ITINERARY
Day 1 / Arrival and Welcome
Guests will be met in Foix mid-day. Following a picnic lunch, we will head to our home-base – a beautiful and tranquil Chambre’d’hôte run by charming and welcoming hosts. After settling into the hotel, you can explore the local village and café before enjoying the first of our delicious dinners with the group. Our host sources all of her ingredients locally and only uses vegetables and herbs that she either grows in her garden or collects on the mountains! Her chickens provide the eggs we will enjoy at breakfast the next morning, as well.
Pickup Time / 11 AM
Pickup Location / Foix Gare (train station)
Included / Lodging, picnic lunch, dinner
Lodging / Chambre d’hôte
Day 2 / Skills Clinic and Trail Riding
Today we travel to another part of the Pyrenean range for a level-specific skills clinic and an introduction to the e-mountain bikes we use for this adventure. The morning includes rides on beginner and intermediate trails to get a feel
for the bikes and to practice the skills taught in class. Following a delicious lunch at an area restaurant, we will get back on our bikes in the afternoon to experience the local mountain trails to get a feel for what to expect during the other two ride days in the week.
Included / Breakfast, skills clinic, dinner
Lodging / Chambre d’hôte
Day 3 / Where History and Passion Meet
Today we visit an artisan knife-maker and learn about the fascinating process of creating his unique and beautifully hand-made knives. Self-taught, Baptiste celebrates local history and culture with the shapes and designs he chooses for his incredible knives that are used in local kitchens, at dinner tables, and by local hunters who commission special pieces that can be passed down through generations.
Then, we will visit the town of Mirepoix. Truly unique with a timeless appeal, Mirepoix feels as though it has been frozen in time, encapsulating the medieval world while offering modern amenities and an array of shops, cafes, a brasserie, and artist shops. You can enjoy your lunch in Mirepoix, as there are a variety of delicious options.
Included / Lodging, breakfast, dinner
Lodging / Chambre d’hôte
Day 4 / Riding the Fenouillèdes
Today’s ride takes us into the Fenouillèdes Mountains. Starting in the valley, we ride through lush vineyards, maybe glimpsing vines that made the evening’s wine. Using wide dirt and gravel forestry track, we use switchbacks to climb the mountain ridge. Once on the ridge, enjoy stunning view after view until a fun descent down to a peaceful medieval church and olive grove. The early evening rewards us with a vineyard tour and wine tasting in Caudies. The passionate and knowledgeable owners teach us about their grapes and the techniques used to produce wine in this unique region. You will appreciate future glasses of wine in a completely new way!
Profile of Route / DISTANCE 25 km/15.15 mi | ASCENT 431 m/1,414 ft | DESCENT 433 m/1,420 ft | MAX ELEVATION 700 m/2,269 ft | TIME 2 hours
Included / Lodging, breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Lodging / Chambre d’hôte
Day 5 / Ridges and Valleys Adventure
Today we have more fun exploring more of the local trails and villages on our bikes as we ride through valleys and explore more double track gravel, dirt and paved roads. There will be plenty of time to stop and experience the unparalleled scenery as we stoke our inner desire for adventure with some delightful undulation and playful descents. Tonight, we experience an unforgettable dinner at the Grand Duc - one of the finest restaurants in the region.
Profile of the Route / DISTANCE 35 km/22 mi | ASCENT 450 m/1,475 ft | DESCENT 460 m/1,510 ft | MAX ELEVATION 550 m/1,805 ft | TIME 3 hours
Included / Lodging, breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Lodging / Chambre d’hôte
Day 6 / Exploring an Ancient Gorge & Medieval Castle
We begin today with a visit to the Gorge de Galamus - a breathtaking natural site carved by water over millions of years that you must see to believe. With crystal clear waters running through it, the walk through the gorge on a road built in 1890 will leave you with an experience you will always remember, as not even the best photographs do it justice! There will be time to visit the hermitage built into the wall of the gorge and enjoy the views and the experience.
From there, we will step back in time with a visit to Quèribus castle as we explore one of the castles that never fell during the Albigensian Crusade. Rising straight out of the cliff face, much of the structure originally built in the 11th century still stands, showing us a marvel of architectural ingenuity. The 360-degree views from the castle are breathtaking, as one can see much of the region and out to the Mediterranean Sea.
Included / Lodging, breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Lodging / Chambre d’hôte
Day 7 / Transition day
After breakfast, you will be taken back to Foix where you can visit the castle, shop, or enjoy lunch at one of the many cafés or restaurants. There are wonderful lodging options near the train station, should you wish to stay for the night and travel to Toulouse the following day.
Included / Breakfast
Drop off time / 12pm local time
Drop off location / Foix train station
This itinerary is given for your information and may be changed at the discretion of the leaders depending on the weather conditions, physical ability of clients and the trail 'options' we decide together.