The 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 then cross Arignac to reach Tarascon-sur-Ariège.From Tarascon-sur-Ariège to MassatArrived at the Tarascon-sur-Ariège roundabout, take the first exit towards Foix, on the Route de Saurat, then at the next roundabout (beware of heavy traffic) continue straight on towards Surba. Then simply continue on the D618 until you reach the Col de Port. Go over the Col de Caougnous and head for Massat on the D618.From Massat to Saint GironsAfter passing through Massat, continue on the D618, passing through Biert then Lacourt and Eycheil before reaching Saint-Girons. At the roundabout, take the third exit towards Castillon en Couserans. At the next large roundabout, take the third exit onto the D618 towards Moulis/Castillon. From Saint Girons to Castillon en CouseransAt the exit for Castillon en Couserans, 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 the 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. You will pass close to the Lac de Bethmale before reaching the Col de la Core.From the Col de la Core to Aulus les BainsFrom the Col de la Core continue to Seix on the D17. When you reach Seix, take the bridge over the Salat and 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 and up the Col d'Agnes to the Etang de Lers. At the pond, turn right towards Auzat on the D18. Go past the port of Lers and down to Vicdessos. In Vicdessos turn right onto the D8 towards Auzat.

STAGE 3 - FROM AUZAT TO PRADES

From Auzat to Montségur :From Auzat take the D8 towards Vicdessos. Pass Capoulet Junac, Niaux, arrive at the Sabart roundabout and take the second exit towards Ussat to reach Tarascon sur Ariege town centre. 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. Continue on Avenue Victor Pilhès, D618 past Mercus and Garrabet, at the Saint Antoine roundabout go straight on 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 and then Place des écoles to join the D9A. Continue as far as Soula, Leychert and Roquefixade. Go through Roquefixade, still on the D9A, and join the D117. Go past Pichobaco then turn right onto the D509 towards Montségur. In Villeneuve d'Olmes, turn right onto the D9. Go past Montferrier to go up to Montségur. From Montségur to BélestaFrom the Col de Montségur, take 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 direction Benaix still D509, continue straight direction Benaix on the D210 pass the village continue to the D117. At the junction turn right towards Quillan/Bélesta. From Bélesta to Prades:In Bélesta, turn right onto the D9 towards Fougax and Barinneuf, go over the bridge over the L'hers, climb a little and turn left onto the D16 towards Belcaire. Go up through the forest, past the Cross of the Dead. Arrive in the Aude department on the D29. Pass the Bénagues. Continue until you reach the D613, turn right towards Ax les Thermes/Belcaire. Pass Belcaire and 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 as far as Niort de Sault. Continue downhill on the D20 as far as the junction. Turn right towards Aunat/Rodome on the D20 and follow the D20 as far as Rodome, then Aunat. In Aunat, turn right towards Fontanès de Sault/Font Romeu D29. At the junction, turn right towards Quérigut/Mijanes D118. Stay on the D118, passing the old Usson baths. Turn right onto the D16 towards Rouze. From Rouze to Col de Pailhères then Ax-Les-ThermesAt the end of Rouze, turn right onto the D116 towards Mijanès. On leaving Mijanès, turn right onto the D25 Col de Pailhères/Mijanès. Climb the pass and then descend again. Pass the Ascou resort and then the village. After the village of Ascou, turn left onto the D613 towards Ax les Thermes.

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

From Ax les Thermes to the Plateau de Beille: From the Ax-les-Thermes Tourist Office, take the D44 towards Vaychis, then take the D20 towards Caussou, one of the first villages on the Corniche route as far as Senconac. Turn left before descending on the D120 to Verdun and Les Cabannes. Once you reach Les Cabannes, head for the Plateau de Beille on the D522.From the Plateau de Beille to FoixOnce you have climbed the hill, come back down to the D120 at Verdun and follow the winding road back up to the D20. At the junction, turn left towards Cazenave Serre and Allens. Pass through the village and head towards Arnave and Bompas. At the crossroads, turn right onto the D618 towards Foix/Mercus Garrabet. Pass Mercus, Garrabet, then arrive at Saint Antoine, at the charmille roundabout take the second exit towards Montgaillard D117. Go through the village, then arrive in the shopping area, pass three roundabouts, take the direction of Foix and stay on the D117. When you reach Foix, take the large roundabout and take the second exit towards the town centre, staying on the D117.