Tours des Pays Cathares, Elisud nº 40 : by foot
or mountain bike
|
The area is ideal for cycling or mountain biking
(or walking or horse riding) all year round. There
are many routes to discover in the the Pyrenees
( Among them are: Le Sentier Cathare, from Port-la-Nouvelle
on the Mediterranean
Sea along the Pyrénées to Foix in the Ariège.
This is the most famous track in France. Along it
you will pass the ancient fortresses of: Queribus,
Peyrepertuse,
Puilaurens,
Puivert,
Montségur
( |
|
|
The bicycle has, since its inception, been one of those things that the French have adopted as quintessentially their own. The tour de France is the most popular sporting event in the world. At the first hint of spring families and groups of men and women are out there cycling. Very tight lycra in black with a lurid colour is the thing these days. Large groups of these colourful tadpoles on bicycles are always on the Aude hill-sides on week-ends and bank holidays. Many of them are townies. The way they ride twos and threes abreast suggests that they harbour the notion that country bumpkins couldn't possibly be running late on a Sunday. But despite the almost cult status of the bicycle in France there are very few bicycle lanes round here. One is expected to slow down and share the view, and that special French feeling with them. Here are some places that you can hire a bicycle in the Aude département:
|
|
Cevennes National Park. Hundreds of kilometers
of bike tracks in the southern Lozère. For
beginners and confirmed mountain bikers. Rent
by the day or take a fully planned six-day trip in the
wide open spaces of the Cevennes National Park. A shuttle
bus service takes you to the departure point for certain
trips. Mountain bikes all have front suspension,
14 to 22 inch frames, and 21 or 24 speed gears. Three
different trips covering the Mont Aigoual, the Mont Lozère
and the Bougès, the Causse Méjean, and the Gorges of the
Tarn. Package includes printed maps and special
guide booklets, accommodations and all meals and personal
transport.
Contact: Cévennes Evasion, 5, Place Boyer, 48400 Florac
Web: http://www.cevennes-evasion.com,
or http://cevennes.net/cevennes_evasion.uk1.htm
e-mail: Info@cevennes-evasion.com
Tel & Fax: 04.66.45.18.31 from France. +33.4.66.45.18.31
from abroad.
Cycling for Softies in the Languedoc. http://www.cycling-for-softies.co.uk/
French Cycling Holidays in the Languedoc. Easy pedalling for the first few days near the coast and along the Canal du Midi, and more challenging countryside as we move into the Pyrénéen foothills. Moderate daily distances. Attractions include: The Canal du Midi, Carcassonne, Birds of prey in the Pyrenees, Romantic ruined castles, Mediterranean beaches, wild herbs in the hills. http://www.frenchcyclingholidays.com/tours/languedoc/
Self guided bicycling in the Languedoc.7-day tour. (American ?) Organisers arrange your lodging, breakfasts and dinners, and transport your luggage. No groups to keep up with or schedules to follow. http://anglesdoc.com/independent_cycling.htm
The lady's Tour of the Aude. Organised annually by the Maison de Sports, usually in May. Association pour l'organisation du Tour Feminin, Maison des Sports, 8 rue Camille St Saëns, 1100 Carcassonne tel +33 (0) 468 77 71 26.
Holiday Bikes. 22 Av du Général de Gaulle Clos Costerêve, Argeles Plage. Tel: +33 (0) 4 68 95 86 34 Open throughout the year. Rental of bikes, mountainbikes (also scooters, motorbikes, rollers, cars)
Cycling in the Aude. The Aude département is a popular cycling holiday destination. The departement enjoys thousands of kilometers of quite off road cycling (VTT in French standing for Velo Tous Terrains). Those who prefer a mountain bike will be warmly greeted as a welcome relief from quad bikers, particularly by horse riders. Some villages still have fresh water fountains to quench your thirst.
Back
to: Land Sports main page
