Pyrenean Foothills (Mediterranean France)
- A beautiful and remote part of southern France often visited by le Tour, boasting quiet roads and spectacular scenery
- Experience gorges, vineyards, moorland and ancient forests
- See a dozen Cathar castles, including Montségur, Quéribus and Peyrepertuse
- Enjoy cycling in the warmth of the Mediterranean climate
- Multiple daily route choices for ultimate flexibility
- Good value flights between Toulouse, Carcassonne, and UK regional airports and beyond
- Comfortable and friendly hotels with local cuisine geared to cyclists
- Excellent support from two customised support vans and two expert, proactive guides focused on making your holiday the very best it can be
Days on the bike
Quote
Excellent - the route includes varied landscapes - all of them are beautiful. The classic route allows you to build up the distance to the middle of the week and is a good balance of challenging and undulating climbs
Introduction
The landscape between Carcassonne, Foix, and Perpignan is a delightful place to ride a road bike. It's peppered with deep gorges, vineyards, thick forests, and spectacular medieval castles. The narrow roads that link the pretty, sun-baked villages are quiet and generally well-surfaced, but the countryside here is far from flat! This region is often referred to as Cathar Country (Pays Cathare in French) in recognition of its importance in the conflict between the Catholic Church and those who followed Catharism some 800 years ago.
This Marmot Classic style holiday is the perfect introduction to cycling in the mountains of Europe. Compared to the Alps, Dolomites, or the neighbouring Pyrenees, the climbs are relatively short, and the gradients are generally kind. However, those looking for more of a challenge will not be disappointed, as every day there are longer routes and steeper climbs to get your heart and legs pounding!
Regardless of which route you choose each day, our two Marmot guides with their fully kitted-out support vehicles are there to help you achieve your goals while on the road. You can stop for a breather whenever you choose, with no fear of holding up others in the group. In contrast, if you want to power your way through each day on the Challenge route, you won't need to wait for slower riders; there are plenty of opportunities to really push yourself. This is your holiday after all, and it's our mission to help you make it the best it can be!
For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Foix, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! The weather is likely to vary during your trip, and even during fine weather it can be cold in the morning and on descents. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from cold and rain.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 2* and 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
Departure Dates & Prices
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
- Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
- Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
- Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
We offer transfers from Toulouse Airport (TLS) to our hotel in the centre of Foix at specified times. This is a journey of 1hr 15min. It is also possible to travel to Foix by train.
Those of you on the morning transfers will have time to explore the historic town and wander up to the Château de Foix, your first Cathar castle.
There are several options for warm-up rides, or those wanting a challenge might be tempted by the climb to the Prat d’Albis (1460m), a climb made famous in the 2019 Tour de France.
Day 1: Day ride from Foix
You begin your cycling adventure by heading west to Mas d'Azil. Here the road follows the river Arize for 0.5km through an impressive cave, complete with stalagmites. Not surprisingly, this unique bit of road has been included in quite a few Tour de France routes. This takes us to the Chapel of Saint Roch (577m), where you'll get your first spectacular view of the Pyrenees. Nicely warmed up, you then take on the day's main climb, through the forest to the Col des Marrous (990m). From here, it's all downhill back to our hotel.
As always on a Marmot Tours Classic style holiday, there are route options for those wanting more, and the vast view from the Col de Péguère (1362m) makes it the obvious extension. This col is now well-known as the place where a disgruntled spectator sprinkled tacks during the 2012 Tour de France. You'll be pleased to hear that we take on the gentle side, but if you want even more of a challenge, you could descend to the Col des Caougnous (957m) and take on the 18% gradients of the Mur de Péguère (translates as Wall of Péguère). Oof!
**Tonight's dinner is not included so you are free to explore the restaurants in Foix.**
Easier : 67 KM with 1000m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 82 KM with 1330m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 99 KM with 1720m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 106 KM with 2140m ascent [ride profile]
Day 2: Foix to Limoux
Today’s destination is the historic and pretty town of Limoux on the river Aude. It is famous for its carnival and for being the birthplace of sparkling wine (known as Blanquette de Limoux).
To get there, we head east on a series of delightful roads past Lac de Montbel to Chalabre. We then start ticking off our (so-called) Cathar castles with a detour to the Château de Puivert. This leads us into your main climb of the day, over the Col de Festes (678m) and down through the vineyards to our town centre hotel.
As always, there are options to extend your ride, and a loop over the Col du Bac (620m) from Chalabre makes for a delightful ride through rural France. Whatever route you take, sampling the local Limoux bubbly is recommended this evening!
