Top 3 to discover the Eastern Pyrenees
Last summer, we decided to head east in the French Pyrenees — partly to dodge the weather and partly to explore this less-known region. And what a discovery it was! We ended up in Cathar Country: a landscape of narrow, winding roads, castle ruins perched on rocky peaks, charming villages, and a warm Mediterranean climate.
In this blog, we share three cycling highlights that also make great hiking destinations. You can even ask us to include them in your personal itinerary when planning your Pyrenees cycling holiday.
Who were the Cathars?
The Cathars were a religious movement in the 12th and 13th centuries, mainly active in the Languedoc region. They preached a pure faith, which clashed with the Catholic Church’s authority. Declared heretics, they were persecuted and sought refuge in the mountains, where they built and re-used impressive castles and fortresses.
Their strongholds — like Montségur — became symbols of resistance. The Cathar story ended tragically in 1244, when hundreds of believers chose to die at the stake rather than renounce their faith.
Cycling in Cathar Country
Many of the Cathar fortresses remain, mainly in the Aude and Ariège departments. Cycling here is pure pleasure: quiet, well-paved roads, rolling terrain, and just enough climbing to make it interesting. Below are three must-see routes.
1. The Climb to Chateau de Peyrepertuse
Perched on a rocky peak lie the remains of this impressive castle. It is best known for being one of the “cinq fils” (five sons) of Carcassone. “Pèirapertusés” means “pierced stone” in Occitan. Legend has it that during the Cathar era, there was a secret entrance in the rock that provided access to the castle. So secret, in fact, that the entrance has still not been discovered.
From the village of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, it’s a climb of almost 4 kilometers with an average gradient of 9.4%. The last kilometer is particularly challenging, with a gradient of over 12%. It’s the perfect way to end a longer cycling route, where you can burn off all your energy. The photo above shows the road leading to the castle.
2. Col de Montségur
At 1059 meters, the pass is one of the highest in Cathar country. And it will be climbed again in the 2026 Tour de France. You can cycle it from two sides, starting gently and finishing relatively steeply.
From Bélesta: 14.4 km at 3.9% average
From Lavelanet: 8.8 km at 5.8%, with final ramps up to 14%
The reward is the view of Montségur Castle, where the last Cathars made their final stand.
3. Gorges de Galamus
Besides its fascinating history, this area also boasts stunning natural phenomena, including the Gorges de Galamus. An impressive gorge approximately 500 meters deep, carved by the Agly River, it lies on the border of the Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales departments.
A beautiful road carved into the steep rock face runs through the gorge, making it perfect for cycling. The road winds along the mountainside, passing under overhanging rocks and through tunnels. But be careful, as in some places the road is so narrow that two cars can barely pass each other. Several clearings have been created where you can safely stop for a photo.
Cycling from south to north, just before the gorge, you’ll encounter a short 4-kilometer climb averaging 3% with some steep sections. Inside the gorge itself, the road is relatively flat.
Plan Your Own Cycling Adventure
Would you like to discover Cathar Country and the Eastern Pyrenees by bike?
Our cycling E-guides and itinerary services make it easy. Combine the Cathar region with the high passes of Ariège — Col de Pailhères, Ax-3-Domaines, and Plateau de Beille — or start your Coast-to-Coast Pyrenees journey from the Mediterranean.
Let us design your custom cycling route through the Pyrenees — with history, challenge, and beauty all in one ride.