Passa Païs : from Toulouse to Béziers

Arrière-Pays

Nature

Patrimoine

Welcome to the Passa Païs—an iconic greenway in the Haut-Languedoc that follows a former railway line from the Occitan plains to the Mediterranean coast. In Occitan, “Passa Païs” means “cross the land”: a gentle invitation to explore changing landscapes, ride through forest shade, or breathe in the scents of garrigue. From Mazamet to Bédarieux, between the Tarn and Hérault regions, this bike journey takes you through a mosaic of scenery—Black Mountain peaks, the Thoré valley, the Caroux range, and terraced vineyards. All on a safe, traffic-free path accessible to all levels, whether you’re riding a hybrid or electric bike.

Day 1

37 km

Toulouse → Saint-Pons-de-Thomières

Start your journey with a 1.5-hour train ride from Toulouse to Mazamet, at the foot of the Montagne Noire. Before you hop on the greenway, make a detour to Mazamet’s suspended footbridge, 70 meters above the Arnette Valley, for a breathtaking view of the Cathar village of Hautpoul.

The Passa Païs begins at Bout-du-Pont-de-l’Arn: a shaded path winding through meadows, farms, and woodland. Ride through Saint-Amans-Soult and Labastide-Rouairoux, a former textile town where you can visit the Textile Museum housed in an old mill.

The scenery grows more wooded—oaks, chestnuts, and old bridges spanning the Thoré River. After passing through the Fenille tunnel, you descend into the Mediterranean side of the landscape.

At Courniou, the path runs alongside the Fileuse de Verre caves before gently descending toward Saint-Pons-de-Thomières, a town steeped in Gallo-Roman and industrial history nestled between hills and river.

Day 2

41 km

Saint-Pons-de-Thomières → Bédarieux

Leave the Tarn behind and follow the Jaur River under a canopy of leafy trees. Villages like Riols, Prémian, and Saint-Étienne-d’Albagnan pass by before you reach Olargues—officially one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages.

Take time to explore its Devil’s Bridge, medieval tower, and cobbled streets. Then pedal over the striking red Eiffel bridge, which spans the valley, and continue to Mons, where the Jaur becomes the Orb River.

A detour to the Héric gorges is highly recommended—a perfect spot for a swim in pristine natural surroundings. Then it’s on through shady trails and hilltop villages to reach Bédarieux, gateway to the Mediterranean South.

Day 3

42 km

Bédarieux → Béziers (en option)

The final leg of the route opens up, sunnier and more flowing. The trail leaves the Haut-Languedoc foothills for the gentle slopes of the Mediterranean piedmont via the V84 bike route. This section is more exposed and includes shared roadways—less suited for young children or those seeking a fully car-free greenway experience.

Ride through the vineyards of Faugères, surrounded by garrigue and soft hills, to the rhythm of cicadas. Then pass through the charming villages of Puimisson and Autignac, typical of inland Hérault.

Béziers appears in the distance, perched on its rocky outcrop. The Allées Paul Riquet, Saint-Nazaire Cathedral, and views from the Pont-Vieux welcome you to the end of your journey. All that’s left is to relax on a sunny terrace, glass in hand, and toast to the ride.