In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationEurope / France
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions41.76 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
This trip was born from a crazy challenge I set myself with a friend: to travel around the Tarn department, following the geographical border as closely as possible, non-stop! We completed the challenge in just over 26 hours… Don't worry, this time we're going to take the time to appreciate this nearly 500km route!
Embark on a unique cycling adventure in the far reaches of the Tarn region, discovering its wild landscapes and contrasting terrain. Over four days, you'll cover nearly 500 km by bike, following a loop that closely follows the department's borders. From Lavaur, the route takes you to Mazamet, before climbing the legendary Pic de Nore and crossing the Montagne Noire to the village of Lacaune, nestled on the edge of the Aveyron. You'll then continue north towards Laguépie, at the confluence of the Aveyron and Viaur rivers, before concluding this journey with a magnificent final stage through limestone plateaus and valleys, back to Lavaur. This circuit offers an accessible sporting challenge, but above all, a total immersion in the diversity of the Tarn, between mountains, forests, and plateaus, all punctuated by charming villages. An intense experience, where every pedal stroke reveals a new facet of this unspoiled region.
The highlights
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A complete 500km cycling tour of the Tarn region, between wild landscapes and unspoiled nature.
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Ascent of Pic de Nore and crossing of the legendary Montagne Noire
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A 4-day road trip adventure with varied stages and charming villages
Photos
Sport
Level
Road cycling
In figures
Road bike
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 124 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 2000 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
French
English
I'm Thomas, a certified instructor and organizer of the trip.
I live in the Tarn and I invite you to discover my department
Program
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From Lavaur to Mazamet: a warm-up in the Tarn
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 115 km
- Positive elevation gain 1700 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at 10:00 AM in Lavaur, in the heart of the Pays de Cocagne. After a friendly get-together over refreshments, we'll set off around noon for a beautiful 115km stage with 1700m of elevation gain. The route crosses the rolling hills of the Tarn region before gradually climbing towards the foothills of the Montagne Noire. The contrast between the hilly landscapes and the denser forests at higher altitudes marks this transition. You'll reach Mazamet in the late afternoon, nestled at the foot of the Pic de Nore, the highest point in the region. The day will end with dinner at the hotel at 8:00 PM, a perfect opportunity to relax and share your first impressions.
Day 1 -
Ascent of Pic de Nore and crossing towards Lacaune
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 135 km
- Positive elevation gain 3200 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early start from Mazamet with a direct climb to the Pic de Nore, the highest peak in the Tarn region at 1200m altitude. This first demanding ascent sets the tone for the day, with a total of 140km and 3200m of elevation gain. Once at the summit, you'll continue with a series of climbs and descents through the wild landscapes of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park. The route alternates between forests, open ridges, and winding roads offering superb panoramic views. Refreshment and picnic stops are planned along the way to recharge your batteries. The arrival in Lacaune in the late afternoon marks the end of an intense but particularly rewarding stage.
Day 2 -
From the Tarn mountains to the Aveyron valleys
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 125 km
- Positive elevation gain 1600 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting in Lacaune, today's stage takes you on a 125km ride with 1600m of elevation gain, through a transitional region between the high plateaus of the Tarn and the steep valleys of the Aveyron. The route winds through forests, alpine meadows, and quiet country roads, offering a gentler atmosphere than yesterday's ride, but still challenging due to its varied terrain. You'll cycle along the border of the Aveyron, between isolated hills and deep valleys, with several refreshment stops and a picnic lunch to fully enjoy the ride. The finish line is in Laguépie, a charming village nestled between a river and a hill, where you'll spend the night in a peaceful bed and breakfast.
Day 3 -
Return to Lavaur via the hills of the Tarn
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 120 km
- Positive elevation gain 1500 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The final stage of this beautiful journey, with 120km and 1500m of elevation gain on the agenda. From Laguépie, you head south, passing through several hilltop villages typical of the region. After Bruniquel, the route takes you through the majestic Grésigne forest, one of the largest oak forests in southwest France. A coffee break is planned along the way to savor the moment and catch your breath before tackling the hills of the Tarn, whose gentle slopes gradually lead you back to Lavaur. The finish line marks the end of an adventure rich in effort, scenery, and shared experiences.
Day 4
Accommodation
Access
Possibility of staying overnight in a bed and breakfast.
Not included in the price of the stay, to be paid on site.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation: 3 nights in a hotel with full board
- Luggage transfer
- Supplies
- Professional and friendly staff!
- Mechanical assistance (we are talking about roadside assistance)
- Travel agent professional liability insurance
- Everything I can do to make the stay even more enjoyable!
The price does not include
- Transportation to the starting point of the stay
- Visits during the stages
- Personal expenses
- Bicycle rental (on request, approximately €60/day)
- Single room option
- cancellation insurance
- Assistance insurance, medical expenses and civil liability
Options
- Bike rental : CHF219.55 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Toolbox
- Pump
- First aid kit
Equipment to bring
- Inner tube
Clothing to bring
- Clothing appropriate for the sport and the weather
- Evening outfit
They traveled with us
