The great crossing of the Pyrenees by mountain bike
(northern slope)
Level 3

372km Elevation change: + 11360m and -10445m and more than 86% trails and tracks
From Montlouis (66) to St Bertrand de Comminges (31)
7 days 6 nights with 6.5 days of mountain biking

From the Pyrénées Orientales to the Comminges via the plateau du Capcir, the Quérigut, the plateau de Sault, Montségur, the massif de Tabe, the Vicdessos, the Massatois, the Couserans and finishing in the Comminges.

New circuit where tarmac is banished. Different landscapes and layouts at each stage.

Flexible circuit according to the level of the group in + or in –

3 options:
1: self-guided without support vehicle - 495€
2: self-guided with support vehicle - 650€
3: guided by a certified monitor and support vehicle - 850€

Strong points :
- New route of sporting level
- Very varied terrain: paths, tracks... rolling and technical
- Mountain lane through several very different areas

Practical info | Prices and dates | Our other trips in the Pyrenees

Program

Day 1 : Montlouis –Quérigut.
Total 52km. Elevation change +810m, –965m. Tracks and mountain trails: 45km
The handlebar in hands, we leave towards the Pyrenees of the sun. We go up on a GR. in the mountain to join the large lakes of Capcir (Bouillouse, Matemale and Puyvalador).
Tracks, individual track then still another col and we speed towards the Quebec of Ariège. Overnight in inn.


Day 2 : Quérigut – Le plateau de Sault
Total : short version: 62km. Elevation change +1400m -1537m. Tracks and mountain trails: 60km
Long version: 70 km. Elevation change +1750m -1860m. Tracks and mountain trails: 68km
We slowly warm up our calf muscles on a beautiful track which carries out us towards the large forest of Quérigut. Then we cross the mountain villages before rising to the Plateau de Sault.


Day 3 : Plateau de Sault – the valley of Ariège
Total : 45km. Elevation change +1750m -2401m. Tracks and mountain trails: 42km
We begin the stage with a splendid descent in the Gorges de La Frau. Passage to the famous castle of Montségur... and the moutain of La Fourche by north.
Overnight in gîte d’étape.


Day 4 : The valley of Ariège– Massatois
Total: 70km. Elevation change +2500m -2250m. Tracks and mountain trails: 55km
The great stage by the cols and the beautiful mountain villages. Splendid and physical crossing of Vicdessos. Passage from Languedoc to Gascogne.
Overnight in a hotel.


Day 5 : Massatois –Couserans.
Total : 56km. Elevation change +1390m -1517m. Tracks and mountain trails: 46km
Small paths, barns in picture postcard landscape. We cross the 3 principal valleys of the High Couserans.
Overnight in an inn.

Day 6 : Le Couserans – le Cagire
Total : 52km. Elevation change +1483m -1450m. Tracks and mountain trails: 40km
This country offers superb climbs up with panoramic views over the Pyrenees and thrilling descents. Crossing via a mythical col of Pyrénées.
Overnight in gîte d’étape.


Day 7 : le Cagire – St Bertrand de Comminges
Total : 27km. Elevation change +865m -995m. Tracks and mountain trails: 20km
Arrival in St Bertrand de Comminges through the mountains. Splendid sight over the plain of Comminges. Visit city of Valcabrère. Then transfer to Foix and disperse.


This program is deliberately vague in order to protect the time and effort we spent researching this route.

Practical info | Prices and dates | Our other trips in the Pyrenees