Toulouse is on the way to the pyrenees and the legendary climbs like Tourmalet, Aubisque or Hautacam. But not only. The area is l’Occitanie and offers various types of cycling for all tastes. The rolling hills in the Gers or the Tarn, good climbs in the Corbières or in the Aude department with le pic de Nore, just to mention one of the most famous in “la Montagne Noire” also know for the mountain bike and gravel paths. L’Occitanie starts where the Dordogne finishes on the west side and ends west of Montpellier where the Provence begins with Avignon.

The Occitanie is not very populated outside the big cities which are not also not so big, which means that on the countryside roads, there is a few cars. Riding is always a pleasure through vineyard and visiting medieval villages in the Tarn valley or Aveyron valley. Numerous old castles from different times in the history appear everywhere.

A popular trip is Toulouse to Barcelona via la Costa Brava, a 4-5day-trip along crossing les Corbières, along the mediterraneen sea.

Another cycling event which is very popular is L’ariègeoise, a cyclosportive / granfondo which takes place end of June in the Ariège in the Pyrenees in which amateurs face the biggest climbs of the departement.

When to come to Toulouse

The Climate in the region is cycling friendly, not too cold during winters, spring and autumn are often periods when cycling doesn't stop and the cycling preparation for summer is continuous. Summer is the best time to come, however July can be quite hot. Lakes and seas will fix overheating issues.

How to come to Toulouse

Toulouse is the 4^th largest city in France. It is well connected internationally with its airport in Blagnac TLS, but also Carcassonne (CCF) or Bordeaux (BOD) are not far.

Regarding trains, Paris, Bordeaux, Avignon, Perpignan, Barcelona (BCN), Girona are well connectec too.

To conclude, Toulouse is a cycling hub allowing riding difficult routes for avid cyclists when flirting with the Tour de France climbs in the Pyrenees, or softer elevation in the marvelous countryside like in the Tarn or in the Gers where gastronomy a culture, accompany the holiday makers.

More tips on bike rental in France here