4.6
(82)
4,339
riders
19
rides
Traffic-free touring bike trails around Benque-Dessous-Et-Dessus are situated in the Haute-Garonne Pyrenees, a region characterized by its diverse landscapes. The area features lush green valleys, majestic mountains, and expansive forest trails, providing varied terrain for cycling. Notable natural features include the Oueil valley and the Larboust soulane, known for harmonious meadows and pastures.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
5.0
(1)
38
riders
19.3km
01:38
650m
650m
Cycle the challenging 12.0-mile (19.3 km) route from Bagnères-de-Luchon to Artigue, featuring steep climbs and panoramic Pyrenean views.
4.3
(9)
76
riders
36.1km
02:55
1,040m
1,040m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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25
riders
39.8km
03:43
1,220m
1,220m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
21
riders
58.6km
04:14
1,240m
1,240m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
346
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Benque-Dessous-Et-Dessus
Also, stop at the Là Soulan hostel for a well-deserved break. Very warm welcome. 👍
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To get here from Bagneres, you have to do a fairly demanding mountain pass by road. Once up the reward is worth it. Very nice area with lots of vegetation.
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A very pretty, very pleasant town, with all kinds of shops and restaurants, ideal for organizing a stage of several days to discover this part of the French Pyrenees.
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Saint Béat is a very typical French village. The village maintains its architectural style throughout, and it is deeply rooted in the landscape. You can find bars and a few other shops.
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One of the mythical Pyrenean ports of the Tour de France, known largely for the tragic fall of Luis Ocaña in the 1971 Tour when he was leading the general classification. Its 2 aspects have a lot of crumbs: - west slope that starts from Saint Béat: it is the hardest. It is 9.7 km with an average slope of 8.7%. It is a very constant climb, with a small break when passing through Boux. The first part is a little harder and uglier since you barely have any views and you go up through the middle of a valley. The final part is spectacular with its many horseshoe curves, good panoramic views and the monument to the place where Luis Ocaña fell. - east slope: it is longer, with an initial section of 7 km very winding with a slope of 4%. It also has a break in its intermediate zone. Once the hard part starts, it is also very constant, like the west slope, although the average slope is 7-8%. This aspect has even more twists than the previous one. For more information, consult the profile published by cylcingcols.com -- > http://www.cyclingcols.com/col/Mente
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And it was already a stage destination on the tour
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Built in the 12th century by local lords, the fort was enlarged by King Henry IV. It notably features a large keep, as well as a chapel built in the mid-19th century following a plague epidemic. Robert Pujol, who was responsible for its restoration, explains: "Tourists often have the idea of a very vast castle. However, in the Middle Ages, they were very small because they were clinging to eagles' nests." Throughout its history, the castle did not have to fend off invasions, even though it was the scene of regular battles. Its status as a royal town conferred many privileges on Saint-Béat. Two markets were held every month at the foot of the castle, and no taxes were levied there, which suggests that Saint-Béat could be considered the Andorra of this medieval era... It is technically possible to climb to the castle by bicycle via a steep path closed to vehicles by a chain. The road is certainly a little bumpy, but it is doable, and the breathtaking view of the city and the gap formed by the Garonne in the mountain is a just reward.
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There are over 15 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Benque-Dessous-Et-Dessus, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has contributed 18 such routes, with 6 rated as easy, 3 as moderate, and 9 as difficult.
Yes, there are several easy, traffic-free touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. One such option is the Caravan Pradelongue, Moustajon – Moustajon loop from Luchon, which offers gentle gradients and a pleasant experience.
The best time for touring cycling in the Haute-Garonne Pyrenees is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild, and the mountain passes are clear of snow. The Oueil valley and Larboust soulane are particularly vibrant with local flora changing with the seasons, offering beautiful scenery.
Absolutely. The region is rich in natural beauty. You can find routes that lead to stunning spots like Lac d'Oô, an artificial expanse on an ancient glacial lake famed for its impressive 275-meter waterfall. Other notable waterfalls include Cascade d'Enfer and Sidonie Waterfall.
While many famous passes like Port de Balès and Col de Peyresourde are challenging and often feature in the Tour de France, some sections or alternative routes in their vicinity might offer less traffic. For a challenging touring experience, consider the Pyrenees Crossing - Section 5 (GR 10), which offers significant elevation gains.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example of a challenging circular route is the Hospice of France – Church in Bagnères-de-Luchon loop from Luchon.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.77 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning Pyrenean scenery, the challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes from lush valleys to majestic mountains, often on quiet roads.
Benque-Dessous-Et-Dessus is situated within the broader region where the V81 Pyrenean Piedmont Plain Véloroute offers a gentle way to explore the Pyrenean Foothills. While not directly passing through the village, it's a significant regional cycling artery that can be accessed for longer, traffic-free touring adventures connecting the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.
Definitely. The Haute-Garonne Pyrenees are renowned for their challenging terrain. Routes like the Church in Bagnères-de-Luchon – Artigue loop from Luchon offer significant elevation gains and distances, providing a demanding experience for advanced touring cyclists.
Parking availability varies by starting point. For routes originating from larger towns like Luchon, there are usually designated parking areas. It's advisable to check local parking information for your chosen starting point, especially if you plan to access routes near specific attractions or trailheads.
Beyond natural wonders, the region also offers historical points of interest. For example, the Mail de Soupène, a megalithic alignment, not only holds historical interest but also offers superb views of the Larboust valley. You can also find the Port de Pierrefite Cromlech, a man-made monument, along some routes.


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