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L'Ariégeoise XXL

Bicycle ,  Unsupervised activities in Tarascon-sur-Ariège

  • Challenge yourself on the mythical Ariégeoise circuit, XXL version! From Tarascon, head east towards the Montségur and Croix des Morts passes. The crossing of the Plateau de Sault and the Aude gorges will be the relaxation part before climbing on the "roof" of the Ariège passes: the Port de Pailhères at 2001m. This is followed by the ascent of the Col du Chioula, rewarded by the balcony overlooking the Ariège valley and the descent to Verdun (be careful in the switchbacks). The circuit ends with 16 km of climbing including passages at 11% and an arrival at the Plateau de Beille at 1800m, the Mecca of cycling champions.

  • Please note The Ariégeoise XXL is a very demanding course reserved for perfectly trained cyclists (4000km of preparation) who are aware of the requirements represented by such a series of high mountain passes.


    Difficulty: Very difficult
    Duration: 12:00
    Elevation: 5160 D+
    Distance: 179km
    Max altitude : 1990m


    Your itinerary

    1 - FROM TARASCON-SUR-ARIÈGE TO THE COL DE MONTSÉGUR
    From the Tarascon-sur-Ariège Tourist Office, catch up with Avenue Victor Pilhès D618. Pass Mercus...
    Please note The Ariégeoise XXL is a very demanding course reserved for perfectly trained cyclists (4000km of preparation) who are aware of the requirements represented by such a series of high mountain passes.


    Difficulty: Very difficult
    Duration: 12:00
    Elevation: 5160 D+
    Distance: 179km
    Max altitude : 1990m


    Your itinerary

    1 - FROM TARASCON-SUR-ARIÈGE TO THE COL DE MONTSÉGUR
    From the Tarascon-sur-Ariège Tourist Office, catch up with Avenue Victor Pilhès D618. Pass Mercus Garrabet, arrive at the Saint Antoine roundabout, la charmille, first on the right towards D117 Lavelanet, pass Saint Paul de Jarrat, Celles, Nalzen.At the veterinary clinic turn right D509 towards Montségur. Pass Villeneuved'Olmes, direction Montferrier D9. Climb up to the Col de Montségur, go down to the village.
    2 - FROM MONTSÉGUR TO ESPEZEL
    Continue to Bélesta via Fougax and Barrineuf D9. After the Fontestorbe intermittent fountain and the lemonaderie, be careful at the junction, turn right on the D16 towards Belcaire/QuerigutMijanes. Climb through the forest, pass the cross of the dead. Arrive in the department of Aude D29. Pass the Bénagues. Continue to the lascierie inn, turn left D613 towards Espezel. Drive, turn right D29Espezel/Belfort. Return to the village of Espezel.
    3 - FROM ESPEZEL TO ROUZE
    Cross Espezel at the stop in the village go straight ahead, always on the D29. At the give way go straight D29 direction Mazuby. Go down in the forest to reach a junction, turn right D107 direction Aunat.Continue on the 107 to turn left, climb on the D20 to Rodome, then Aunat. Stay on the D20 until Bessède de Sault. At the fork, turn right towards Gesse. Go down in the laces, at the junction, turn right towards Quérigut/Mijanes D118. Stay on the D118, pass the old Usson baths. Turn right D16 towards Rouze. Begin the ascent to reach Rouze.
    4 - FROM ROUZE TO COL DE PAILHÈRES AND THEN COL DU CHIOULA
    On leaving Rouze, turn right onto the D116 towards Mijanès. At the exit of Mijanès turn right D25 Col de Pailhères/Mijanès. Ascension of the pass then descent. Pass the station of Ascou then the village. After Ascou turn right towards Ignaux D613 Col du Chioula. Leave Ignaux and Sorgeat to climb to the pass.
    5 - FROM COL DU CHIOULA TO COL DE MARMARE, ROUTE DES CORNICHES THEN PLATEAU DE BEILLE.
    From the col du chioula go down to the col de Marmare then turn left D20 towards Caussou/ route des corniches.Continue on the D20 past Bestiac, Lordat, Axiat, Appy, Caychax. After Senconac turn left before descending on the D120 to reach Verdun and Les Cabannes. Warning: dangerous descent to the village of Verdun, be careful on the hairpin bends.
    Arrive at Les Cabannes, take the direction of Plateau de Beille via the D522.
    6 - PLATEAU DE BEILLE - ARRIVAL

    You have arrived at the Beille plateau! Enjoy the view
  • Spoken languages
    • French