TRAIL E-BIKING TOUR
We begin our biking adventure with a tour of Aguilar Castle, which was one of the Cathar castles that once formed the border with Spain. This adventure uses mainly double track, gravel, paved, and forestry trails and takes us across varying terrain ranging from vineyards and a Mediterranean climate to gorges and forests. The stunning views as we ride through the landscape will make lasting memories. You will experience a challenging and rewarding five days of riding, ending at the town of Puivert. Along the way there will be time to explore the castles and towns to learn about the history of the area, and enjoy local cuisine.
This is a section bike adventure, meaning participants will ride to a new location each day. With only the items on your back, you will have the freedom to explore the beautiful countryside. Participants may pack one additional duffle bag that will be available each evening.
Puivert Castle and Valley
ITINERARY
Day 1 / Arrival and Welcome
Guests will be met in Carcassonne mid-day. Following lunch we use the afternoon to travel to our starting point, confirm bike fit, and settle into our lodging prior to dinner. We will spend the night in Tuchan to be prepared for an early start the next day.
Included: Lunch, dinner
Lodging: Chambre d’hôte
Pickup time / 11 AM
Pickup location / Carcassonne train station
Day 2 / Tuchan to Cucugnan
The first day of our biking adventure begins at Aguilar Castle, followed by a scenic ride on alternating paved, wide single-, and double-track through rolling hills, vineyards, and forest, eventually reaching Padern. From Padern, a steady climb begins to the ridgeline where Quéribus Castle can be seen. After a break with time to tour Quéribus, we close our day with a double-track descent to the charming town of Cucugnan.
Included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, entry to castle
Lodging: Chambre d’hôte
Distance / 24km/15mi
Ascent / 769m/2,523ft
Descent / 723m/2,372ft
Max Elev. / 607m/1,992ft
Time / 6 hours (Including castle visits)
Day 3 / Cucugnan to Prugnanes
Today we ride from Cucugnan to Peyrepertuse through vineyards and valleys with a climb to Peyrepertuse Castle. After a break to tour the castle, we set out along the Plateau de Brezou with a steep descent into the beautiful Gorge de Galamus. Following an ice cream if you desire, we complete the day riding paved and gravel tracks from the gorge to Prugnanes.
Included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, entry to castle
Lodging: Chambre d’hôte
Distance / 32km/20mi
Ascent / 1,151m/3,776ft
Descent / 1,155m/3,789ft
Max Elev. / 693m/2,274ft
Time / 8 hours (Including castle and gorge visit)
Day 4 / Prugnanes to Axat
Welcome to day four of our biking adventure! Today we ride an undulating double-track from Prugnanes to Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes. After Caudiès we begin a steady climb before reaching the Gorge de St. Jaume. We will get off our bikes and walk through the gorge before riding on to Puilaurens. Along the way, views of two additional castles can be seen from the ridgeline, before visiting Puilaurens Castle and closing the day in Axat.
Included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, entry to castle
Lodging: Hotel
Distance / 34km/21mi
Ascent / 1,257m/4,124ft
Descent / 1,158m/3,799ft
Max Elev. / 713m/2,340ft
Time / 8 hours (Including castle visit and walk through the gorge)
Day 5 / Axat to Quillan
We have a shortener ride today to allow for a rest and time to explore the town of Quillan. Cruise up gentle forestry and logging roads with views of the valley before descending into Quillan. After storing bikes, use the afternoon to walk through the old city with its fortress and medieval church in addition to visiting markets, cafés, and shops. Lunch is not included in today’s tour to give you the opportunity to explore independently.
Included: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel
Distance / 28km/17mi
Ascent / 1,099m/3,606ft
Descent / 1,217m/3,993ft
Max Elev. / 687m/3,238ft
Time / 3 hours
Day 6 / Quillan to Puivert
Our last day begins with a climb out of Quillan, followed by a steady alternating double and single-track descent to Coudons. After an initial climb followed by descent into Lafage, we ride on rolling hills into Puivert. Our early afternoon arrival leaves time to visit Puivert Castle, check out a local brewery, and enjoy a short musical performance from a local artist. Tonight we enjoy a special local dinner as a fitting close to our riding adventure!
Included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, musical performance
Lodging: Chambre d’hôte
Distance / 21km/13mi
Ascent / 429m/1,408ft
Descent / 755m/2,477ft
Max Elev. / 1,084m/3,557ft
Time / 3 hours
Day 7 / Transition Day
Following a relaxing morning, guests will be transported to the Foix train station before departing for Toulouse.
Included: Breakfast
Drop off time /
12pm local time
Drop off location /
Foix train station
