La Vélosud is one of the most varied and enchanting cycling routes in France. She goes through all the Pyrenean foothills, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, along the Pyrenees chain at an ideal distance: close enough to enjoy the mountain panoramas, but far enough away to remain accessible to all cyclists.

From Basque beaches to Catalan lagoons, through the green valleys of Béarn, the bastides of Couserans, the Cathar plateaus and the Corbières, Vélosud offers an incredible diversity of landscapes. Here it is the most beautiful sections and the must-see villages of this unique itinerary.

🌊 1. The Basque Country and the Atlantic: between ocean and first mountains

The start of the Vélosud plunges the cyclist into the typical atmosphere of the Basque Country:

• white houses with red half-frames
• villages nestled in the valleys
• Green hills streaked with Pottoks
• Iodine scent from the nearby ocean

The first steps offer:
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Urrugne, Hendaye, and the superb panoramas on the Basque crests.

It is a gentle, lively and deeply cultural introduction.

🌿 2. Béarn: green valleys and authentic villages

As it progresses eastward, the Vélosud softens. The landscapes are becoming more pastoral, more open.
In the Béarn, we discover:

• The gentle hills of Piedmont
• green meadows bordered by hedges
• typical villages like Oloron-Sainte-Marie, Aramits, Navarrenx, or Monein

A peaceful and rural environment, ideal for recreational biking enthusiasts looking for peace and nature.

🏘️ 3. Couserans and Ariège: gentle mountains and historic cities

Arriving in Ariège, the landscapes become more mountainous and wilder.

The essentials:

• Saint-Girons, capital of Couserans
• the wooded valleys around the Salat River
• Foix, dominated by its emblematic castle

In Foix, one of the most beautiful portions of the entire Vélosud begins: the crossing of the Cathar Country to the Mediterranean.
👉 This is also where our stay begins Foix → Barcares, designed to make you experience the best of the course.

🧡 4. The Cathar Country: bastides, gorges and hilltop castles

Between Foix, Mirepoix, Couiza and Les Fenouilledes, the Vélosud crosses some of the most spectacular landscapes of the entire itinerary.

Exceptional strengths:

⭐ Mirepoix

A magnificent medieval bastide, famous for its square with colorful arcades. A unique atmosphere in France.

⭐ The country of Sault and the Cathar forests

Wooded hills, quiet roads and secret valleys.

⭐ Couiza & Rennes-le-Chateau

One of the most mysterious villages in the country, overlooking the Aude Valley.

⭐ The Fenouilledes

Mineral and wild decor, deep gorges, vineyards attached to the slopes.

This is the most varied section: nature, history, villages, soft relief, everything is there.

👉 To discover this portion in the best conditions:
Belle Allure stay — Vélosud Foix to Barcarès (4 days).

🍇 5. Les Corbières: garrigue, vineyards and southern light

As we approach the Mediterranean, the vegetation changes:

• Vines as far as the eye can see
• Smell of thyme and rosemary
• hills sculpted by the wind
• villages nestled in small sunny valleys

The Corbières offer an already Mediterranean setting, bathed in light.
The roads are quiet and panoramic, perfect for biking.

🌅 6. The Catalan Coast: lagoons, sea and endless horizon

Last stage of the Vélosud: the arrival on the Mediterranean.
It is a magical moment for any cyclist.

As we approach Barcarès, Canet-en-Roussillon or Saint-Cyprien, the decor becomes:

• Turquoise lagoons
• sparkling sea
• flamingos
• long bike paths leading to the beaches

The arrival facing the sea is one of the highlights of the course, a real contrast with the Basque hills at the start.

👉 Our stay ended at Barcarès allows you to experience this arrival in a fluid, comfortable and perfectly organized way.

🎉 In summary: the Vélosud, a unique crossing of exceptional landscapes

From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, Vélosud offers a summary of everything that makes the south beautiful:

• ocean
• mountains
• patrimony
• medieval villages
• vineyards
• Sarrigue
• sea

An ideal itinerary for a first bike trip, a stay as a couple, a weekend with friends or a challenge for a cycling club.

👉 To live The most beautiful portion from Vélosud, discover our stay:
🚴  Vélosud — From Foix to Barcarès (4 days)
Organization, accommodations, GPX tracks, assistance: everything is ready for you!

👉 To better prepare for your trip, also consult:

• Vélosud - The itinerary guide
• Difficulty and preparation of the Vélosud
• Vélosud from Foix to the Mediterranean : why is this portion the most beautiful ?