The Doctrine Cycling Vacations · 2027 & 2028
France: Ride Limoux and the Cathar country
Fully supported cycling vacations in the south of France, with 2 vans and 2 on-the-road guides with you every day. Join us in July 2027 for a 12-day trip that takes advantage of the Tour de France passing by extremely close to Limoux, or for one of five week-long vacations in summer and fall 2028. Quiet roads, medieval villages, the foothills of the Pyrenees and the home of Blanquette de Limoux. You ride, we handle everything else.
- WhereLimoux, France
- WhenJuly 2027 · June, July & Sept 2028
- Pick-upToulouse or Carcassonne
- Group size10 to 12 guests
- Your hosts17+ years of experience
Trips & dates
Choose your trip
Each trip has 10 to 12 guests to keep the experience intimate and ensure you are extremely well supported.
Group bookings are encouraged! Contact Trev at trev@thedoctrine.ca to book your entire group for one of our vacation dates.
2027: Ride Limoux and the Tour de France
2027 · 12 days
July 10 – 21, 2027
Ride Limoux, then spectate at the Tour de France. On July 18 and July 20 you'll watch stages 15 and 16 from the roadside as spectators.
CDN + GST per person, double occupancy
Book July 10–212028: One-week vacations
2028 · 8 days · Saturday to Saturday
A week of riding in Limoux
Beautiful daily rides, a day to explore Carcassonne, and great local food and wine. Five weeks to choose from in early summer and early fall.
CDN + GST per person, double occupancy
Early summer 2028
- June 24 – July 1Book Jun 24
- July 1 – 8Book Jul 1
- July 8 – 15Book Jul 8
Early fall 2028
- Sept 2 – 9Book Sep 2
- Sept 9 – 16Book Sep 9
July 10–21 trip only
Spectate at the Tour de France
July 18 & July 20, 2027: spectator days
Our July 10–21, 2027 trip ends with the Tour de France as it comes through the south of France. On these two days, we'll find a great spot to watch and cheer on the pros at two stages of the biggest race in the world. We'll still ride on these days, but they'll be centered around the Tour!
Spectator day · Stage 15 · Sun, July 18, 2027
169 km hilly stage. Punchy climbs made for breakaways.
Spectator day · Stage 16 · Tue, July 20, 2027
33 km individual time trial. See every rider go by, one at a time.
Stage details from the official 2027 route announcement. The race's rest day falls on Monday, July 19 in Toulouse. Stage routes, dates and viewing locations are subject to the official race schedule and may change.
Why Limoux
Embrace the history, the culture and the roads
We chose Limoux for its beautiful small-town appeal, its endless low-traffic scenic roads and its history. And of course, our beautiful home base for the trip: Hôtel Le Monastère.
Your vacation hosts have over 17 years of experience, and we'll use every bit of it to make sure your time with us is memorable.
Like all our trips, this isn't a training camp. There are no "long days in the saddle." It's about great riding, great food and great company in one of the most beautiful corners of France.
Ride into history
Market day in medieval Mirepoix
Colourful half-timbered houses, centuries-old streets and a bustling market full of local food, crafts and character. The roads around Limoux lead to places like this, and they're the kind of stops you'll remember long after the ride.
Where you'll stay
Hôtel Le Monastère
A small, intimate inn in the medieval quarter of Limoux, a three-minute stroll from the town square. In the Middle Ages this was a monastery of the Cordeliers. Its vaulted stone cellar looks much as it did 650 years ago.
Today the old monastery well feeds the fountain in the courtyard garden, under 17th-century stone arches and a pergola covered in flowering vines. It's the perfect place to put your feet up after a ride.
Tired legs? Our resident massage therapist is on site and available throughout your vacation (booked and paid separately).
Spacious rooms
Large 19th-century guest rooms, each with an ensuite and a tiled walk-in shower.
Sleigh beds
Custom Louis Philippe sleigh beds, built to fit tall riders comfortably.
Courtyard garden
A central fountain, quiet nooks and reading areas facing the courtyard.
Small & personal
Just five guest rooms, a dining room and Wi-Fi.
Where we ride
No fixed itinerary. Just the best ride every day.
We don't lock you into a rigid day-by-day plan. Every morning, we use our local knowledge of the weather and the wind to choose the best ride for the day, so you get sunshine, tailwinds and the right roads at the right time. Here are some of the beautiful places we'll ride to or by.
Riding with the wind, not against it
A fixed plan would have you fighting headwinds or riding into a storm. Instead, we read the forecast every day and adapt, so the wind is on your side and every ride is the right one.
1Montségur
The legendary “castle in the sky”, perched on a rocky peak in the Pyrenean foothills. The last great stronghold of the Cathars, besieged in 1244.
2Rennes-le-Château
A tiny hilltop village famous for the mystery of its 19th-century priest and his “lost treasure”, with sweeping views over the Aude valley.
3Mijanès
A remote mountain village high in the Pyrenees, at the foot of the Col de Pailhères, a 2,001 m climb made famous by the Tour de France.
4Bugarach
A peaceful village beneath the dramatic Pic de Bugarach, the highest summit in the Corbières, surrounded by wild, quiet roads.
5Minerve
A medieval village perched on a rocky spur between two deep gorges, with natural stone bridges and the vineyards of the Minervois all around.
6Leucate
Where the mountains meet the Mediterranean: sea cliffs, a sparkling lagoon and endless sandy beaches. A ride to remember.
