Cycling guides and maps in Occitania
Occitania by bike
Between the Mediterranean coastline, villages, peaceful canals, and Pyrenean passes, Occitanie offers an exceptional diversity of landscapes for cycling enthusiasts. Whether you’re a fan of road trips or a family outing, the region is full of accessible and well-designed Occitanie cycling routes. And to make sure you don’t miss anything, it’s best to come well equipped: guides, maps, and topo-guides are your best allies for exploring every corner by bike.
A region between sea, mountains and heritage
From Toulouse to Montpellier, from the Pyrenean valleys to the Tarn Gorges, Occitania by bike can be experienced at every pace. As you cycle, you’ll pass through cities steeped in history like Albi, Carcassonne, Cahors, and Montauban, landscapes listed as World Heritage Sites, and picturesque villages nestled among vineyards, limestone plateaus, and rivers.
Architecture and culture lovers will appreciate cycling in Toulouse, the Pink City and regional capital, where landscaped quays run alongside the Garonne River. To the east, cycling in Montpellier combines the Mediterranean lifestyle with nature outings. To the north, the Tarn Valley offers a more challenging route between Montauban and Albi: ideal for those seeking a bit of hillside and fresh air.
With more than 30 greenways spread across the region, Occitanie also offers safe options for day trips. These 100% cycle routes are ideal for families and Sunday cyclists.
The major cycle routes across Occitania
The region is crisscrossed by numerous national and European cycle routes, offering a wealth of Occitania cycling trails to explore. Here are the main ones:
- Canal des 2 Mers by bike: From Royan to Sète, this 750-km route runs along the Gironde estuary, the Canal de la Garonne by bike, and then the Canal du Midi by bike. Perfect for travelers who dream of crossing the region from west to east.
- The Lot Valley by bike : This is considered the most natural cycle route in France, with 480 km of trails along the Lot Valley, from the confluence of the Garonne to Mont Lozère.
- La Véloccitanie : From the Naurouze threshold to Béziers, this 237-km cycle route connects the Canal du Midi by bike to the Passa Païs greenway, in the heart of Haut-Languedoc.
- The Great Crossing of the Massif Central : From Clermont-Ferrand to Sète, covering approximately 1,360 km, much of it in Occitania.
For a quick weekend getaway, many cyclists opt for the 3-day Canal du Midi cycle route, between Toulouse and Carcassonne or as far as Béziers.
Essential products for exploring Occitania by bike
To plan your itinerary, identify stops, accommodations, and transportation alternatives, nothing beats a selection of guides tailored to cycling. Here are three products not to forget :
- Routard Guide – The Lot Valley : This comprehensive guide offers 5 routes along the Lot Valley cycle route, with clear and precise maps. It also features tips from the Routard.
- IGN TOP 25 Map – Tarn Valley : Prepare your hiking and cycling routes with this 1/25,000 map designed with the French Hiking Federation and the Cévennes National Park.
- Occitanie Vol.1 – Cycling and electric bike tours from the Glenat edition : A comprehensive overview of cycling and electric bike routes in Occitania, from the Pyrenean foothills to the Mediterranean shores.
Ces supports papier restent des alliés fiables, notamment dans les zones reculées ou mal couvertes en réseau mobile. Pensez aussi à combiner ces outils avec les applis GPS dédiées au vélo, pour une navigation enrichie.
The cycle network in Occitania
Occitanie has made cycling a priority in its mobility policy. With a €100 million cycling plan (2024–2028), the region is investing heavily in the development of cycling infrastructure, both for tourism and everyday use.
Key measures include:
- Development of secure greenways, with more than 30 routes already open.
- Support for cycling development projects in rural and peri-urban areas.
- Bike purchase assistance for high school scholarship students.
- Bike loans in high schools and development of secure parking.
- Improvement of intermodality between bicycles and trains, with facilities near train stations.
The region already has several hundred kilometers of marked paths, and numerous projects are underway, such as a new greenway between Auch and Aubiet, or the creation of a secure route around the Thau lagoon.
This dynamic allows Occitania to establish itself as a benchmark destination for cycle tourism, while promoting the practice of cycling for everyone on a daily basis.