Magnificent natural surroundings for thrilling off-road rides and scenic touring on mountain roads with your motorcycle or 4x4.
Motorcycle Touring Routes in the Tarn
Discover the sheer joy of our valleys and beautiful mountain roads! The Tarn region offers an unforgettable experience for riders.
The Monts de Lacaune & Sidobre Circuit
The Monts de Lacaune Circuit: Lakes and Mountains in the Eastern Tarn Department (Approx. 150 km)
Explore the stunning **Haut Languedoc Regional Natural Park**, famous for its diverse landscapes and rich birdlife. The route winds through the valleys, the Gorges du Gijou and the Gorges de l'Agoût, and the high valley of "la Vèbre." The beautiful **Lac de la Raviège** and **Lac de Laouzas** invite you to swim or enjoy other watersports. You will pass through the Sidobre, the "land of granite," with forests alternating with meadows where Lacaune sheep—the only breed used for producing Roquefort cheese—graze. Highlights of this circuit include historical treasures like the Pavillon d'Adelaïde in Burlats, the 12th-century bridge in Brassac, the castles of Lacaze and Nages, and the mysterious menhir statues around Lacaune.
Download the map and detailed itinerary for this motorcycle route below:
The Pic de Nore Circuit
The Pic de Nore Circuit: Gorges and Valleys of the Montagne Noire - Southern Tarn Department (Approx. 150 km)
Set off from the former wool and leather-sorting capital, past the beautiful **Lac des Montagnès** and the small Cathar village of Hautpoul. Follow the "Route des Usines" (Factory Route), a testament to Mazamet's industrial wealth in the 19th century. The entire circuit is nestled in the mountain landscapes and high plateaus of the Haut Languedoc Natural Park, offering a mix of small forest tracks and longer stretches on main roads with fantastic sweeping corners. The peak of the route is **Le Pic de Nore**, the highest point of the Montagne Noire at 1211 meters, providing a stunning 360° panoramic view.
The Belvédères (Viewpoints) Circuit
The Belvédères Circuit: Viewpoints between the "Vallée du Tarn" and "Ségala" - Northern Tarn Department (Approx. 140 km)
Enjoy beautiful vistas of the countryside, plateaus, hills, gorges, valleys, forests, and meadows throughout this ride. You will pass by **Albi**, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and traverse two regions with contrasting landscapes: "le Ségala tarnais" and the **Tarn Valley** ("la Vallée du Tarn"). The circuit provides a pleasant mix of small, winding roads and faster sections with lovely, long corners on departmental routes.
The Contrasts Circuit
The Contrasts Circuit: Between the Cocagne and the Montagne Noire - Southwestern Tarn Department (Approx. 140 km)
This diverse circuit crosses highly contrasting landscapes: on one side, the steep slopes and forests of the Montagne Noire (part of the Haut Languedoc Natural Park), and on the other, the fertile plain of the l'Agoût river. It offers a beautiful balance between wild nature, ancient monuments, and lively towns and villages. This route takes you past the sources of the **Canal du Midi** (St. Ferréol, Sorèze, and Revel) and numerous tourist attractions of the Midi-Pyrénées region, including Castres, Dourgne, Durfort, Puylaurens, and the Château de Magrin.
Download the map and detailed itinerary for this motorcycle route below:
The Pigeonniers (Dovecotes) Circuit: Between Dovecotes and "Feathered Houses" - Western Tarn Department (Approx. 150 km) Download Map
The Gaillacois Circuit: Medieval Towns and the Gaillac Wine Region - Western Tarn Department (Approx. 145 km) Download Map
Quad Biking (ATV)
Whether on a dedicated circuit or through the woods, **Quad Biking** is a guaranteed thrill for all ages. A perfect family activity!
Local Links for Quad Rental and Tours:
Loc’rando81, in Angles.
Aubepine Quad, in Puylaurens.
4x4 Off-Road Driving and Motorcycle Enduro
The rugged natural terrain, combined with favorable French legislation regarding off-road routes, makes it an absolute pleasure to explore the wildest paths with your own vehicle. This area caters to everyone, from beginner riders to the most experienced **off-roaders**.
This is a truly magnificent area to test your driving and riding skills. Many visitors have already enjoyed the adventurous discovery of the landscape here in the **South of France**. **Tip:** Don't forget to pack some spare parts—they might just come in handy!