ITINERARY

Day 1 / Arrival and Welcome

Guests will meet at the Foix train station at 11:00am. Following a picnic lunch,
we will use the afternoon to travel
to our starting point, confirm bike fit, and settle into the local gîte prior
to an evening visit to the Chateau d’Aguilar and dinner. We will spend the night in Tuchan to be prepared for an early start on our first day of riding.

Included / Picnic lunch, dinner, castle visit 
Lodging / Chalets and Gîtes

Pickup Time / 11 AM
Pickup Location / Foix Gare (train station)

Day 2 / Aguilar to Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse

The first day of our biking adventure begins with wonderful alternating double and single-track trails that include some technical riding before reaching Padern. From there, we have a beautiful and undulating ride along the valley floor, keeping Peyrpertuse Castle in our line of sight. Following a picnic lunch at a locals-preferred swimming area next to the river, we ride to the castle — where we will dismount and explore this impressive structure standing high above the valley floor. Our ride ends for the day at a lovely auberge where we can leave our bikes and drive to the village of Cucugnan to explore the local pottery, shops, and bakery where they still grind their own flour on-site! We will dine together, enjoy delicious local food, and celebrate the first day of our adventure.

Profile of the Route / DISTANCE 28 km/17 mi | ASCENT 832 m/2,730 ft | DESCENT 660 m /2,165ft | MAX ELEVATION 687 m/2,254 ft | TIME 5 hours including lunch and castle visit

Included / Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, castle visit
Lodging / Auberge

Day 3 / Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse to Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet

Today’s ride takes you below and to the back of Peyrepertuse Castle, demonstrating how impenetrable the castle would have been — a marvel of architecture and engineering. You will ride from here through several local villages, and over to the unforgettable, ancient Gorge de Galamus which you will will have plenty of time to explore. After a picnic lunch, we set off for Saint Paul, where, after a bit of down time, we will experience a local wine tasting on the hotel terrace, followed by a delicious dinner of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.   

Profile of Route / DISTANCE 26 km/16 mi | ASCENT 288 m/945 ft | DESCENT 361 m/945 ft | MAX ELEVATION 498 m/1,634 ft | TIME 5 hours including picnic lunch and exploring the gorge

Included / Breakfast, picnic lunch, wine tasting, dinner
Lodging / Hotel

Day 4 / Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet to Gincla

Today’s exciting ride begins with a steady climb from Saint Paul that offers unparalleled views down into the valley, with sight of the gorge. You ride through several charming villages, then pick up the pace to the ridge that leads us above the village of Gincla. Surrounded by old forest, this trail provides a higher perspective of the area as you ride up the mountain. After a brief picnic lunch, we embark on the long, flowing descent into Gincla, where we will be treated with an unforgettable dinner from one of the finest restaurants in the region.

Lodging / DISTANCE 40 km/ 25 mi | ASCENT 980 m/3,215 ft | DESCENT 950 m/3,215 ft | MAX ELEVATION 1,015 m/3,330 ft | TIME 6 hours

Included / Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Lodging / Hotel

Day 5 / Rest and Cultural Day

Today we visit a local artisan knife-maker and learn about the process for creating his unique and beautifully hand-made knives. 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.

The early evening rewards us with a wine tasting in Caudiès, including a visit with the owners to learn more about the different grapes and techniques used to produce wine in this unique region. We will once again close the day with a memorable dinner at the Grand Duc.

Included / Breakfast, wine tasting, dinner
Lodging / Hotel

Day 6 / Col d’Aussières Ride

After a day’s rest, it’s time to get back on the trails! You begin and end in Gincla today, exploring the forest and riding above the tree line to a col, ending with breathtaking views of the villages below. With a long, flowing descent, we traverse some technical sections and gravel riding. After a picnic lunch, we enjoy some individual or group recreation time, and close with a visit to Puilaurens Castle, a toast to the end of the trip, and a final dinner at the unforgettable Grand Duc.

Lodging / DISTANCE 45 km/27 mi | ASCENT 965m/3,166ft | DESCENT 948m/3,110 ft | TIME 4 hours

Included / Breakfast, picnic lunch, castle visit, dinner
Lodging / Hotel

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.