Cyclotour de l'Ariège in 5 days

STAGE 1 - FROM FOIX TO CASTILLON EN COUSERANS

From Foix to Tarascon-sur-AriègeFrom the Foix Tourist Office, head for Ferrières-sur-Ariège on the D8A. Continue on the D8B through Arignac to Tarascon-sur-Ariège.From Tarascon-sur-Ariège to MassatArrived at the Tarascon-sur-Ariège traffic circle, take the first exit towards Foix, onto Route de Saurat, then at the next traffic circle (beware of heavy traffic) continue straight on towards Surba. Continue on the D618 until you reach the Col de Port. Pass the Col de Caougnous and head for Massat, still on the D618.from Massat to Saint GironsAfter passing through Massat, continue on the D618, passing through Biert, Lacourt and Eycheil before reaching Saint-Girons. At the roundabout, take the third exit towards Castillon en Couserans. Pass several sets of traffic lights, and at the next large traffic circle take the third exit, D618 towards Moulis/Castillon.From Saint Girons to Castillon en CouseransAt the Castillon en Couserans exit, stay on the D618 towards Moulis. In the village of Moulis, continue straight ahead on the Route de la Gare (D618). Pass through Luzenac, Engomer and then Castillon-en-Couserans.

STAGE 2 - FROM CASTILLON-EN-COUSERANS TO AUZAT

From Castillon-en-Couserans to Col de la CoreA Castillon-en-Couserans, continue on the D4 to Les Bordes-sur-Lez. Turn left onto the D17 towards Arrien-en-Bethmale. From Col de la Core to Aulus les BainsFrom Col de la Core continue to Seix on the D17. In Seix, take the bridge over the Salat, then turn right towards Couflens de Betmajou on the D3. Then turn left onto the D8F towards Aulus-les-Bains. From Aulus-les-Bains to AuzatContinue on the D8F past Aulus-les-Bains up the Col d'Agnes to the Etang de Lers. At the pond, turn right towards Auzat on the D18. Pass the port of Lers and go down to Vicdessos. In Vicdessos, turn right on the D8 towards Auzat.

STAGE 3 - AUZAT TO PRADES

From Auzat to Montségur:From Auzat, take the D8 towards Vicdessos. Pass Capoulet Junac, Niaux, arrive at the Sabart traffic circle, take the second exit towards Ussat to reach Tarascon sur Ariege town center. Drive past the veterinary clinic on Avenue Péchiney. Turn left at the small roundabout (D123), then right and right again over the bridge over the Ariège, continuing on Avenue Victor Pilhès, D618 past Mercus and Garrabet, straight on at the Saint Antoine traffic circle to Montgaillard (D117). In Montgaillard, just after the small square, take a small street on the right opposite the mayor's office, take rue du pic then place écoles to join the D9A. Continue to Soula, Leychert, Roquefixade. Go through Roquefixade, still on the D9A, to join the D117. Pass Pichobaco then turn right onto D509 towards Montségur. At Villeneuve d'Olmes, turn right onto the D9. Pass Montferrier, to climb up to Montségur. From Montségur to BélestaFrom the Col de Montségur, join the D9 towards Villeneuve d'Olmes. In the village, turn right onto Rue du 19 mars, towards the Mairie. Turn left onto the D509. Arrive on the D117, turn right, shortly after turn right towards Benaix still on the D509, continue straight on towards Benaix on the D210 through the village to the D117. At the junction, turn right towards Quillan/Bélesta. From Bélesta to Prades:In Bélesta, turn right on the D9 towards Fougax and Barinneuf, cross the bridge over the L'hers, climb a little to reach the D16 on the left towards Belcaire. Climb through the forest, past the "croix des morts". Enter the Aude department on the D29. Pass the Bénagues. Continue until you reach the D613, turn right towards Ax les Thermes/Belcaire. Pass Belcaire, Camurac to reach Prades.

STAGE 4 - FROM PRADES TO AX LES THERMES

From Prades to Rouze:From Prades, take the D613 towards Camurac, after Camurac, at the Col des Sept Frères (1253m) turn right onto the D20 Niort de Sault.Stay on the D20 and descend into the gorges on a narrow, winding road to Niort de Sault. Continue downhill on the D20 to the junction. Turn right towards Aunat/Rodome on the D20 and follow it up to Rodome, then Aunat. In Aunat, turn right towards Fontanès de Sault/Font Romeu D29. Go up and down the winding road, and at the fork in the road, turn right in the direction of Quérigut/Mijanes D118. Stay on the D118, passing the old Usson baths. Turn right on the D16 towards Rouze. From Rouze to Col de Pailhères then Ax- Les -ThermesAt the Rouze exit, turn right on the D116 towards Mijanès. As you leave Mijanès, turn right onto the D25 col de Pailhères/Mijanès. Climb the pass, then descend. Pass Ascou resort and village. After Ascou village, turn left onto D613 towards Ax les Thermes.

STAGE 5 - FROM AX LES THERMES TO FOIX VIA PLATEAU DE BEILLE

From Ax les Thermes to Plateau de Beille:From the Tourist Office in Ax-les-Thermes, take the D44 towards Vaychis, then take the D20 towards Caussou, one of the first villages on the Corniche road to Senconac. You'll branch off to the left before heading downhill on the D120 to Verdun and Les Cabannes. Once you've reached Les Cabannes, take the D522 towards Plateau de Beille.From Plateau de Beille to FoixOnce you've climbed the hill, come back down to the D120 at Verdun and follow the winding road up to the D20. At the intersection, turn left towards Cazenave Serre and Allens. Go through the village, then follow signs for Arnave, Bompas. At the crossroads, turn right onto the D618 towards Foix/Mercus Garrabet. Pass Mercus, Garrabet, then Saint Antoine. At the charmille roundabout, take the second exit towards Montgaillard D117. Go through the village, then into the shopping area, past three traffic circles, head for Foix and stay on the D117. Arriving in Foix, take the large roundabout, then the second exit towards the town center, staying on the D117.

Emergency number: 112

Please note that part of the circuit is closed in winter. Consult inforoute09.fr before departure.

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