The 2022 Tour de France has reached its final week at the time of writing. Traditionally, this week is reserved for either the Alps or the Pyrenees. Pyrenees. This year, there is the ‘cycling in the Pyrenees’ program. To get there, there are a number of intermediate stages that the peloton had to take from A(lpen) to B(enededen, the Pyrenees). This year, a nice combination of start and finish locations has been created, where Carcassonne and Lourdes are considered classics. The finish of stage 20 to Rocamadour is also one for the books. Cycling in southern France can be so beautiful. Let’s take a look at some beautiful highlights and at the same time some great route tips, made by our friends from the A.S.O. Enjoy!
Carcassonne, a city with a story
Even before I set foot in the beautiful town of Carcassonne, I had heard about it. The board game from 999 games was my first reference. For many, it’s the other way around. The popularity of France as a holiday destination means that Carcassonne is a very popular city, especially among Dutch people. In 2016, I was there myself, in the square at the start of the stage between Carcassonne and Montpellier. I met my childhood hero Richard Virenque there and took a photo with tour manager Prudhomme.
Many people got to know the ‘Froome spinning class’ here. There was strong wind, so we rode well in the warm. It turned out to be a memorable stage. Later it turned out that Chris Froome and Peter Sagan had a small group ahead. The wind in their backs and the undulating landscape helped a lot. At the finish line next to the rugby stadium in Montpellier, I saw Peter Sagan easily winning the sprint. Froome laid the foundation for another Tour victory. This time it is already clear: it is a sprint race (has been). Rodez to Carcassonne was a feast for Jasper Philipsen.
Route to drive yourself
To fully immerse yourself in the history of Carcassonne, they have created a route that starts from Carcassonne. Please note: the walled old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, is the most visited tourist attraction in France after Paris and Mont Saint Michel. Don’t go there in summer. The route takes you 65 kilometers into the area north of the city. It is not a meter flat there, and with the climb halfway, where the Wahoo If it’s a bit windy, it’s a wonderful introduction to the area. You cycle part of the Pic de Nore, then turn left before heading to the Col de Roquefère (and the castle with the same name). After 40 kilometers and 700 meters of elevation gain, you can glide down the town in style.
Peyragudes
Only 130 kilometers separated the riders from the start in St. Gaudens to the finish in Peyragudes. The choice to finish in this isolated ski village was quite clear very quickly. The final climb and especially the final kilometer are killer. It’s only an eight-kilometer climb, with an average of almost eight percent. Still big deal right? But it is, because it starts flat and ends very steep with dark-black sections on the climb charts. This is also why they chose an airport for the ‘landing’. The airport is called Aeroport 007. Chance or not? With the bizarre gradient you would expect Daniel Craig or Idriss Elba to do their stunts here. In real life, it’s Tadej Pogacar, the all-rounder. 007 wouldn’t be a bad nickname for him.
Route for foodies
The route laid out by the ASO largely follows the stage course of Stage 17. In any case, one difference: as a mortal being, the airport is a disaster. You drive through the village of Peyragudes and on the way back to Loudenvielle you take a little detour over the descent of the Peyresourde. To get to Peyragudes, you still have to climb 2500 meters in just under 80 kilometers. So, that’s another story. Through the well-known Col d’Aspin and the less well-known Hourquette d’Alzican and the Col d’Azet, the climb to the breathtaking finale begins. That’s a bit different from a round through the The dunes of The Hague.
Lourdes, for the victories
Few places in the world evoke a stronger association than Lourdes. This pilgrimage site, to which millions of pilgrims flock annually, has a special history. According to stories, the Holy Virgin Mary appeared no less than 18 (!) times to a girl from the area in the 19th century. With the final assignment to drill for water in a nearby cave and drink it, the mythical status of Lourdes began. Many miraculous healings have taken place here, all after drinking the sacred water in the Lourdes cave. Our dear Lady Mary and the Rosary are forever linked to this town. The question arises: will Fabio Jakobsen also pray and take baths? For it is clear that he will need them for the next grueling ride. Through the legendary Aubisque and the Spandelles, the finish is on Hautacam.
Route for the ordinary tourist
Where the pros have to toil a total of 143 kilometers, the tour organizer A.S.O. has laid out a less strenuous test for the average person. Only 114 kilometers, but nicely over the Spandelles, Hautacam, and of course along the route to Lourdes. If you want to complete the entire climb, you can also include the ascent of the Aubisque (in combination with the Soulor), but then you’ll have to take a day off. It’s already tough enough with a total of 2600 meters of elevation gain. Then you haven’t even seen the cave of Lourdes.
Rocamadour, city against the rock
I have never visited many of the places in the Tour. My footprint in France is quite small. Yet Rocamadour is on my list of places I have visited. We happened to be in the vicinity and ‘we had to go there’. I must say, take a quick look with your eyes before entering the town through the rock. It is a bizarre sight. The houses seem to be glued to the rock. Then to think that this town is already a few centuries old. How the hell did this happen? The route you can ride leads from the start of the individual time trial to the finish in Rocamadour. It is over 40 kilometers, with a somewhat undulating course. The surroundings are quite green and pleasant to stay in. Will Filippo Ganna also take notice of this beautiful city on his way to victory? I don’t think so.
Collections and more
All the routes of the Tour de France 2022 (for cycling tourists) are on our Komoot account. You can go on them at your own pace, customize them to suit your preferences, or use them as inspiration for a trip during the holidays. It should be noted that the A.S.O. has really put in a lot of effort to connect the routes of the professional race to the Tour de France. A nice initiative. The complaints you often hear about Tour de Tapes: there’s too much about N-roads, it’s boring, except in the mountains. With these routes, that complaint takes a bit of a back seat. Enjoy it, on more beautiful kilometers!
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.