{"id":7975,"date":"2022-07-21T07:39:54","date_gmt":"2022-07-21T05:39:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=7975"},"modified":"2026-09-29T19:45:37","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T19:45:37","slug":"cycling-in-southern-france-trip-down-memory-lane-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/fietsen-in-zuid-frankrijk-trip-down-memory-lane","title":{"rendered":"Cycling in Southern France: a trip down memory lane"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a>. This year, there is the \u2018cycling in the Pyrenees\u2019 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\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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20\/07\/2022 \u2013 Tour de France 2022 \u2013 Stage 17 \u2013 Saint-Gaudens \/ Peyragudes (129.7km) \u2013<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Carcassonne, a city with a story<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Team<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Richard<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Prudhomme,<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many people got to know the \u2018Froome spinning class\u2019 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Carcassonne,
(c) A.S.O.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Route to drive yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t 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<\/a> If it\u2019s a bit windy, it\u2019s a wonderful introduction to the area. You cycle part of the Pic de Nore, then turn left before heading to the Col de Roquef\u00e8re (and the castle with the same name). After 40 kilometers and 700 meters of elevation gain, you can glide down the town in style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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