152 | Cycling World
But really we came for the cycling and we weren’t disappointed. It
was perfect! Carefully worked out routes along quiet roads winding
through stunning scenery. Our route-planners knew the area extremely
well. The highlight of the week for us was the fourth day pedalling
through the Gorges d’Aveyron. The weather was perfect and the route
sublime. In my head, I’m still there now.”
Looking through the visitor book, the reviews certainly credit Tours
Du Tarn with not just great accommodation but ‘a cycling break which
exceeded all expectations’.
With more road cycling, leisure cycling and mountain biking operators
setting up in the area, as well as training camps, cycle tour guides, bike
hire and sports masseurs it feels like the region is on the cusp of a
cycling boom.
Marcus explained, “The French cycling clubs around us from the big
towns of Toulouse, Montauban and Albi are out cycling the local roads
every week – they know how good it is, it’s just not on the tourism
radar yet. ”
There is certainly no shortage of things for tourists to see with hilltop
villages Cordes-sur-Ciel and Puycelsi close by, the vineyards of Gaillac
in easy reach and medieval towns, Saint Antonin Noble Val and Najac
waiting to be explored. Throw in a handful of ancient castles, Penne
and Bruniquel, the vast Grésigne forest, numerous lakes and rivers and
you realise this place is undoubtedly special. Getting there is easy too
– the region is served by Toulouse airport an hour away, or Rodez,
Limoges or Brive-la-Gaillarde airports within easy reach.
To book your cycling break visit www.tarncyclingholidays.com
Holidays are €900 per person and include guided cycling, bikes,
quality accommodation, food, wine and airport pick-ups.
Cycling holidays 2018
5 – 12 May 2018,
19 – 26 May 2018,
26 May – 2 June 2018,
2 – 9 June 2018
18 – 15 September 2018.