OFF THE BIKE
CATHAR CASTLES
This corner of the Pyrenees was once home to the Cathar sect of Christians – wiped-out by a crusade in 1229. The ruins of their castles make spectacular stops. There are more than a dozen to pick from, including Queribus, Aguilar, Termes, Foix, Puilvert, and Lastours but our must-sees are Puilaurens and Peyrepertuse plus – if you take walking shoes for the climb to reach it – Montségur, where the Cathars made their last stand. (audetourisme.com, catharcastles.info)
RENNES-LE-CHATEAU
If the Cathars didn’t have the Holy Grail, was it hidden here? This beautiful little village is well set up to welcome tourists on the Davinci Code trail. (rennes-le-chateau.fr)
BIG CAVES
This region is packed with impressive caverns – from the Fontrabiouse and Grandes Canalettes in the high mountains, to Limousis and the vast Gouffre de Cabrespine north of Carcassonne. We particularly like Le Mas-d’azil, north of Foix, as the road runs through the cave. (grottes-de-france.com)
SUBTERRANEAN RIVER, LABOUICHE
A boat trip with a difference: the river is 60m underground, flowing through spectacular caves. (labouiche.com )
GORGES
You can ride along the Gorges de Galamus but if you want to explore the Gorges de la Fou, that has to be seen on foot. (gorgesdelafou.com, gorgesdegalamus.fr)
PREHISTORIC MEN
The Prehistoric Park at Tarasconsur-ariege is more of a familyfriendly day out than a short stop on a motorcycle tour, but nearby Niaux caves is a perfect biking break, with some of France’s finest Neolithic cave paintings. (sites-touristiques-ariege.fr)
SIGEAN SAFARI
Near the coast, between Narbonne and Perpignan, is the huge Sigean safari park, packed with animals. You can’t ride your bike through it, of course, but you can join the park’s minibus tours. (reserveafricainesigean.fr)
PERPIGNAN
A full-sized city packed with historic goodies, from the Forteresse de Salses out by the A9 motorway to the pocketsized Castillet in the heart of the city, the lavish palace of the kings of Majorca and the impressive cathedral. (perpignantourisme.com)
CHATEAU ROYALE, COLLIOURE
Just down the coast from Perpignan is the compact port of Collioure. It’s a fantasticallypicturesque village to visit, home to a royal castle and some outstanding sea food. (collioure.com)