5 bike rides in and around Toulouse

Going for bike rides in Haute-Garonne is a good way to discover the department. And for good reason, the Departmental Council has really invested in developing more than 200 km of course! Secure roads, a veritable network of tourist-oriented routes linked to the city, to the delight of cyclists. As for the town hall, it also promotes this mode of transport. You will be able to travel 580 km of cycle paths in Toulouse . So we get on our bike and set off to explore the Pays Toulousain ...

The 5 coolest family routes

Let's start our bike ride in Toulouse . And to get off to a good start, you have to choose the right equipment. The VélOtrement agency advises you to find THE bike that suits you best , according to your needs and your desires. If you wish, they guide you through the city on electric vehicles or for sporty hikes in the heart of nature . Once properly equipped, you can also set off in complete autonomy on this 15 km cycling route, which takes you through by the essential monuments to discover the heritage of the pink city. However, to be avoided with toddlers because it goes through alleys, which are not reserved for bicycles.

Then, we suggest you follow the Voie Verte which runs along the Garonne, from the city center to Portet . It is part of the Véloroute route which crosses Toulouse. Along the way, bordered by plane trees, the bucolic walk is very easy and accessible to the whole family .

Photo: Along the canal

Moreover, we continue on the Véloroute de la Garonne for our second selection, jumping from the Canal de la Garonne to the Canal du Midi. This route follows the Canal du Midi to Montgiscard . We are therefore on this famous " Canal des Deux Mers " which covers both portions. Along the way, you will see many barges, locks and small traditional bridges . A good initiative: the agency Le Petit Cyclo rents you bikes that you can drop off at a relay point and it organizes trips with routes in several stages .

Photo: Canal du Midi Source: Le Petit Cyclo

We move away a little from the city, to cross the Hers valley, on the Green Way . The setting is very natural, between the Argoulets and the Grande Plaine . However, the track is secure and dotted with playgrounds, sports and picnic areas . This makes it an ideal course for families, especially with small children .

The green corridor of Touch is a small 9 km lane but it is linked to the rest of the network of cycle paths in the area. At the edge of the Touch, it's a nice walk without difficulty . Offering many sports facilities , play areas and stopping places, it has something for all ages.

The corner of good addresses

If you are looking for cycling routes in Toulouse , here are some sites that we found very useful to help you:

• Our best tip is the city's self-service rental service: the VélôToulouse . There are 283 collection and drop-off stations in Toulouse. These are urban type bikes, accessible in self-service, 24 hours a day for a fee. You can subscribe if you come to the Pink City often or are a resident, or rent one for the day. It is a system that is developing more and more in large cities, to limit car traffic! Note that the first 30 minutes are free . For short trips it's perfect and you can move from one corner of the city to another for free all day long :) The bikes are mixed, easy to ride and they are equipped with all the essential accessories and safety equipment. Wide handlebars, powerful braking, reflective stripes and lights, you even have a basket and lock, 3 speeds and quick saddle adjustment. The only thing that is not provided is the helmet and we absolutely recommend that you put one on !!
  

• And also, an interactive map, which allows you to visualize all the routes in the city, but also in the surroundings . Consult her to organize your tourist or family itineraries, it is a precious ally.
  

• A must: the map of Toulouse cycle paths . To cycle in complete safety with the family, far from cars or in calm and secure environments.
  

• You haven't had enough, here are 4 other cool tours in the city !
  
• To get out of the urban space, see this link: The most beautiful cycling routes in Occitanie . Because there is so much to discover outside the cities, you can go on a multi-day cyclopériple without problems in the region!
  

In Toulouse , discover La Maison du Vélo . It's a perfect place to become a cyclist and tame these two wheels, moving with the strength of your thighs! Cycling, yes it's easy, but in an urban environment, there are rules to know and follow. La Maison du Vélo is a place that promotes bicycle trips for work (the famous vélotaf), for leisure and holidays. In this friendly place, you can take lessons, rent a bike, learn to repair it to be autonomous and not panic if you derail or burst a wheel. Itinerary advice is also offered. Click to visit the website of La Maison du Vélo.

You are now ready to cycle through Toulouse and the surrounding area. We just have to wish you a good time of sport and discovery with your family. You want to know more ? To learn more about the regions of Haute Garonne, Ariège and the Pyrenees, see our page .

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Toulouse Pyrénées Guide.

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