A Cycling Haven

The Ariège Pyrenees offer some of the best cycling roads in Europe. The department is one of the least populated in France and the drivers you will encounter are largely courteous and accustomed to cyclists.

The village of La Bastide de Serou is  positioned at the edge of a band of foothills where the mountains proper begin. Directly behind the house is the Massif de l'Arize which contains amongst others, the 1432m Col de Portel and the infamous Mur de Peguere. There are three separate passes over this formation within 15km of the house. Once at the top, you are rewarded with one of the finest views in the Pyrenees and many options for a ride- descend into the Couserans mountains , roll back to the house or ride down to the nearest towns of St Girons or Foix for some refreshment before a flattish loop back home. Eight Tour de France climbs and many others are easily accessible within 50km of the house. There are several entry points and numerous loops into the mountains available between 50-140 km allowing for the adventurous to include four or five cols and 4000m+ of climbing. 

For a change of scenery, there are countless kilometres of quiet back roads in the beautiful hills north of the village or the rolling or even flat terrain near Palmiers.  Alternatively take an easy cafe ride along the Voie Verte, a traffic free bike path following the old rail line along the verdant valley between St Girons and the charming medieval town of Foix.

Those wishing to explore other areas of the Pyrenees will find them readily accessible. If you enjoy a longer ride, in the Cathar country to the east you will find Hors Categorie climbs such as the Plateau de Beille and the 2000m+ Col de Pallieres. Otherwise the towns of Tarascon-sur-Ariege and Ax les Thermes are a short drive away and offer a good base for exploration. Further afield, the cols of the Haute Pyrenees are less than 2 hours away by car.