The Bastides Circuit, starting from Gaillac, is a must-do when cycling in Gaillac’s area. While the region is primarily famous for its vineyards, it has much more to offer. Indeed, bastides are plentiful in the area. These medieval villages are built around a central square, where a covered market hall often stands—once the heart of local life, hosting the village market.
One of the most beautiful in the Area
The roads connecting these picturesque villages are equally charming, and traffic is generally very light.
This itinerary, known as the « Bastides Route, » links the main ones in a circuit of about 120 kilometres. It can be completed in a single day or spread over several if you wish to fully explore all the local attractions. The route is rather hilly, with 1,700 metres of elevation gain over the 120 km, and each bastide sits proudly at the top of a hill.
Medieval villages and Castles along the way
- Castelnau-de-Montmiral, with its watersports lake and music festivals held on its arcaded square.
- Puycelsi, perched on a rocky outcrop, offering starting points for hiking, gravel biking, and mountain biking trails.
- Bruniquel and its castle are well worth a visit; you can also pass through Brian-de-Vère, where Matthieu Chollet of Pechtregon is based—a craftsman who builds custom bicycle frames.
- Cordes-sur-Ciel hosts a medieval festival in summer. Perhaps the most iconic of the bastides, it charms visitors with its cobbled streets, whose gradients are steeper than Rue Le Pic on the final stage of the Tour de France. Cordes is a perfect spot for having ice-cream on the steps of the main square!
- Penne features its castle, currently undergoing restoration using period-appropriate techniques.
- Finally, Saint-Antonin-Nobleval is a hidden gem, with its market hall and shaded terraces. Located roughly halfway around the loop, it makes for a perfect lunch stop or a overnight stay. If you manage to start the loop on a Saturday and stay overnight in Saint-Antonin, you will be able to visit the lively Sunday market, famous in the area.
The circuit lies between Albi and Toulouse. It is easily accessible by train from Toulouse, and from Albi by train or bus. By car, it can be reached via the A68 motorway or the RN988 national road. Cycling in Gaillac is really fun, try it!
