The tourism board in Haute-Garonne (Occitanie) has unveiled an epic new 665km cycle route that takes in the whole department, giving riders the chance to see as many of the region’s beauty hotspots as possible.
Devised with the Toulouse-based association 2 Pieds 2 Roues, the route is divided into thirteen stages from 31 to 64 km in length, with elevation gains ranging from 270 to 750 metres.
Most departure and arrival points are served by a train station, allowing you to cutomise your itinerary as you wishHaute Garonne Tourisme
The cycle route officially launched on May 13.
A particularly scenic route
Starting from Toulouse, it winds its way through the Savès region around Rieumes and L’Isle-en-Dodon, through the valleys and hills of Comminges to the Pyreneen foothills, from Cierp-Gaud to Luchon.
Panoramic view of the Comminges hills and the snow-capped Pyrenees mountainsldgfr photos/Shutterstock
From there, it follows the course of the Garonne and Ariège rivers, takes in Lauragais and Montagne Noire in Revel, then turns northwest to join Frontonnais and Hauts Tolosans around Cadours, the last stop before returning to Toulouse.
Among the best sites to visit are the Canal du Midi, Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, the Château de Laréole, the vineyards of Fronton, the Château de Bonrepos-Riquet and Grenade’s market.
Pass by the Canal du MidiYuryev Pavel/Shutterstock
Flexible itineraries
Of course, riders can choose to complete part or all of any section of the route that they wish.
There are suggested itineraries for one day, 2-3 days or the full circuit tour, and most of the stage towns are served by a train station to allow riders to pick and choose preferred sections.
Information is already available on the departmental tourism website including maps, routes, accommodation addresses and points of interest, though it is currently in French only.
Admire the scenic Lauragais hills and the Montagne Noireldgfr photos/Shutterstock
