Why Cycle the Alps when you have the Pyrenees???
A comment made by one of our guests!!
EXACTEMENT!!
A cyclist’s paradise!
The Ariege:-
- Is nestled next to Andorra, sandwiched between Haute Garonne, the Aude and Pyrenees Orientales.
- Covers 4889.92km sq of which 40% is national park and 50% mountains
- Has over 3000 km of municipal roads the majority of which are in good cyclable condition
- Is one of the least populated regions of France – approx 39 people per km
- Is one of the least known cycling areas of the Pyrenees – although in truth you will probably see more cyclists on the municipal roads than motorists you do not have the hoards of bikers as seen in other cycling destinations; in many cases they will be local enthusiasts/clubs out on their daily ride.
- has numerous categorised climbs – Col d’Agnes, Chioula, de Port, de la Core, la Trappe, Peguere, Pailheres, Port de Lers, Plateau de Beille and so many non-categorised but none the less challenging
- A vast diversity of cycling routes – for the road we have the cols to the south, the flatter wine country to the east & north east and the Petit Pyrenees (a little less hilly but so very enjoyable and picturesque) to the West. Routes suitable for gravel biking and mountain biking. The ski runs at Ax les Thermes are used for downhill tracks during the summer time.
- From spring through to late Autumn each season is a great time to cycle.
- The Occitane region is investing in cycle infrastructure with the building of a voi vert to be completed within the next few years from the Canal du Midi to Montsegur in the Ariege.
- Is littered with ancient small towns and villages rich in medieval and religious history
- Easy to get to – Toulouse/Carcassonne airports and good rail links to Foix (Barcelona by train 4 hrs away)
- Is rich in its bio-diversity – little pesticide is used in agriculture, old methods of farming can be seen in practise.