Occitanie: an ideal cycling destination for riding all year round
Occitanie, a sunny region in the south of France, is a real playground for cycling enthusiasts. Its mild climate means you can cycle almost all year round, offering cyclists a unique experience. With its varied landscapes – from the unspoilt mountains of the Pyrenees to lush green valleys, not to mention its drier Mediterranean coastline and picturesque villages – Occitanie perfectly combines nature, sport, the art of living and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you prefer leisurely rides or sporting challenges, this region has routes to suit all levels of ability.
Tailor-made itineraries
Tailor-made itineraries
Mediterranean Cycle Route
ViaRhôna
The Vélosud
Vallée de la Baïse by bike
La Véloccitanie
Lot Valley Cycle Route
La Vagabonde
Vallée et Gorges de l'Aveyron by bike
The Grande Traversée du Massif Central by mountain bike
Explore the variety of cycle routes and landscapes in Occitanie
Occitanie offers a wide range of cycle routes, ideal for discovering its magnificent landscapes whilst savouring the region’s authenticity and warmth:
- The Mediterranean by Bike (EV8): from Catalonia to the Camargue, follow the coastline and the Mediterranean villages at a southern pace.
- ViaRhôna (EV7): discover the unspoilt Camargue before reaching the beaches of the Hérault.
- The Canal des 2 Mers by bike (V80): from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, follow the canals to experience the gentle charm of the South-West.
- La Vélosud (V81): cross the Pyrenees between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, at the heart of Cathar and Catalan history.
- Baïse Valley (V82): cycle through Gascony, from the Pyrenees to the Garonne, for a break filled with nature and tranquillity.
- La Véloccitanie (V84): a picturesque route between Lauragais and Haut-Languedoc, striking a balance between vineyards and mountains.
- The Lot Valley (V86): explore the vineyards and limestone plateaus of Quercy as far as northern Aveyron and Lozère.
- La Vagabonde (V87): from Rocamadour to Montech, cycle through the ‘White Quercy’ to reach the Canal des 2 Mers.
- The Aveyron Valley and Gorges (V806): set off from Montauban to discover hilltop villages and impressive gorges.
Fancy a touring adventure on a mountain bike or gravel bike?
Occitanie invites you to experience unique mountain biking adventures through a variety of landscapes and settings. Set off on the GTMC – the Grande Traversée du Massif Central – from Margeride to the Mediterranean, taking in the peaks of Mont Lozère, the Gorges du Tarn, the Causse Méjean, Mont-Aigoual, the Cirque de Navacelles, the Larzac and Lake Salagou, before finishing in Agde with views of the sea, next to the Étang de Thau. The Ariège offers a 203 km route, set amongst the Pyrenean mountains and breathtaking panoramas, featuring a mix of technical and enjoyable sections. The Hérault, on the Passa Meridia, takes you from the Petite Camargue to the Haut Languedoc, offering a chance to immerse yourself in Mediterranean nature. Gravel bike variants of these routes are available, which are less physically demanding and less technical than the mountain bike routes. Definitely worth a go, depending on your ability – whether on a gravel bike, a traditional mountain bike or an e-bike!
Prefer road cycling? Discover the legendary routes of Occitanie
Occitanie offers a wealth of cycling routes for all abilities, from climbs up the Pyrenean passes to picturesque loops through the Cévennes and the Massif Central. The region also hosts numerous renowned cycle races such as La Route d’Occitanie. For long-distance enthusiasts, iconic routes such as the Route des cols des Pyrénées await, featuring ascents of legendary mountain passes:
- Col de Portet d’Aspin
- Col de Peyresourde
- Col du Tourmalet
- Col d’Aubisque
- Col du Somport
- Col de Soulor
- Col de Spandelles
- Col d’Hautacam
- Col du Portet d’Asset
- Col d’Agnes,
- Montée de Beille
- Col de la Quillane
- Col de Mollo
This summer, set off on an adventure with ease with liO Train and your bike!
On the Toulouse–Figeac–Aurillac line, a specially equipped train will run every day: there are 13 bike spaces on board, available free of charge upon booking. This means you can travel with peace of mind, even with a fully loaded bike. See details
Fancy travelling light? Take advantage of our partnership with bike hire companies near stations, offering special rates for travellers with a liO ticket.
For those who love exploring, combined train and bike hire packages with Paulette Bike are available from June to October. Head for the Canal des 2 Mers by bike between Toulouse and Carcassonne, or the ViaRhôna between Avignon and Sète, for a 2- or 4-day getaway, with the pleasure of returning by train, hassle-free.
Discover the Terres de Vélo Occitanie
Exclusive to the Occitanie region, a network of 17 areas welcomes cyclists of all levels, from beginners to experienced riders.
Les Terres de Vélo Occitanie guarantees:
- routes that allow you to explore the region in comfort: toilets, water points, picnic areas and shelters.
- services: repairs, hire, battery charging, luggage storage, bike racks, cycle parking and tour leaders/guides.
- accessibility via public transport.
- accommodation and catering establishments with secure spaces for bikes.
- service providers with the ‘Accueil vélo’ label.
- regions committed to promoting everyday cycling.
Don’t wait any longer to discover them – plan your trip and make the most of their range of routes, services, cycling events and more...