With valleys, forests and Pyrenean passes, Ariège is a fantastic destination for road cycling and mountain biking (MTB), with spectacular views and many routes starting near our gîtes.

The Tour de France in Ariège

The Tour de France goes through our area almost every year. This year it will pass through Ercé on 14 July. The stage starts from Peyresourde and finishes at the Plateau de Bielle. Not surprisingly! Roads are beautiful, gradients are steep and the passes are challenging.

Ariège loves cycling. Many cycling events prove it:

The Tour de France used to pass here every year. Unfortunately, Ariège's limited budgets can be a barrier today.
https://www.letour.fr/fr

Cycling events

L'Ariégeoise: a cycling event that brings together more than 4,600 riders every year.

• 4 different routes
• La Ronde de l'Izard over 4 days, held each year in Occitanie

Where to cycle in Ariège (useful links)

Where to cycle in Ariège? The list of must-ride spots is endless! Here are a few helpful links:

• Cycling routes (Ariège Pyrénées)
• Route itinerary N12
• Komoot – Ariège itineraries
• ariege.fr – "Ariège loves cycling"

Other road cycling routes

Route A: 67 km *** Route B: 101 km ****

• Rimont: a bastide founded in 1273, burned by German troops in August 1944.
• Combelongue Abbey.
• Col de Rille: memorial stele dedicated to resistance fighters and guerrilleros who united to fight the Nazi occupiers.
• Col de la Crouzette: viewpoint.
• Biert: village famous for the "9-pin skittles" game.
• Ercé, Aulus, Cominac: the land of the famous "bear trainers".
• Cominac: traditional barns with "bird-step" roofs.
• Riverenert: renovation and enhancement of springs and fountains.

MTB in Ariège

MTB routes suggested by the Seix Tourist Office:

• La vallée de Laspieng
• Le plateau d'Ajéou
• Le Sentier du Cos
• Le Grand Huit
• La grande boucle
• Balade historique
• Boucle du Bouirex
• Serre de Rapheu
• Le Tour de l'Alet
• La boucle des Lannes

There are so many tracks and trails that it's impossible to describe them all here. One thing they all share: wherever you go, every bend reveals a new view, and you'll find beautiful, peaceful spots everywhere. Beginners can choose easier routes in the plains or on plateaus, while experienced riders will enjoy more demanding options. Superb agricultural tracks can be found all around for MTB.

Bike rental / service (Saint-Girons)

If you don't have your own bikes, you can find them here:

• MAXI SPORTS — 16 Rue Yvette Garrabe, 09200 Saint-Girons — Tel: 05 61 96 49 35
• CYCLE & VOUS — 28 Rue Villefranche, 09200 Saint-Girons — Tel: 05 61 01 54 72

In pictures