Véloccitanie Cycle Route

Ride across southern France with Véloccitanie, a collection of routes linking the best of Occitanie’s canals, vineyards, villages, and wide-open countryside. Expect a real mix: quiet lanes, canal towpaths, farm tracks, and plenty of gravel and dirt—not just a straight greenway. A gravel or sturdy touring bike (40 mm+ tires) is a good call.

Terrain is mostly gentle but not always flat, with a few rolling sections. You’ll find shady stretches by waterways, open views toward the Pyrenees, and classic southern scenes of garrigue and stone towns. Occitanie is home to the Canal du Midi and medieval Carcassonne, so history pops up often along the way.

Pick a short, chill day along a canal or link stages for a bigger bikepacking loop. Most segments favor low-traffic roads and paths, with occasional road links through towns. Bring lights, sun protection, and extra water—services are regular in towns but sparser between them.

Best seasons: spring and autumn. Summers can be hot and windy (hello, tramontane). Trains in the region often take bikes, which makes point-to-point rides easy.

If you want sunny southern vibes with a bit of adventure, this collection delivers.