Discover Occitania, a region rich in colours. The diversity of its landscapes, its cultural and natural heritage will amaze you. Starting from Toulouse, you will cross the land of Cocagne then the vineyard of Gaillac before joining Albi the Red, the breathtaking episcopal city, and its imposing cathedral Sainte Cécile classified at Unesco. The medieval and characterful village, Cordes-sur-Ciel, small jewel of the Tarn, will make you travel in time. You will then reach the Gorges de l'Aveyron, offering a succession of high limestone cliffs, overlooking a wild and green nature, before reaching Montauban by small country roads, punctuated by medieval cities and bastides. Here conviviality and gastronomy are an integral part of the regional heritage. The region is full of specialities promising you beautiful discoveries.
Day 1. Arrival in Toulouse
Delivery of your bike, documentation on the region and roadbook. Toulouse needs a long visit, with its famous Place du Capitole and its riverbanks. City with a distinctive architecture, Toulouse is nicknamed the „Pink City„ because of the clay brick used to build houses. His other nickname is the „City of Violets„ flower which can be enjoyed in all its forms!
Day 2. Toulouse > Gaillac, ~63 km
For this first biking day, you will leave the bustle of the city for the tranquility of small country roads. You will discover the land of Cocagne, the first typical bastide villages of Saint-Sulpice la Pointe and Isle-sur-Tarn; Rabastens and its Church of Notre-Dame du Bourg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will then be immersed in the vineyards of Gaillac, the oldest vineyard in France, before reaching the town of Gaillac.
Day 3. Gaillac > Albi, ~44 km
Get on your bike and discover Castelnau de Montmiral by small roads. Classified among the « Most beautiful villages in France » this medieval city proudly dominating the Tarn valley, houses a magnificent square with arcades, half-timbered facades where red bricks and white stones mingle. You will arrive in Albi, episcopal city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Largest brick cathedral in the world, the majestic and imposing Saint Cecilia Cathedral is considered one of the pearls of the Southwest.
Day 4. Albi > Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, ~54 km
Today, reach for the sky with the breathtaking medieval village of Cordes-sur-Ciel perched on its rocky outcrop. Put down the bike and access, through the cobbled and steep streets, to one of the oldest bastides of Occitanie. This treasure of Gothic architecture will enchant you with its fortified doors, sculpted Gothic ramparts and facades, its shops of craftsmen and galleries of artists. Then change of scenery by reaching the Gorges de l'Aveyron which offer a succession of high limestone cliffs, dominating a wild and green nature. You will finish this stage in Saint-Antonin-Noble Val, another medieval city situated at the confluence of the Aveyron and the Bonnette.
Day 5. Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val > Montauban, ~58 km
You will start this day close to the Gorges de l'Aveyron in a wild and green nature. The Corniche road allows you to see the Gorges de l'Aveyron crossing the picturesque hamlet of Brousses. This stage, rich in historical heritage, will take you to the medieval villages of Penne and its castle built in the Middle Ages, and Bruniquel, the must-see village of Occitanie, with picturesque alleys. Then you will cross the bastide of Montricoux fortified village on the banks of the Aveyron, before reaching Montauban. Large site of Occitanie, the city of Montauban, welcoming and lovely, is appreciated for its sweetness of life .
Day 6. Montauban, > Toulouse, ~60 km
First, join Port canal, the marina of Montauban : a haven of peace and greenery, then the Garonne Canal at the level of Montech, appreciated for its marina and its water slope unique in the world. This peaceful stage, shaded by plane trees, ends by a little less calm few miles to enter Toulouse but it provides access to the heart of the city, a real comfort!
Day 7. Departure
Departure after breakfast
