Cycling enthusiasts with family or friends, you are surely looking for a nice walk with a pretty setting in Ariège and around Foix with a view of the Pyrenees. Friends parking for cyclists and pedal enthusiasts, you are looking for yet another challenge for you surpass. Maybe like us, you are a fan of Tour de France and you want to follow in the footsteps of the runners on the route of the legendary passes of the Great Boucle. Dear mountain bikers and gravel bikers, our territory is also a playground of choice for your leisure or sporting outings!
The Voie Verte to go at your own pace between Foix and Saint-Girons / Prat-Bonrepaux
To borrow the Greenway from Foix, you can start your way behind the SNCF train station or directly to Vernajoul. This old railway line which allows you to join the Couserans, is 42 kilometers long with a stabilized surface and some sections of road. It passes in particular through different points of interest and tourist sites such as the Underground River from Labouiche to Baulou, the Palace of the Bishops of Saint-Lizier and the town of Saint Girons.
This route crossing Ariège from East to West, in the foothills of Pyrenees, offers you the possibility of going at your own pace, quietly, without no difficulties (apart from maybe having to turn around). For the eyes, it's a pleasant stroll, punctuated by traces of XNUMXth century railway heritage, such as the 14 arches of the Vernajoul viaduct.
A bicycle ascent of the legendary passes of the Pyrenees of the Tour de France
For our cycling friends wishing to discover or rediscover Ariège and the Pyrenees, our network of routes offers a myriad of possibilities with elevation differences for all levels of practice.
Our territory is also recognized for its legendary passes nearby, some of which regularly appear on the Grande Boucle route. You have on the program:
The Prat d'Albis
Le Prat d'Albis was the arrival of Tour de France in 2019 for the first time! At an altitude of 1205m and a sublime view of the town of Foix, the Prat and its 11.8km at 6.9% was a great last climb for runners who had already passed the Col de Montségur Port de Lers and Mur de Péguère.
The Col des Marrous
Le with is regularly borrowed by the Tour de France, as during the 13th stage in 2017 or the 15th stage linking Limoux to Foix-Prat d'Albis in 2019, in the descending direction from the Mur de Péguère.
The Beille Plateau
Since 1998, the ascent from Les Cabannes to the plateau has regularly constituted the final ascent of a stage of the Tour de France. The Beille plateau is also a fantastic playground for your mountain bike outings.
The Port Pass
Passage between Vicdessos and Massat, in Couserans, it is the first major Pyrenean pass included in the program of a Tour de France. Since then, there have been more than 30 crossings at the Col de Port. It is regularly replaced by its nearby neighbor: the Péguère wall.
The Col (or wall) of Péguère
The first time that Grande Boucle cyclists crossed it was very recent. This was in 2012. This ascension lives up to its name with 3.6km on average at 11% with two short portions at 16 and 18%. (hence its nickname “wall”).
Mountain biking or gravel biking to get off the beaten track
If you are passing through Prat d'Albis or the family Col des Marrous, why not take out your mountain bike or gravel bike to explore the many forest trails of the Consulate of Foix National Forest.
Le gravel bike is a dynamic bike that draws its inspiration from both the road bike, touring bike and cyclocross. It offers the possibility of riding on a variety of terrains, combining roads and paths.
Cycling Home Label
The objective of the national brand “Accueil Vélo ” is to provide a clear and easily identifiable designation for services aimed at bicycle tourists along cycle routes, cycle routes and green ways. This mark applies in particular to accommodation, tourist sites, bicycle rental companies or repairers, etc.
The Foix Ariège Pyrenees tourist office is labeled Accueil velo, you will find the following services with us:
- Provision of a repair and maintenance kit (set of keys, tire iron, patches, pump, lubricant, etc.);
- Possibility of recharging your battery at reception;
- Baggage storage;
- Water point and public toilets outside;
- Bicycle hoops in front of the tourist office.
And advice adapted to cycling!
Accessibility of the tourist office by bike
Join the SNCF station and the greenway from the tourist office 🚶🚲:
Reach the tourist office from the greenway and the train station 🚶🚲:
