Cycling in Occitanie and Pyrenees

Discover Occitanie by bike

Thanks to the variety of its landscapes and its changing topography, Occitanie is a destination that can cater for cycling enthusiasts of all abilities. While the paths of the Canal du Midi are accessible to families and novices, the slopes of the Pyrenean passes and the valleys of the Languedoc and Roussillon hinterland are more suited to more experienced cyclists.

The ecosystems of Occitanie are remarkably diverse. From the Mediterranean coast to the foothills of the Pyrenees, from the vast plains of Languedoc to the hills of Roussillon, each region is home to a unique biodiversity. Regional nature parks, such as the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Languedoc and the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises, preserve this natural wealth and offer varied habitats for a multitude of plant and animal species.

Cyclists can get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of the wetlands and banks of the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Birdwatchers will find the area ideal for observing migratory birds and aquatic species.

For geology enthusiasts, the Occitanie region reveals some hidden treasures. The karstic landscapes of Larzac, dotted with sinkholes and caves, are the result of millions of years of geological evolution. The Pyrenean foothills, meanwhile, reveal spectacular rock formations shaped by erosion and tectonic movements.

Historic parks such as the Cité de Carcassonne, with its impressive medieval ramparts, add a cultural dimension to your cycling trip. This remarkable architectural heritage blends harmoniously with the natural landscape, offering travellers a unique immersive experience.

One thing’s for sure, you’re in for a treat on your cycling tour of the Occitanie region.

The region and its inhabitants

Located in the South of France, the Occitanie region exudes sun and warmth and calls for relaxation and joie de vivre. Its immediate proximity to Spain gives it a very southern and Latin tinge. Land of tradition, Occitanie is nonetheless a region of passage and immigration due to its geographical location, open to the Mediterranean basin.

The regional languages ​​of Occitan and Catalan (spoken in the Pyrenees Orientales) are still very widespread and are perpetuated from generation to generation.

We could not talk about Occitanie without mentioning its gastronomy. Sétoise fish soup, duck confit, foie gras, blood sausage, duck or even pountis (sweet & savory cake), and Lancaune ham without forgetting the cheese based dishes mainly in the Pyrenees. For your cycling trip in Occitanie, prepare your taste buds because Occitan gastronomy is really delicious.

Roads and bike paths in Occitanie

The Occitanie region is crossed by a EuroVelo road. It’s EuroVelo 8 that winds along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, from Cadiz in Spain to Athens, the Greek capital.

In addition, the Occitanie region welcomes many bicycle travelers each year on the Canal du Midi trail. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it links Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea. Along the canal, a greenway allows you to discover the varied and untamed landscapes of the Canal du Midi. Along the way, you will also discover sumptuous villages and the must-see site on the route: Carcassonne and its medieval fortress!

The greenway that runs along the Canal du Midi offers fairly flat routes accessible to all, while the small hilly and even mountainous roads are more suitable for experienced cyclists.

The weather in Occitanie

In Occitanie, the climate is mild in winter and hot in summer with temperatures regularly above 30°C. Except in the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean influence is felt all year round, even inland. On the coast, the wind can blow hard while in general, the fall has more rainfall and sometimes marked by thunderstorms. By bike, it’s great to travel to Occitanie from April to October with mostly mild weather during this period.

8 must-see sites in Occitanie

Lovers of heritage, nature or culture will find everything they are looking for during their cycling holiday in Occitanie. Here are 8 must-see sites in the region:

• Toulouse, the pink city
• Carcassonne, and its medieval citadel
• The Canal du Midi, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The perched castles of the Cathar Country
• The coast and the beaches of Languedoc and Roussillon
• The Haut Languedoc Regional Natural Park which presents a unique mosaic of landscapes (mountains, forests, gorges, peat bogs, vines)
• Agde, the black pearl of the Mediterranean founded by the Greeks
• The mythical passes of the Pyrenees