Cycling routes
Whether you’re in sports mode or taking it slow, come and discover Toulouse in a different way. By bike, the city reveals itself in all its glory, blending heritage and nature. Whether you’re an everyday cyclist, a fan of leisurely rides or a long-distance enthusiast, there’s always a route to suit you.
Major cycling routes
Situated at the crossroads of Europe’s major cycling routes, Toulouse is an unmissable stop for cycle tourists. Whether you’re following the Canal des Deux Mers to the Mediterranean, cycling up the Garonne valley towards the Pyrenees, or setting off to explore the surrounding countryside, the ‘Ville Rose’ is the perfect starting point for wonderful cycling adventures.
The canal des 2 mers
This magnificent 750 km cycle route links the Garonne estuary to the Mediterranean Sea, running alongside the legendary Canal du Midi. Suitable for cyclists of all abilities thanks to its gentle gradient, this route offers a peaceful retreat amidst nature and heritage. All along the way, houseboats, picturesque locks and charming villages provide the perfect backdrop for a cycling getaway.
The Trans-Garona
This route is intended to eventually link Toulouse to Vielha, in the Val d’Aran, the source of the Garonne. Pending its completion, the route can already be followed from Carbonne, which is easily accessible by TER train from Toulouse. By bike, you’ll follow the course of the Garonne and pass through the charming villages of Haute-Garonne. From Saint-Béat onwards, the terrain becomes more rugged: the route then enters the Pyrenees, becoming more technical and requiring suitable kit.
The canal du Midi
What if you could set off without having to worry about the logistics?
This cycle route along the Canal du Midi is also available as a turnkey package combining bike hire from Toulouse with a return journey by train.
The Occitanie Region, SNCF Voyageurs and their partner Paulette, which specialises in bike hire, offer a comprehensive package to explore the canal at your own pace.
SHORT RIDES AND LOOPED ROUTES
When travelling to and from a station, you can use the Lio train network and take your bike on board in the designated carriage. Bikes are carried free of charge, subject to availability. Bookings are required at weekends and every day during the summer. Book here: resa.acces-velo-serein-liotrain.com
City centre tour
Distance: 15 km
Starting point: Matabiau station
End point: Matabiau station
Difficulty: easy
Discover Toulouse on this cycle loop suitable for everyone, ideal for a solo outing, a trip as a couple or a family day out. Follow this pleasant and largely safe route as you’re guided past iconic squares, the banks of the Garonne and the narrow streets of the historic centre. Take the opportunity to stop off and visit the main sights and monuments along the way, at your own pace.
The route also invites you to explore Île du Ramier, the city’s very own green lung, now easily accessible thanks to its new footbridges reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. A leisurely ride that combines heritage, nature and the Toulouse way of life.
Cycling along the Garonne and the Canal du Midi
Distance: 12 km
Starting point: Prairie des Filtres
End point: Maison du Vélo
Difficulty: easy
Running between the Garonne and the Canal du Midi, this 12-km cycle route takes you on a journey of discovery through Toulouse’s natural and urban landscapes.
The route leads to Téléo, France’s longest urban cable car, which, in just a few minutes, offers spectacular panoramic views of the ‘Pink City’, the Garonne and the Pyrenees on a clear day.
Combining heritage, street art, historic ports and peaceful riverbanks, this outing invites you to discover Toulouse from a unique perspective, at your own pace.
Water stories
Distance: 18 km
Starting point: Place de la Daurade
End point: Bazacle
Difficulty: easy
Enjoy a break in the countryside without leaving Toulouse. This easy route mainly follows safe cycle paths along the Garonne and the canal, making for a pleasant ride away from traffic.
Particularly suitable for families, it allows you to make the most of the scenery, the cool riverbanks and a leisurely pace that’s accessible to everyone. Along the way, Lake Sesquières is an ideal spot to stop for a picnic or a snack by the water’s edge before setting off again. A friendly getaway that combines nature, relaxation and the joy of cycling.
