The best cycling routes around Planès
4.2
(62)
3,036
riders
120
rides
Touring cycling around Planès offers routes through the mountainous terrain of the French Pyrenees, characterized by significant elevation changes and diverse landscapes. The region features rugged peaks, deep valleys, and alpine meadows, providing a challenging backdrop for cyclists. Natural features include numerous lakes, such as Lac des Bouillouses, and impressive gorges carved by rivers. Planès is situated within the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees, ensuring preserved natural beauty.
Best touring cycling routes around Planès
- The most popular touring…
Last updated: May 20, 2026
5.0
(6)
584
riders
59.4km
04:29
1,460m
1,460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
36
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
25
riders
22.5km
01:30
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
riders
32.0km
02:14
630m
630m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.0
(1)
11
riders
47.1km
05:00
1,600m
1,600m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Other adventures around Planès
Tips from the Community
Beautiful, quiet road. It's really nice to be away from traffic, especially if you're leaving the main road that leads to Lake Matemale.
0
0
A leisurely drive through the foothills of the Pyrenees, with the many spa towns of this region on the plateau in the background.
0
0
There are several historical posters in the station building. The Yellow Train was built to serve the spa towns in the Pyrenees.
0
0
It is a simply spectacular port that unites the regions of Conflent and Capcir. It is one of the most beautiful ports in the easternmost Pyrenees. It is very close to the Col de la Llosa, and you can take a circular route that is known as the "Route des Cols". It is also indicated on nearby road signs. The hardest slope is the one that begins in Olette (Conflent) and goes up through Aiguatèbia. There are almost 22 km of ascent and 1,089 meters of elevation gain. It has 3 very different zones: (1) the first is a constant 5 km at 7%; (2) the second is 10 km at 4% and with some very pleasant rest areas, with beautiful views; (3) The final part is 6 km on average at 7%, since it passes the town of Railleu, although the hard part is the last 3 km, with several ramps that exceed 10%. The road is narrow and has uneven asphalt, with hardly any cars and motorcycles. For me, the final part of this port is truly spectacular and should not be missed. The west slope begins in the town of Matamala (Capcir) and is 3 km with an average of close to 8%. It is a long irregular stretch along a narrow and very quiet road, with panoramic views of the valley when the thick black pine forest gives some opportunity.
0
0
A little disappointing: the pass is in the middle of the forest and offers no view. The climb from (and to!) Railleu is nevertheless superb. A nice picnic area to have a bite to eat.
1
0
Culminating at 1,579 meters above sea level, the Col de la Perche can be climbed by four routes in total. Each of them includes relatively gentle slopes. At the top, the view of the surrounding area is splendid and rewards your efforts!
0
0
It's probably not the most spectacular pass in the Pyrenees, but it has its charms. Its position, in the middle of the Catalan Pyrenees natural park, makes it a privileged passage for admiring 360° of the mountains, valleys and plains of this protected area. If you pass by, take the time to look around for yourself and enjoy the view.
0
0
It is a mountain pass that connects Conflent with Cerdanya. It can be reached in a multitude of variants. For me there are 4 clear aspects: - Eastern slope - from Olette along the main road N116 - West slope - from Sallagosa on the main road N116 - West slope - from Sallagosa along the secondary road that crosses the Col de Llo and the town of Eyne - West slope - from Llivia crossing Estavar and the Col d'Egat. With some nuances, in general the 4 slopes are soft and long. The views from the port on both sides are beautiful, especially towards the Eyne ski resort. It must be taken into account that the two slopes that run along the N116 highway have a lot of traffic, with motorcycles and trucks.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Planès?
There are over 100 touring cycling routes around Planès, offering a wide variety of experiences. The komoot community has mapped 119 routes in total, catering to different skill levels and preferences.
What are the difficulty levels of touring cycling routes in Planès?
The touring cycling routes in Planès range in difficulty. You'll find 19 easy routes, 37 moderate routes, and 63 difficult routes. This variety ensures options for beginners looking for a relaxed ride as well as experienced cyclists seeking a challenge in the mountainous Pyrenean terrain.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Planès offers 19 easy touring cycling routes, which are generally suitable for beginners or families. These routes often feature less elevation gain and cover shorter distances, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the scenic surroundings.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes in the Planès area?
Absolutely. Many touring cycling routes around Planès are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Bike loop from Planès is a moderate 10.8 km route, perfect for exploring the immediate vicinity.
What kind of landscapes and natural features can I expect to see while cycling around Planès?
While touring cycling around Planès, you'll experience the dramatic and diverse landscapes of the French Pyrenees. Expect rugged mountain peaks, deep valleys, alpine meadows, and lush forests. The region is also dotted with clear lakes, such as the exceptional Lac des Bouillouses, and impressive gorges carved by rivers, all within the protected Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees.
Are there any specific points of interest or attractions along the touring cycling routes?
Yes, the region around Planès offers several points of interest. You can explore natural wonders like the Carança Corniche and The Footbridges of the Carançà Gorge. For those interested in mountain vistas, the Puigmal d'Er Summit is a notable peak in the vicinity. The fortified town of Mont-Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also nearby and can be incorporated into your cycling adventures.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Planès?
The best time for touring cycling in Planès is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn. This period offers more stable weather conditions, accessible mountain passes, and the full beauty of the Pyrenean landscapes. Winter cycling is possible but often requires specialized equipment and experience due to snow and colder temperatures.
Is it possible to access touring cycling routes using public transport in Planès?
While specific public transport options directly to trailheads in Planès might be limited due to its mountainous location, the broader Pyrenees region offers some public transport links. The scenic 'Little Yellow Train' provides a unique way to explore the eastern Pyrenees, potentially offering access points to different cycling sections. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for connections to larger towns like Mont-Louis, which may serve as better starting points.
Where can I park my car when starting a touring cycling route in Planès?
Parking availability in Planès itself might be limited due to its small size. However, larger nearby towns such as Mont-Louis - La Cabanasse, which serve as common starting points for many routes, typically offer designated parking areas. It's recommended to check specific route descriptions on komoot for details on parking at the trailhead.
What do other cyclists say about touring cycling in Planès?
The touring cycling routes around Planès are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 80 reviews. More than 3,700 touring cyclists have explored the area, often praising the challenging ascents, panoramic mountain views, and the serene beauty of the Pyrenean landscapes.
Are there any long-distance touring cycling routes near Planès?
Planès is situated within the Pyrenees, a region known for its challenging and scenic long-distance cycling opportunities, including iconic mountain passes. While specific multi-day routes starting directly from Planès are not detailed, the area serves as an excellent base to connect to longer tours. Routes like the difficult Col de la Llose – Refuge du col de la Llose loop from Mont-Louis - La Cabanasse, at over 37 km with significant elevation, offer a taste of the longer distances and climbs available.
Can I combine cycling with other outdoor activities in the Planès region?
Absolutely. The Pyrenees region around Planès is a hub for various outdoor activities. Beyond touring cycling, you can enjoy hiking, canyoning, rafting, snowshoeing in winter, and paragliding. The diverse natural environment, including the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees, provides ample opportunities for a multi-sport adventure.
Most popular routes around Planès
Most popular attractions around Planès
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
