ITINERARY

Day 1 / Arrival

Starting in the vibrant Mediterranean city of Perpignan, guests are met mid-morning at the train station. Following a picnic lunch, the group travels to the village of Embres-et-Castelmaure, famous for its Corbières wines. The afternoon is used to confirm bike fit and become familiar with the Specialized Turbo Levos. During the leisurely three-course dinner, tour leaders share plans for the coming days before an early night allows everyone a bright start next morning.   

Pickup Time / 11 AM
Pickup Location / Perpignan Gare

Included / Dinner 
Lodging / Chambre d'hôte

Day 2 / Embres-et-Castelmaure to Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse

Rolling hills covered in grapevines testify to the area's rich winemaking heritage as the trail takes riders through a diverse landscape of scrubby Mediterranean forests, open fields, and rocky outcrops, arriving at the Château d’Aguilar, a medieval fortress perched on a rocky hilltop. Navigate through narrow paths, ancient tracks, and some single track to the imposing Château de Peyrepertuse -- another magnificent medieval castle built into a sheer cliff face – and end the day at the charming medieval village of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse 

Profile of the Route / DISTANCE 32.9 km/20.44 mi | ASCENT 570 m/1870.08 ft | DESCENT 410 m/1345.14 ft | TIME 3 hours, or 4 hours with visit to the castle 
Included / Breakfast, dinner, entry to castle
Lodging / Chambre d’hôte

Day 3 / Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse to Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes 

Winding village roads offer a gentle warm-up for the towering limestone walls and lush vegetation of the stunning Gorge de Galamus, a narrow and dramatic canyon carved by the Agly River. The small, historic hermitage of Saint-Antoine clings to the cliffside. Then on to the village of Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, home of the famous ‘croquant de St-Paul,’ a hard cookie dipped in its regional sweet wine.  

From Saint Paul, a dramatic rolling valley route of varied gravel, dirt, and paved paths is flanked by the Corbières and Fenouillèdes ridgelines and passes by vineyards, orchards, and farmland. The trail concludes in the 2,000-year-old village of Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes.  

Profile of the Hike / DISTANCE 39 km/24.23 mi | ASCENT 750 m/2460.63 ft | DESCENT 640 m/2099.74 ft | TIME 3.5 hours riding, 4.5 hours with stops 
Included / Breakfast, dinner
Lodging / Chambre d’hôte

Day 4 / Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes to Gincla

A gentle ride through the village streets before exploring the enchanting Gorge de St. Jaume, with its dramatic sheer cliffs and crystal-clear streams. Then back on bikes up the road to the Col de Maas, and turn off onto dirt track, climbing to thrilling views of the Corbières and Fenouillèdes mountain ranges. The final long, flowing descent brings you to your night's lodging in Gincla.  

Profile of the Hike / DISTANCE 34.7km/21.56 mi | ASCENT 910 m/2985.56 ft | DESCENT 570 m/1870.08 ft | TIME 3.5 hours, 4 with the gorge 
Included / Breakfast, dinner
Lodging / Chambre d’hôte

Day 5 / Gincla to Quirabajou 

Leave the tranquil village of Gincla and ride the road for a short period of time. The route gradually climbs towards the Château de Puilaurens, a magnificent medieval fortress perched on a rocky outcrop.  

Reaching the Château de Puilaurens is a highlight of the trail. This well-preserved Cathar castle offers a glimpse into the region's rich history and strategic importance during the medieval period. Take some time to explore the castle and enjoy the breathtaking views from its elevated position. 

From the château, the trail descends towards the village of Axat. This section offers thrilling downhill segments with a mix of single-track and wider paths, passing through dense forests and open meadows. The descent is exhilarating, with twists and turns that add to the excitement. 

Leaving Axat, the trail continues towards Cailla, traversing various landscapes, including forested paths, rolling farm tracks, and rocky sections. The terrain is diverse, providing both challenging climbs and enjoyable descents. The route offers stunning views of the Pyrenean foothills and the verdant countryside. 

The trail brings you to the local road, the only access to the small mountain village of Quirbajou. Perched on a hillside with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, Quirbajou is a peaceful destination, offering a sense of seclusion and tranquility at the end of your journey.    

Profile of the Bike / DISTANCE 41.4 km/25.72 mi | ASCENT 1,080 m/3543.31 ft | DESCENT 760 m/2493.44 ft | TIME 4 hours, 5 with the castle visit 
Included / Breakfast, dinner
Lodging / Gîte

Day 6 / Quirabajou to Comus 

Leaving Quirbajou, the dirt trail traverses a ridge, providing stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The trail descends into a picturesque valley, offering a more relaxed ride through pastoral landscapes with rolling hills. This path brings you into the Forêt de Picaussel, an area known for the courageous efforts of the French Resistance fighters, known as the Maquis, who operated in the region during World War II. The Maquis de Picaussel played a crucial role in the French Resistance movement against Nazi occupation during World War II. There is a memorial to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the Resistance fighters who risked their lives for the freedom of France. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the resilience of those who fought against oppression.  

Approaching the village of Comus, the trail begins another ascent. This climb is gradual but steady, taking you through more forested areas and along the edges of scenic ridges. The trail concludes in Comus, a picturesque mountain village known for its alpine-style houses and traditional Pyrenean architecture. 

Included / Breakfast, dinner
Lodging / Safari Tent

Day 7 / Comus to Ax-les-Thermes

Departing Comus, traverse the Plateau de Sault, which offers a mix of dirt tracks and gravel paths through pastoral landscapes dotted with grazing livestock and traditional farmhouses. At the end of the plateau, a long descent leads to the final steady switchback climb of the day. Continue south towards the Spanish border, descending to the town of Ax-les-Thermes. 

Profile of the Bike / DISTANCE 34 km/about 21.13 mi | ASCENT 810 m/about 2657.48 ft) | DESCENT 1,190 m/3904.2 ft | TIME 3.25 hours 

Included / Breakfast, dinner
Lodging /Hotel

Day 8 / Departure 

After breakfast, the group is taken to the Ax-les-Thermes train station, where you can shop, sightsee, or enjoy lunch before departing on your train.

Included / Breakfast 

Dropoff Time / 11pm

Dropoff Location / Ax-les-Thermes Gare

This itinerary is given for your information and may be changed at the discretion of the leaders depending on the weather conditions, physical ability of clients and the trail 'options' we decide together.