Cycling along the banks of the Garonne
Distance: 33 km
Starting point: Bazacle
End point: Bazacle
Difficulty: not recommended if it has rained in the preceding days, as the ground may be muddy.
Let yourself be carried along by the river that has shaped Toulouse and its metropolitan area. This cycle route takes you along the banks of the Garonne, through a succession of parks, natural areas and unspoilt landscapes where the city seems to fade into the background, giving way to nature. Ideal for a half-day or full-day outing, the route offers plenty of opportunities to stop for a break and enjoy a picnic in lush green surroundings.
A rejuvenating ride that reveals another side to the Toulouse metropolitan area, where the river remains the common thread linking heritage, biodiversity and wide open spaces.
From the Touch Green Corridor to La Ramée Park
Distance: 19.2 km
Starting point: Saint-Martin-du-Touch station
End point: Portet-sur-Garonne station
Difficulty: easy
Starting from Saint-Martin-du-Touch, this leisurely route takes you along the Touch Green Corridor, a peaceful natural corridor lined with trees and meadows and dotted with small bridges. This shaded, safe and easy-to-follow route is ideal for a first cycling outing.
The path leads to Parc de la Ramée, a vast leisure area where a lake, lawns and footpaths come together to offer a breath of fresh air on the outskirts of the city. Here you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a break or a picnic.
Accessible and pleasant, the entire route invites you to cycle effortlessly to Portet-sur-Garonne. A lovely green escape to rediscover the city in a different light.
The Bouconne Forest
Distance: 18.3 km
Starting point: Pibrac station
End point: Colomiers station
Difficulty: easy
Starting from Pibrac, this route quickly immerses you in the soothing atmosphere of the Bouconne Forest, the true green lung of the area west of Toulouse. The wide, shaded paths provide the ideal setting for a peaceful cycle, set to the rhythm of the woodland and birdsong.
This easy, accessible route invites you to lose yourself amidst nature and sun-drenched clearings, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Gradually, the landscape opens up as you approach the outskirts of Colomiers. A gentle and refreshing getaway, perfect for a first cycling adventure around Toulouse.
- A more challenging version of this route will take you deeper into the Bouconne Forest to explore it further. For this version, get off at Brax station.
The hills around Toulouse
Distance: 34.4 km
Start: Toulouse
End: Labège railway station
Difficulty: difficult
Starting from Toulouse, this route is ideal for cyclists looking for a more challenging ride through the hills east of Toulouse. The paths climb and wind their way up one after another, offering unobstructed views of the unspoilt, rolling countryside.
The route through the village of Mons is a highlight, before reaching the shores of Lake Flourens, nestled in lush greenery.
Amidst rolling hills, nature and trails, the route continues on to Labège. A challenging adventure offering a different way to discover the city, at the pace of your own effort.
Organised city tours
Fancy exploring Toulouse without having to worry about the route? Several organisations offer bike tours that let you discover the city in a different way.
Sightseeing tours
ASSOCIATION 2 FEET 2 WHEELS – NIGHT STROLLS
Sightseeing tours
TOULOUSE BIKE TOUR
Sightseeing tours
VELOTREMENT – VISITS BY ELECTRIC BIKE
Sightseeing tours
BICYCLING ACTIVITIES TOULOUSE METROPOLE
Bike hire
Don’t have a bike?
Hiring a bike in Toulouse couldn’t be easier!
Whether you’re just passing through for the day or staying for a while, there are plenty of options for cycling at your own pace around the ‘Pink City’. Mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, gravel bikes… Need some advice? Pop into one of Toulouse’s bike hire shops: they’ll be able to advise you based on your skill level and suggest some unmissable rides. For short journeys between attractions or an urban getaway, opt for the VélôToulouse self-service hire scheme, which offers both electric and non-electric bikes.
Getting around by bike
Cycling is a very practical and environmentally friendly way to get around Toulouse. With over 600 km of cycle paths and 300 km of cycle routes, cyclists – whether experienced or beginners – can get around in complete safety.
