A day going up and down the hills, from Gaillac to Capendut where the Gayrard estate is located. A 100% road route to do by bike (gravel, mountain bike, electric) to discover the heritage on the heights of Gaillac, while enjoying a wine tasting, organic if you please.
Electric bike tours are something you have to try, because they are surprising! I remember a lady who was rather panicked at the idea of trying them, but who went for it because her teenagers insisted. In the end, she loved it. It is super intuitive.
Step 1
Gaillac – Mauriac Castle
Depart on small flat roads to Tessonières, then take a hilly road to the Mauriac castle. Enjoy the view outside and catch your breath (on an electric bike, everything goes well) to cross the vineyards of the plateau and beautiful villages. You can make a detour to Cahuzac-sur-Vère to stock up on supplies and why not stop by the shop of the Salvy Estate ? Or stay on your way and stop at Mas d'Aurel estate with its dovecote, a marker of the region's landscapes. You arrive opposite Cordes sur ciel by a small, little-used road.
Step 2
Cordes sur Ciel
You take the steep rampart road (easy by electric bike), you can take the opportunity to take photos in the royal garden in the shade of the trees to cool off.
Take your bikes back to return via the Porte des Ormeaux to the west of the village. Go up Rue Saint-Michel and park your bikes on Place des Halles. Visit the typical streets and houses. Behind the house of the great Falconer, an intimate garden in honor of the sculptor Stanko where you can also take a short break.
After the effort, the reward: stop for lunch, At the Garden of Flavors : you will tell us about it.
Step 3
Domaine Gayrard
From Cordes, descend into the lower town and take a winding road a few kilometers further to Domaine Gayrard, where you can discover an absolutely delicious range of organic wines. On-site dining is available (open-air café) from Wednesday to Saturday lunchtimes during the summer, and tastings of the estate's wines are also available.
Pure descent
Back to Gaillac
There are about twenty kilometers left to return to Gaillac by small descending roads. If you feel like it, there are two more areas to visit: the Domaine Larroque and Domaine Labarthe. An unforgettable day for sure!
Prepare your exit
This mountain bike route is offered by Christophe from Stations Bee's located in Gaillac. If necessary, rent your equipment directly in his shop, at the starting point of the circuit.
