Cyclotourists, thrill-seekers and leisurely countryside cyclists, get on your bike and come and discover Gaillac and its surroundings, with your hair in the wind! Choose the route that suits you best, there is something for all tastes and all levels, including families.
Breathe in the scent of the undergrowth from Cahuzac-sur-Vère
Circuit number 12, classified as blue and departing from Cahuzac-sur-Vère, offers a 13-km wooded route ideal for a first mountain biking experience. Stop at the Musée de Cayla and be captivated by the bucolic authenticity of this writer's house, a real source of inspiration. Accept the invitation to ride to the magnificent chapel of Andillac, where a pleasant descent to Vieux will satisfy your aesthetic soul and your calf muscles. With its Tuscan feel and stone houses, this medieval village is charming and refreshing. Finally, return to the starting point by following the Vère stream for 1.5 km.
Take to the heights of Rabastens
Taking circuit number 1, classified as black and departing from the Lac des Auzerals, experienced mountain bikers will reach the plain and follow the River Tarn to the Château de St Géry. When you arrive at this stunning building, admire the château's Orangerie, with typical red bricks, a flower-filled park and a romantic, bucolic atmosphere. On the climb back up to the heights of Rabastens, there are some pretty chapels to be explored. The church of Raust and its magnificent wash house provide an ideal setting for a picnic before covering the last 20 hilly kilometres, across vines and fields.
A warm up, departing from the Lac de Nabeillou
With red classification, circuit number 14 departing from the Lac de Nabeillou in Graulhet crosses a magnificent green setting where a leisure area will awaken the curiousity of BMX, cross-biking, fishing or skateboarding enthusiasts. On the 26-km route, a 3-km tarmac section has been specially designed for mountain bikers who can also enjoy the hilly sections between woods and vineyards. The return journey via the Lac de Miquelou, known to runners, walkers and budding mountain bikers, is pleasant due to its shade.
Tackling Gaillac's hilltop villages by all-terrain electric bike
Take the time to ride along the small roads of our beautiful countryside, over 50 km among valleys and vineyards, comfortably installed on your all-terrain bike. From Gaillac, discover our Tuscan-style landscapes and climb to the two hilltop villages of Castelnau-de-Montmiral and then Puycelsi, which are among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Treat yourself to a well-deserved lunch break in one of Puycelsi's three restaurants, or a picnic on the lookout point at the top of the village ramparts, with a panoramic view of the Forêt de Grésigne.
Contact Christophe from Stations Bee's for half-day or full-day electric VTC tours from Gaillac. He'll be happy to advise you on the routes and the essential breaks to make the most of the experience. A treasure hunt is even possible on some tours!
An enchanted ride in the forest of Sivens by electric mountain bike
Set off on a 3- or 4-hour ride through vineyards and incredible views of the forgotten valley, the Tescou and the enchanted forest of Sivens. This 35km ride includes the tumulus of the hamlet of St Salvy, an impressive mound of earth made by human hands. At a crossroads, between deciduous and coniferous trees, roe deer, genets and sometimes owls can be seen: keep an eye out. Some technical passages will require the less experienced to put their foot down, but there are thrills to be had during the subsequent descents.
For this ride, contact Les Vélos de Léonce in Lisle-sur-Tarn, who offer a 1/2 day tour to La forêt de Sivens. For 30€/person, you rent a bike with the route track integrated into your bike's GPS and off you go!