Cycling in the Gers
The possibilities for a Dutch cyclist are limited in the
neighbourhood
of the Parc. This is caused by the French main roads, which are not meant to
be used by cyclists. The river valley of the Save has some quieter roads, but
the slopes are often to steep for a 'normal' cycle.
There are plans for a separate cycle path from Château
de Barbet via Lombez to Samatan – but until that time (approx. Speptember
2004) be very careful on the
D632 and go in single file, please!
Here are two proposals for cycle trips. But first I want
to tell you that the Syndicat d'Initiative in Masseube
(approx. 30 minutes by car) rents out mountain bikes,
and that several nice trips are possible from there.
These trips would also be interesting for (experienced) walkers.
Extra service Cycle
map
Cyclepath to Lombez and Samatan
(note: the pictures were taken while the work wasn't finished yet)
End of September 2005 the cyclepath was not finished yet, but a lot of work had
been done.
 According
to a request made by the Parc, the cyclepath is extended until the sideroad to
Sauveterre. (As shown on the picture right, taken in the direction of our
entry road).
The cycle path is, until it gets close to Lombez, on the left side of the road, where
necessary protected from the main road by a rail.
Just before Lombez the cyclists have to cross the main road, the cyclepath
continues on the other side of the road, then turns into the housing estate
behind the gas station.
In Lombez the cyclist has to use the main road, the cycle path re-starts near
the Chemin de st Majan (opposite Materiaux de
Construction of Françoise Bouchard) towards Samatan, via another road
crossing, just outside Lombez.
In Samatan the cyclepath ends near the restaurant du Lac and the lake of Vacantiel.
There were, end of September, no road signs for the cyclists, nor any warning
signs for the fast traffic yet, so there was more work to do!
End of October 2005 the cyclepath was already very usable. Which is not only a
relief for the cyclists, it also makes walking to Lombez and / or Samatan a
lot more pleasant and safe! There isn't much cycle traffic in this area, so
most of the time you will be alone on the path, but keep in mind that another
cyclist may think the same thing, and because of the curves and hills you can
get surprised!
Cycling in and near Toulouse
Toulouse is a beautiful city, but rather hectic with its traffic, so it is
not pleasant to drive around it in your own car. But what else? From the
underground you don't get to see the sights, for walking around the distances
are to much. Simple, rent a bicycle!
 They
are available at Tisséo Point Vélo, next to the train station Toulouse Gare
Matabiau, in the Gare Routière (the large bus station). To get there with your
car, follow the signs Toulouse Centre - Gare SCNF, or take the bus from Lombez.
The shop is open weekdays from 06:45 h till 19:00 h, Saturdays, Sundays and
holidays from 09:00 h till 19:00 h.
Phone number +33 (0) 534 300 300.
The bikes have a large key lock, 3 gears, lights, a bell, a basket up front,
and they will be adjusted to your size. You will receive a map of Toulouse
indicating which roads can be used for cycling. They also have bikes for
children, and bike chairs for the smaller kids.
Rental costs are EUR 2,60 per 4 hours, or EUR 2,30 for a part day. A deposit
will be asked of EUR 260,00, but alternatively your credit card can be used as a
guarantee.
The car can be parked in the supervised garage of the Gare Matabiau.
My first impressions of cycling in Toulouse. It is now possible to visit many
places in a short time, rather nice in a busy city with quite some cycle paths.
You are often allowed to cycle on the bus lanes. Toulouse traffic is as busy as
in Amsterdam, but here you don't see many other cyclists. The car drivers are
not used to seeing cyclists, so you have to make yourself very visible, the
colours of these bike really help you there.
Information about Toulouse
As a consequence here is a
suggested list of activities for one day cycling:
- In the Capitole of Toulouse at the Place du Capitole go through the arch
under the flags, next to the door to the back wall mount the stairs to
the Salle de
Mariage, this is where people get married, the city has parties, etc. Open
weekdays 9 to 17h.
- Museum des Augustins - closed on Tuesdays - both permanent and temporary
exhibitions of sculptures and paintings. Some impressions here in the
pictures. It is not allowed to use the flashlight inside the museum. Access
is free of charge on each first Sunday of the month.
- Cathédrale St. Etienne - look inside - it is a beautiful church.
- Basilique Saint Sernin - beautiful outside, illimunated at might, very
dark inside. Around the church, each Sunday morning, a brocante, antiques
and interesting junk items.
Trip to l’Isle en Dodon
From the Parc exit turn right on the D632 in the
direction of Boulogne.
First road left, you pass the Moulin d'Arparens.
On the crossing you have a view to the left to the
Château Labusquière. Turn right on the D537towards Espaon.
On the next crossing you could turn right to visit the Musée Paysan
(or postpone this until coming back).
In Espaon we recommend a visit to the water mill, for
which you have to turn right.
| To continue the trip go
straight ahead on the D537 (which changes into the D81) towards l’Isle en
Dodon. (we cross a border from the Gers into the Haute Garonne, each
Departement has its own road numbers). |
 |
|
 |
The statue in the center points
you in the direction you came from, but we recommend some sight-seeing
first. |
| Your reporter was
here on 26 December 2001, while a funeral was proceeding in the church. |
|
 |
Go back via the same roads, turn left in Espaon, after
that the first right, where you can visit the Musée Paysan. The most direct
way back is via the Moulin d'Arparens, but you could also go straight ahead
over the D537 to Lombez, this will get you near the Intermarché.
| Time: |
one hour to cycle from Château de Barbet to
I’Isle en Dodon |
| Can be done with: |
Dutch bike with a minimum of three gears |
| Total distance: |
30 kilometer |
| Height difference |
l’Isle en Dodon 197 meter – Lombez 166
meter |
Please also check out the walking
tour Espaon.
Route to Château de Caumont
From the Parc exit turn left on the D632 to Lombez.
Turn left towards Samatan.
In Samatan straight ahead until the crossing with the D39, turn right.
Follow this road, until, after passing Cazaux Saves you
reach the Château de Caumont.
A personal tour by one of the inhabitants will give you a
fair idea of life in this château in the last two centuries. Our reception
also has information about the
Château de Caumont
Cycle back over the same roads
| Time |
1½ hour to cycle from Château de Barbet
to Château de Caumont |
| Can be done with: |
Dutch bike with a minimum of three gears |
|
Should not be done by children under twelve
years |
| Total distance: |
30 kilometer |
| Height difference |
Château de Barbet
172 meter - Château Caumont 155 meter . |
Thank you Miep and Rose-Marie for the use of your
bicycles.
|
