by train for a car-free adventure !
          Mountain biking and climbing day in Ariège
          Northern ambience at Beille
          Snowshoeing in Chioula
          Fishing in the Ariege Pyrenees
          Immersion in the mountain spirit
          Prehistory in love
          Skiing in the fir trees at Ax 3 Domaines
          Family getaway in Donezan
          Ariege's little extras
          The Ariege Pyrenees, your oxygen bubble!

          Looking for unspoilt nature, the great outdoors and white water?
          In winter, skiing, snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing, sledging, dog sledding, at Ax 3 Domaines, Beille, Ascou and le Chioula, Mijanés and Goulier...

          In summer, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding or canyoning...

          And all year round, you can enjoy the benefits of the thermal waters at Ax-les-Thermes, Ussat-les-Bains or the Bains du Couloubret.
          There are also some unmissable tourist sites: the Niaux cave and the Prehistory Park.

          Not forgetting the history of our mountains and its heritage, pastoralism and local produce!

          Book your next mountain holiday!