{"id":7975,"date":"2022-07-21T07:39:54","date_gmt":"2022-07-21T05:39:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=7975"},"modified":"2025-02-25T12:35:39","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T11:35:39","slug":"cycling-in-southern-france-trip-down-memory-lane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/fietsen-in-zuid-frankrijk-trip-down-memory-lane","title":{"rendered":"Cycling in southern France: trip down memory lane"},"content":{"rendered":"

At the time of writing, the 2022 Tour de France has entered its final week. Traditionally, this week is reserved for either the Alps or the Pyrenees<\/a>. This year's programme includes 'cycling in the Pyrenees'. To get there, there are a number of transitional stages that had to take the peloton from A(lpen) to B(enededen, the Pyrenees). This year, there was a nice combination of start and finish places, where Carcassonne and Lourdes, among others, can be counted among the classics. The finish of stage 20 to Rocamadour is also one for 'in the books'. Cycling in the south of France can be so beautiful. Let's take a look at some great highlights and right away some cool route tips, created by our friends from the A.S.O. Enjoy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

Even before I ever set foot in the beautiful town of Carcassonne, I had heard of it. 999 games' board game was my first reference. For many, the reverse is true. France's popularity as a holiday destination means that Carcassonne is a much-visited town, especially by the Dutch too. In 2016, I stood there myself, on the square at the start of the stage between Carcassonne and Montpellier. I met my childhood hero Richard Virenque there and snapped a snapshot with tour boss 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 were introduced to 'Froome's spinning class' here. There was a strong wind, so there was good warm-up cycling. It turned out to be a memorable stage, as it turned out later. Chris Froome and Peter Sagan created a gap with a small group. The tailwind and undulating landscape helped. At the finish next to the Montepellier rugby stadium, I saw Peter Sagan win the sprint easily. Froome laid the foundations for yet another Tour victory there. This time is already clear: it is (has been) a sprinters' stage. Rodez to Carcassonne was a prey 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

Self-driving route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To fully take in the history of Carcassonne, they have laid out a route starting from Carcassonne. Note that the walled old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, is the most visited tourist point in France after Paris and Mont Saint Michel. Don't go there in summer. The route takes you in 65 kilometres to the area north of the city. It is not a metre flat there and with the climb halfway up, where the Wahoo<\/a> will turn considerably red, it is a wonderful introduction to the area. You cycle part of the Pic de Nore to turn left there, before heading to the Col de Roquef\u00e8re (and the castle of the same name). After 40 kilometres and then already 700 altitude metres, you roll delightfully down into town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n