free simple website templates

Cycling in SW France

We offer centre based self guided cycling holidays for couples in the Aude.
There are 52 mountain bike routes and 20 road routes covering some 2.070km in total. This is the largest mountain biking area within the Pyrenees whilst the cycle routes cover the whole of the historic Cathar region of France. 
Based near Quillan (Belvianes et Cavirac) some of the routes can be started from our "front door". Regardless of cycling on or off road the routes are broken down in to easy, medium and hard. The calculation for this grading is not just by distance but metres ascended and descended.
There are many things to visit in the area so if the weather changes and you can’t cycle you won’t be left sitting around with nothing to do. Alternatively why not stay for two weeks, one week cycling the other sightseeing. 
All the routes are circular and whilst some start from or close to where you will be staying we recommend you hire a car to get to the others. We will supply a bike rack free of charge that will take three bikes. 

Road Cycling

There are over 2,000 km of listed routes in this region some of which are the famous Tour de France Col’s. For example there is a nice circular route that takes in Stage 15 (Limoux to Albi) 2019 which includes three climbs to over 1,400m. If you are not too keen on big climbs there are plenty of less taxing routes to choose from.

The bike you will be riding is a Giant TCR Advanced 2, Carbon frame & fork, 22 speed shimano 105, easy 50/34 and 11/32 gears, Garmin GPS mount, Comfy tyres, low weight (7.6kg). (Sizes XS, S, M, M/L – please state when making reservation.).

We will supply your helmet, a water bottle, puncture kit and spare inner tubes (replacement cost 3 Euros); all you need to supply your riding kit. We normally ask clients to bring their own pedals and shoes, we do however have several pairs of Look keos and deltas, shimano spd-sl and spd , Time atac and rxs pedals.

You should ensure you have suitable medical (EU citizens should bring their EHIC card) and repatriation insurance for any activates including Public Liability insurance. All breakages will be paid for by the guests.

We are always here to answer any questions so if you have any please ask.

Mountain Biking

We have 38 circular routes nine of which have starting point that you can ride to. The rest although circular do require transport. There are 12 easy routs, 13 medium routes and another 13 difficult routes which the French refer to a "Sports Circuits" and are used for competitions. Some of them may be closed in October for regional competitions. You really need to be very healthy and a very experienced mountain bike rider to ride these circuits.

The bike you will be riding is a MTB Giant Talon 27.5” model 4 with hydraulic lock-out forks, hydraulic disc brakes, 24 speed gears and 27.5” wheels. (Sizes S, M & L). 

We will supply your helmet, a water bottle, puncture kit and spare inner tubes (replacement cost 3 Euros); all you need to supply your riding kit. We normally ask clients to bring their own pedals and shoes, we do however have several pairs of Look keos and deltas, shimano spd-sl and spd , Time atac and rxs pedals.

You should ensure you have suitable medical (EU citizens should bring their EHIC card) and repatriation insurance for any activates including Public Liability insurance. All breakages will be paid for by the guests. 

We are always here to answer any questions so if you have any please ask.

Leisure Cycling

Often referred to as hybrid cycling because it covers road and light off road terrain. We don't actually have specific routes although some of the VTT rides in the easy section are easy to ride with these bikes. You can hire panniers for these bikes at five Euros per day. We can lend you free of charges picnic equipment and off you go to explore. If you want to go further afield then take them up to Carcassonne where you can ride along the Canal du Midi towpath. Alternatively head up onto the Plateau where there are loads of quiet country roads and the massive Lac Montbel which has a circular rout round it, places to picnic and artificial beaches from which you can swim.

For the ladies we use the Giant Alight 3 Hybrid, ladies specific frame with comfy riding position and 21 speed rapid fire gears. It can be fitted with panniers & rack (at extra cost). Sizes XS & S 

For the men (some ladies may also prefer this model) we use the Giant Escape 3 hybrid bike with unisex frame, comfy riding position and 21 speed rapid fire gears. It can be fitted with panniers & rack (at extra cost). Sizes S, M & L. 

For those of you who feel you need a bit of help we can offer the unisex Apache Matto hybrid. It has a range of between 100 and 150km depending on how much assistance you require. Like the normal hybrid bikes panniers can be fitted at a cost of five Euros per day. Each has its own charger and we will charge the bike overnight for you so you can be assured that you will depart for your ride with a fully charged bike. 

ADDRESS
Cathar Tours
9 Quartier de la Condamine
11500 Belvianes et Cavirac
FRANC

CONTACTS
Email: enquiry@cathar-tours.com
Phone: 0033 468 208279