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Other Circuits

Reservations

Ariége-Pyrénées

Tour of the Pay des Montreurs d’Ours
(Bear leader country)

All Terrain Bike circuit from gîte to gîte

Duration: 6 days/5 nights
(or 5 days/4 nights without the night at La Comté)

Level: Technical/ Endurance

Services:

Full board at Rando ‘Plumes with picnic basket and luggage moved from gite to gite. IGN Top 25 map with your route marked, and topographical guide provided.

Synopsis:

The Bear Leaders is a unique legacy of the misery that this country suffered in past times. Stories of the “Mossu” abound between the valleys of Erse and Ustou (bears were often called “Monsieur” in the local dialect or patois.) Mountain biking will allow you to discover the mountains in all their splendour, unspoiled and wild. The beauty of the country will take your breath away (some of the climbs will contribute too) and fill you with the desire to make a sporting conquest.

day 1

Arrive at L’Escolan during the day. France will explain to you the itinerary for the next day and provide you with your annotated map and explanatory guide. Your evening meal and a good night’s sleep will prepare you for a week full of activity.

day 2

You will climb to the inescapable plateau d’Ajeou. Then the descent down a very long forest track is pure pleasure. You branch off at Seix to reach the gite at Aunac. Francois and Claudine will welcome you for a relaxed and informal stay. (height difference 910m, 4h non-stop = a stage of about 6 hours, anticipate 15 minutes of carrying your bike).

day 3

Set off for the little slopes at the foot of the mountains with their multitude of hamlets. You reach the Rando ‘Plume La Comte chez Michel et Veronique (fine cordon bleu cook). Height difference 750m, 3h30 non-stop = stage of about 5 hours anticipate 15 minutes of carrying your bike.

day 4

Set off for a shorter stage, but you can make it longer at your choice in the mountain bike domain of Cominac. You’ll be expected at the Rando ‘Plume la Bernadole where Raymond will invite you to bathe in his panoramic swimming pool. Height change 500m, 3h non-stop = stage of about 4 hours anticipate 15 minutes of carrying your bike.

day 5

After a good breakfast looking out over Mont Valier you are all set for your biggest day, destination Aulus-les-Bains. A beautiful stage by le col Dret, descending by the GR10. Helene and Christophe wait to welcome you at Le Presbytere. Height difference of 1120m, 5h non-stop= stage of about 7h30 anticipate 40 minutes of carrying your bike.

day 6

You climb again by the valley of Fouillet to end in a blaze of glory by the GR10 (very technical) till you get back to L’Escolan. Height change 960m 4h30 non-stop = stage of about 6 hours and anticipate 30 minutes of carrying your bike.

Price: 319 € per person, based on two people, for the whole stay.
- 50 € less if you miss out one stage
+ 40 € more if you take the additional day at Escolan at full board.

Includes: 5 nights full board at gites labelled Rando ‘Plume, with picnic basket for your midday meal, your luggage transported on the two away stages, your annotated
IGN map and the topographical guide of the FFRP. Inclusive of dossier costs. Insurance not included.

Reduction for groups of 8 people.

Top of page

day 1	Arrive at L’Escolan during the day. France will explain to you the itinerary for the next day and provide you with your annotated map and explanatory guide. Your evening meal and a good night’s sleep will prepare you for a week full of activity.
day 2	You will climb to the inescapable plateau d’Ajeou. Then the descent down a very long forest track is pure pleasure. You branch off at Seix to reach the gite at Aunac. Francois and Claudine will welcome you for a relaxed and informal stay. (height difference 910m, 4h non-stop = a stage of about 6 hours, anticipate 15 minutes of carrying your bike).
day 3	Set off for the little slopes at the foot of the mountains with their multitude of hamlets. You reach the Rando ‘Plume La Comte chez Michel et Veronique (fine cordon bleu cook). Height difference 750m, 3h30 non-stop = stage of about 5 hours anticipate 15 minutes of carrying your bike.
day 4	Set off for a shorter stage, but you can make it longer at your choice in the mountain bike domain of Cominac. You’ll be expected at the Rando ‘Plume la Bernadole where Raymond will invite you to bathe in his panoramic swimming pool. Height change 500m, 3h non-stop = stage of about 4 hours anticipate 15 minutes of carrying your bike.
day 5	After a good breakfast looking out over Mont Valier you are all set for your biggest day, destination Aulus-les-Bains. A beautiful stage by le col Dret, descending by the GR10. Helene and Christophe wait to welcome you at Le Presbytere. Height difference of 1120m, 5h non-stop= stage of about 7h30 anticipate 40 minutes of carrying your bike.
day 6	You climb again by the valley of Fouillet to end in a blaze of glory by the GR10 (very technical) till you get back to L’Escolan. Height change 960m 4h30 non-stop = stage of about 6 hours and anticipate 30 minutes of carrying your bike.