Cycling Route in the Garonne Valley
CIERP GAUD , Haute-Garonne – Itinéraire
The Garonne’s source is in the Spanish Pyrenees. It crosses South-West France along 522km, flowing into the Atlantic at Bordeaux. This 106.6km cycling route runs upstream from the river, between Luchon and Toulouse.
The Cycling Route follows the bends of the Garonne River and passes several villages of the Comminges area. Many of these, such as St-Martory or Gourdan-Polignan, feature prehistoric caves or dolmens. Others, such as Valentine and Estancarbon, have Roman remains, while Pointis-de-Rivière and Beauchalot have monuments dating back to the Middle Ages. The village of St-Bertrand-de-Comminges, one of the “Great Sites of Midi-Pyrénées” is an absolute must, featuring the richest historical and architectural heritage of the area.
The Festival du Comminges is hosted yearly by four districts along the cycling route: St-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Valcabrère, St-Gaudens and Martres-Tolosane. This cultural event was founded in 1975 and presents classical music concerts in prestigious religious monuments.
Several lakes are open to the public along the Garonne allowing you to cool off between two sporting legs. Lakes such as Cazères, Salles-sur-Garonne and Carbonne offer facilities for water sports. Get your swimmers on!
