Free to pedal in the Ariege Pyrenees

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!

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.

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.

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?

Living intensely

Experiences in the Ariège Pyrenees

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!