The Via Tolosana by bike, from Arles to Toulouse

After exploring the Arles amphitheatre, you can set off on the first stage of your bike ride on the Via Tolosana, which is fairly short and flat. Admire the birds and the horses grazing in the pastures as you cycle as far as the Mas Saint-Césaire. Then join onto the road to Saint-Gilles and cross the Petit-Rhône before you arrive in the town. When you get there, your adventure continues at the Abbey of Saint-Gilles and the Oliveraie Jeanjean (olive grove).

Head to La Restanque for an evening meal. This restaurant specialises in local, French cuisine. Spend your first night at the welcoming establishment Le Cours, a family-run hotel that has been passed from one generation to the next since 1950. It is very close to the town centre, and provides the perfect combination of peace and quiet and the typical festive atmosphere you would expect in a village in the south of France.

The second day is a sporty one, and you’ll be headed to Montpellier. Go for a stroll in the historic city centre to reach the Place de la Comédie. For lunch, Les Bains de Montpellier serves Mediterranean dishes with a touch of world cuisine. Then, take a moment to relax in the Jardin des Plantes, the oldest botanical garden in France. 

In the evening, come and recharge your batteries at Uxco Kabane, a modern building full of plants and only 10 minutes from the lively Port Marianne district.

It’s going to take a fair bit of pedalling to reach Lunas. You’ll appreciate the rivers that cross through this beautiful village and as far as La Prade leisure complex. The perfect place to cool off after a day of cycling. For dinner, go to Ô Petit Baigneur and enjoy the hearty dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere. 

Spend the night at the Hôtel de la Paix. You can take advantage of the outdoor swimming pool there that will be much appreciated after a day of cycling!

Once you arrive in Anglès, it’s time to rest your legs! We recommend exploring this historic clifftop village on foot. Stop for a moment and admire the panoramic view of the Rhône Valley. Feeling peckish? La Sorcière Ephémère serves delicious vegetarian dishes. 

Spend the night at the Petit Manoir hotel, set in grounds full of trees with the scents of lavender and rosemary in the air, and enjoy the outdoor pool there.

After a 1 hr 45-minute ride along the Via Tolosana, you’ll arrive in Castres, the hometown of Jaurès, Goya and Le Nôtre. Go for a picnic in the gardens of the bishop’s palace. In the afternoon, visit the Musée Goya, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, make sure you taste the local nougatine! Treat yourselves to a meal at Le Pescadou, an oyster bar that also serves grilled meat dishes. 

Book a room for the night at the Hôtel Renaissance, perfectly located in the historic town centre of Castres. 

On this sixth day on the Via Tolosana, you'll be cycling towards Avignonet-Lauragais. You’ll be greeted with a stunning view of the church bell tower as you arrive in the village. Wander around the narrow streets and admire the white stone façades. 

In the evening, enjoy a comforting local cassoulet dish at La Dinée, then spend the night at Chez Luis & David, a charming studio apartment with a patio and garden.

Finally, make your way to Toulouse, the last step on the Via Tolosana by bike. Go for a stroll along the banks of the Garonne and take the time to visit the Maison de la Violette, specialised in creations made using this iconic flower. 

Go for one last delicious meal at La Madeleine de Proust, in the historic city centre. At Pins Galants, an establishment committed to sustainability, you’ll enjoy a great night’s sleep, filled with a sense of pride and with plenty of great memories to take back home with you.

Visit  la Provence, l’Occitanie and les Chemins de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle. 

Further reading : 

Itinéraires culturels du Conseil de l’Europe : et si on redécouvrait le patrimoine français ?