Classic : 82 KM with 900m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 121 KM with 1250m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 140 KM with 1850m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: Limoux to Rivesaltes
A delightful landscape of deep ravines, vineyards, and holm oak forests dominate today's ride. We continue our journey through the Corbières towards the Mediterranean on a network of quiet lanes. All of today's route options take us via the remote and spectacular Château de Termes. This was the scene of a 4-month battle during the first Albigensian Crusade in 1210, and it's a famous regional landmark.
The Classic route takes us over the Col de la Loubière (599m), whilst the other options head to Arques (detour to the Château) over the Col de Valmigère (700m). The Harder route then heads over the appropriately named Col du Paradis (627m), whilst the Challenge route embarks on a spectacular loop over the Col de La Fage (731m) via Rennes-Les-Bains.
From Termes, you'll undulate between remote villages with some views of the Mediterranean to our resort hotel (with a swimming pool) on the outskirts of Rivesaltes. Despite being a long-distance day, the gradients are generally kind, making it a really pleasurable ride.
Classic : 107 KM with 1550m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 128 KM with 1800m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 149 KM with 2100m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: Rivesaltes to Quillan
Today we become Château spotters! Nearly every rocky outcrop is adorned with a semi-ruined castle balancing precariously on the clifftop. Once inaccessible, they now have narrow roads snaking their way up to their gates. All of these climbs are optional and make up our Challenge route.
We start by heading to Tuchan, where you have the option of detouring up the Château d'Aguilar (261m). This leads you through the vineyards into the gorge of the Grau de Padern and to Cucugnan at the base of the Château de Quéribus (612m). You'll then head to Duilhac which is overlooked by the Château de Peyrepertuse (699m). This is truly wonderful riding through rural, unspoiled France.
A short climb over the Col d'en Guilhem (498m) lines you up for a spectacular descent into the Gorge De Galamus. You'll ride on a narrow road that's been hewn into the cliffs of this deep canyon - this is a real highlight of the week. Our final (optional) climb to the Col de Saint-Louis (696m) is another remarkable bit of road building, gaining altitude with loop-the-loops and some challenging gradients. From here it's downhill to our hotel in Quillan, where we spend the next two nights.
Easier : 93 KM with 1270m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 103 KM with 1500m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 123 KM with 2270m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: Day ride from Quillan
Being based in Quillan affords us many options, both on and off the bike. The town is charming, and there are some lovely walks into the surrounding countryside. Those wanting to enjoy the full Cathar experience could take the bus to the medieval citadel of Carcassonne. There's also the option of white water rafting down the river Aude!
However, this is a road cycling holiday after all, and we've crafted three delightful, circular routes in the foothills of the Pyrenees today. All routes take you past the Château d’Usson and then on a beautiful road over the Col des Moulis (1099m) and Col du Garavel (1256m).
Cycling up to the Château de Puilaurens (610m) over the Col du Campérié (514m) makes for a good addition for those wanting to bag another Cathar Castle.
The Challenge route "nips up" the Col de Pailhères (2001m) from Usson. This is a brute of a climb with some steep sections, but the views from the top are spectacular, making this an enriching addition, if you have the energy.
Easier - Château de Puilaurens : 49 KM with 700m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 74 KM with 1050m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 93 KM with 1500m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 108 KM with 2250m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: Quillan to Foix
Today you'll climb straight from the hotel to the Col de Portel (601m), where you'll descend gently over a beautiful high plateau to Château de Puivert and then over the Col de Babourade (658m) to Bélesta. This is a good place for refreshments before taking on the Col de Montségur (1056m). The col is at the base of a 'pog' (local dialect for a massive rock formation) dominated by the Château de Montségur, which is famous for being the final stronghold of the Cathars in 1244. The siege lasted for 10 months and ended with 200 Cathars being burned alive, having refused to renounce their faith.
You'll be pleased to hear that there's no road going all the way up to the castle, but there's still a bit more climbing to the base of the Château de Roquefixade (756m). This beautiful balcony road with spectacular views takes us all the way back to our town centre hotel in Foix. We'd recommend making time for a much-deserved beer at the fantastic riverside microbrewery!
Those wanting a longer ride have the option of climbing over the Col de Coudons (883m) and the Col de la Croix des Morts (898m) first thing. Alternatively, you could challenge yourself up the Prat d'Albis (1460m) - a climb made famous in the 2019 Tour de France.
Classic : 72 KM with 1400m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 84 KM with 1700m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 116 KM with 2780m ascent [ride profile]
Day 7: Departure day
Sadly, it's home time and the end of your week's cycling with us. We offer transfers back to Toulouse airport (TLS) at scheduled times in the morning (journey time approx. 1hr 15min).
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Foix, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! The weather is likely to vary during your trip, and even during fine weather it can be cold in the morning and on descents. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from cold and rain.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 2* and 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
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