Head for the Green Route of the Cathar Pyrenees, from Mirepoix to Lavelanet! Hop on your bikes and head out for a bucolic, stress-free ride, between stunning landscapes and a laid-back atmosphere. Pedal-powered fun!
Gentle escape on the Filatiers path
Between Mirepoix and Lavelanet, the Voie Verte in the Cathar Pyrenees follows the route of an old railway line, a testament to the golden age of the textile industry. Today, it's time for peace and quiet, with the Plantaurel massif as a backdrop.
Want to cycle away from the noise and crowds? The Chemin des Filatiers, which connects Mirepoix to Lavelanet via the old railway line, offers you a peaceful journey in the heart of the Cathar Pyrenees. Medieval bastides, characterful villages, rural landscapes... this Green Way has all the makings of an open-air travel diary. You come across traces of a rich past, between the Middle Ages and the industrial revolution, without ever forcing it. A ride accessible to all, punctuated by stops that are worth the detour: the magnificent covered square of Mirepoix , the peaceful streets of Chalabre , or the witnesses of the textile industry in Lavelanet . Here, each pedal stroke tells a story.
A charming greenway
The Chemin des Filatiers is taken just south of Mirepoix , our beautiful medieval fortified town with its soft pastel colors. Before leaving, take the time to stroll under its wooden roofs, visit the Saint-Maurice Cathedral, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the central square. Then, head south. The path leads you first to Roumengoux, then winds gently to Lagarde. There, it's impossible to miss the castle: a veritable stone sentinel watching over from the heights. Majestic, almost unreal in this rural setting, it seems straight out of a historical novel. From station to tunnel, the route winds its way to Camon, following the course of the Hers. And what a finale! Camon, the "village of a hundred rose bushes," welcomes you with its flower-lined streets, its fortified abbey, and its timeless charm. Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, it's a stopover we'll gladly extend.
After leaving the old station, the cycle route plunges into a lit tunnel, a nice little surprise that changes the pace a little. It then continues its path under the woods, peacefully following the river, before crossing the departmental border to enter the Aude. The road then continues towards Chalabre , a small, welcoming village where it is good to stop for a coffee or simply stroll. Don't forget to make a small detour by its metal bridge, a reminder of the passage of the train that once punctuated these places. And the greenway then takes us to the discreet charm of Sonnac-sur-l'Hers , a village where time seems to have slowed down, perfect for a contemplative break. It is also the ideal time to hit the road and make a detour to Montbel , where a refreshing stop is essential. In summer, it is the perfect spot for an invigorating swim before setting off again, just to fully enjoy this gentle ride. We strongly recommend that you take a tour of the lake, a loop of approximately 16 km, perfect for extending the walk and fully enjoying the scenery.
In Le Peyrat, take a break to discover the local crafts: between the famous Plantaurel knives and horn combs, there's plenty to take home as a lovely souvenir. Following the tranquil course of the Touyre River, the road then leads you to Lavelanet. This town was the beating heart of the Ariège textile industry in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Chemin des Filatiers takes its name from the thread merchants who set out from here, a lovely nod to this industrial past that shaped the entire region.
The Chemin des Filatiers is much more than a simple bike ride: it's a gentle immersion into the history and landscapes of the Cathar Pyrenees. Between medieval villages, industrial remains, and soothing nature, this Green Route invites you to slow down, open your eyes, and savor every moment. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, this route has something for everyone.
This Green Route offers superb, often shaded, walks through varied and peaceful landscapes. The route passes through several remarkable towns worth a visit, such as Mirepoix, Camon, Chalabre, and Lavelanet. Between nature and heritage, each stage invites discovery and relaxation, for a cycling getaway that is as enriching as it is peaceful.
Stages and distances
The total route between Mirepoix and Lavelanet is approximately 38 km, divided into pleasant stages, perfect for taking breaks at your own pace:
Mirepoix → Lagarde: 10 km
Lagarde → Camon: 4 km
Camon → Montbel: 6 km
Montbel → La Bastide-sur-l'Hers: 10 km
La Bastide-sur-l’Hers → Lavelanet: 8 km
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After enjoying the charm and history between Mirepoix and Lavelanet, know that this walk is just one stop on a much larger network. For the more adventurous, the Voie Verte des Filatiers easily connects to the Canal du Midi, opening the door to even longer and more varied itineraries.
The Voie Verte des Filatiers doesn't stop there: it's part of a larger network that connects the Cathar Pyrenees to the Canal du Midi. Thanks to another 31 km Green Route built on a former railway line in the Aude, you can reach Bram from Moulin-Neuf, located just 6 km from Mirepoix. This section, called the "Voie Verte du Canal du Midi à Montségur," connects Bram, on the banks of the Canal du Midi, to Lavelanet, which is just 15 km from the legendary site of Montségur. This makes for a great cycling getaway combining history, nature, and heritage, lasting several days.
Velocidade is the feeling of freedom given by speed, the wind that makes your eyes water, the sound of the air blowing near your ears, a little taste of adrenaline that makes you feel good.
At Velocidade, we believe in cycling as the future of transportation! We've created a set of responsible bike and backpack luggage, designed and handcrafted in our workshop in Mirepoix, Ariège. To learn more about our commitments, click here .
MADE IN FRANCE
We wanted to create our bags with a waterproof and UV-resistant canvas certified Oeko-Tex made in France.
DESIGN
Products designed to last a long time with savings on raw materials and that can be repaired, a sustainable design.
REPARABLE
If it breaks, don't worry, we'll repair your bag!
COMMITMENT
As a committed brand, we donate 1% of our turnover to help preserve the environment.
RICARDO VIEIRA - FOUNDER/DESIGNER/COUTURIER
Ricardo has long been thinking about reducing his environmental impact, whether through his sporting practice of cycling, running, or in his everyday life, having decided to be vegetarian more than 20 years ago. Curious and passionate, he started creating and manufacturing his first objects when his grandfather gave him a sewing machine for his 17th birthday, and since then, he has worked to create, repair, and manufacture with the same energy and in the same direction, that of sobriety and localism. Convinced that the bicycle is the ultimate low-carbon solution for everyday travel, Ricardo decided to create Velocidade, and began designing and creating handmade bags, in a completely artisanal way.
