Cycling day trip from Ax-les-Thermes to Saint-Girons

This adventurous cycling route begins in Ax-les-Thermes, a famed Pyrenean spa town where riders often dip their feet in the town’s steaming thermal springs before setting off. Your destination is Saint-Girons, a charming riverside town nestled at the gateway to the Ariège Pyrenees.

Spanning just over 100 km, this ride promises a true backcountry experience—only a tiny bit of your journey will be on smooth asphalt, with most of the route threading its way across unpaved, gravelly paths and quiet roads. Expect more climbing than descending, with over 2,200 meters to ascend (get ready for those legs to burn!) and even more to descend—downhill thrills guaranteed.

You’ll find yourself weaving through wild landscapes, with the higher elevations offering sweeping views typical of the region. Gravel tires and a sense of adventure are highly recommended! Once in Saint-Girons, reward yourself with a stroll along the Salat river and perhaps a pastry at a local café—a perfect finish after a day spent conquering remote mountain trails.