Bikepacking de Saint-Lary-Soulan a Saint-Girons

A classic Pyrenean traverse from Saint-Lary-Soulan to Saint-Girons. Roll out from this ski-and-spa town in the Aure valley—famous in the Tour de France and a gateway to the Néouvielle Nature Reserve—then string together a couple of steady cols and fast, sweeping descents. You’ll top out around 1,600 m, rack up roughly 3,000 m of climbing over about 153 km, and gradually lose altitude toward Ariège.

Routing favors quiet roads most of the way, with some paths and tracks and the occasional gravel stretch—wider tires (30–32 mm) are a good shout. Expect shaded valleys, open high meadows, and stone villages for quick resupplies, but there can be remote gaps, so carry water and layers; mountain weather flips fast.

Roll into Saint-Girons, a laid-back Couserans market town on the Salat River and a gateway to the Pyrénées Ariégeoises Regional Park—perfect for a celebratory bite if you time it with the renowned Saturday market. Big day out; split it over two if you want to linger.