La Vélosud

The Vélosud is one of the longest cycle routes in the south of France. Linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean over a distance of more than 570 kilometres, it crosses the Pyrenean foothills, alternating between greenways, cycle paths and quiet country lanes. Its route through Lourdes makes it an ideal stopover for exploring the landscapes of the Pyrenees by bike, whether for a day trip or a longer cycling holiday.

Between Lourdes and Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre, the Vélosud follows the route of the GR78, taken by pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. A history that continues today by bike, as you ride through the valleys, villages and panoramic views that characterise this region.

Pau – Lourdes: 50 km.
Lourdes – Séméac: 31 km and 83 km to Lannemezan.

The Vélosud also offers another way to explore the area. You can leave the town centre in just a few minutes to head west towards the Gave de Pau valley, passing through open countryside and cycling at your own pace, far from the main roads. Heading east, the Vélosud takes you through the countryside before reaching the Tarbes conurbation. It is an accessible, enjoyable route, perfectly suited to exploring Lourdes.

Between Lestelle-Bétharram, a village on the border between the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and the Hautes-Pyrénées, and Lourdes, the cycle route follows the course of the Gave de Pau and the GR78 trail. It runs past the 15th-centurySanctuary of Notre-Dame de Bétharram, then the thousand-year-old village ofSaint-Pé-de-Bigorre, before reaching the outskirts of Lourdes. All along the route, the scenery and views of the Pyrenees give you a chance to catch your breath between each pedal stroke. The murmur of the Gave below also sets the pace as the kilometres roll by beneath your wheels. As for sightseeing, you can stop off when your route takes you past an unmissable geological gem:the Bétharram Caves.
An underground excursion that offers a chance to cool off in summer: the temperature remains constant all year round at around 13°C.

Between Lourdes and Séméac (if you continue the route from west to east), the Vélosud route is a little more challenging. As the Pyrenean mountains draw closer, you’ll have to tackle a few hills and steeper sections between Lourdes and the villages of Bourréac and Paréac. Fortunately, the flat terrain returns in the following stages, from Orincles, Lanne and Bénac right up to the outskirts of the capital of Bigorre: Tarbes!