7Lagrasse
Listed among the most beautiful villages in France, with a Benedictine abbey and a medieval stone bridge over the river Orbieu.
8Gorges de Galamus
A dramatic gorge carved by the Agly river near Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, where the narrow road is cut into the cliff high above the water and passes the Saint-Antoine hermitage built into the rock.
Your vacation at a glance
- Day 1 · Saturday
Pick-up and transfer to Limoux
Be available in Toulouse or Carcassonne (easily accessible by plane or train!) by early Saturday afternoon. We'll pick you up and get you (and your bike, if you bring one) to Limoux.
- Daily
Riding days in and around Limoux
Each morning we choose the day's ride based on the weather and the wind. Every ride is chosen to show off the region's history, culture, architecture and people. Expect medieval villages, Cathar castles, local food and wine, and the kind of roads you'll be talking about for years.
- Wednesday
Off day: explore Carcassonne or Limoux
A day off the bike. Wander the medieval walls of Carcassonne, or slow down and get to know Limoux in more detail. Dinner tonight is on your own, so pick a spot and enjoy.
- July 18 & July 20 · July 10–21 trip only
Tour de France spectator days
We'll still ride on these days, but they're centered around the Tour. You'll be spectating from the roadside: Stage 15 (Rodez → Albi) on July 18 and the Stage 16 time trial in Toulouse on July 20.
- Last day
Drop-off at Toulouse airport or Carcassonne train station
Once your vacation is over, we'll get you to the Toulouse airport or the Carcassonne train station. Or stay on and keep exploring. You can always stay longer!
Everything will be taken care of
What's included
Rides, coaching & guiding
Coached, guided rides with experienced, awesome support.
2 vans & 2 guides, every day
You're fully supported by 2 support vans and 2 on-the-road guides on every ride.
All meals, wine & beer
Every meal is included, with wine and beer, except dinner on Wednesday (your off day). Most are enjoyed at local restaurants.
On-bike nutrition
Fuel for every ride is covered, so you never have to pack your own.
Airport and train transfers
Pick-up in Toulouse or Carcassonne, and drop-off at the Toulouse airport or Carcassonne train station.
Bikes & upkeep
Use one of our bikes from our fleet, including e-bikes, at no extra cost, or bring your own. Either way, it's looked after for the whole trip.
Photo ops
So many photo ops to remember it by.
Local street cred
Ride like you belong there.
What's not included
- Flights or trains to and from Toulouse or Carcassonne
- Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended, see below)
- Dinner on Wednesday, your off day
- Extra nights before or after your vacation
- Massage therapy (our resident massage therapist is available on site, booked and paid separately)
- Personal expenses, like souvenirs and shopping
- GST (prices are listed in CAD + GST)
We recommend you purchase travel and medical insurance for your vacation with us. It protects you if plans change, and covers you for medical care while you're away from home.
Food & wine
Eat like a local
Your food is taken care of. Most of your meals are enjoyed at the many local restaurants and cafés around Limoux and on our rides, so you get a true taste of the region every day, from regional specialties to long, relaxed dinners with the group. Add generous spreads of local cheeses, tarts and salads at our long tables in the courtyard at Le Monastère, all in the home of Blanquette de Limoux. On-bike nutrition is covered on every ride too.
The terrain
From deep gorges to the sea
Few places pack this much variety into one week of riding. Every day looks different, from the gorges of the Pyrenees to the vineyards of the foothills and all the way to the Mediterranean.
The feel and the ride
Ability & equipment
Ability: No criteria beyond riding safely in a group. European roads are twisty and turny, so a bit more bike-handling technique goes a long way.
Ride length: Typically 3–5 hours. Several rides are loops that start and finish right in Limoux. Others start or finish further afield so we can make the most of the Pyrenees and the unique terrain of the foothills.
Bike: Use one of our bikes from our fleet (included in the price), or choose an e-bike at no extra cost if you'd like a boost on the climbs. You're also welcome to bring your own. If you bring your own, we stay on pavement, so a fairly recent road bike that fits 30mm or wider tires is perfect. Gravel bikes are welcome too.
Meet your hosts
We're Trev & Marie
This isn't a big tour company. It's us. Trev is the owner and head coach of The Doctrine in Calgary, and together we've been hosting riders for over 17 years. We've ridden these roads ourselves, and on this trip we ride with you, eat with you and make sure every day is one to remember.
Keeping everyone rolling is Isabelle Veron, one of our two support van drivers. Whether you need a spare tube, a cold drink or a lift up the last climb, she's never far away.
Driving our second support van is Chris Georgas, founder of Le Monastère Adventures and a vacation host for 32 years. He's a qualified cycling coach and a well-known face on the roads around Limoux, and few people know this region better. With two vans on every ride, help is always close at hand.
See you in Limoux!
Trev & Marie
Price & booking
Lock in your spot
Per person, double occupancy
July 10–21, 2027: $8,200
CDN + GST · Single room +$1,800 · Travelling solo? Optional roommate pairing available
Getting there
Be available in Toulouse or Carcassonne (easily accessible by plane or train!) by early afternoon on the Saturday your vacation starts.
Questions
Good to know
How do I get there?
Be available in Toulouse or Carcassonne (easily accessible by plane or train!) by early afternoon on the Saturday your vacation starts, and we'll pick you up there. When your vacation is over, we'll get you to the Toulouse airport or the Carcassonne train station that morning: Saturday morning for the 2028 one-week trips, and Wednesday morning, July 21 for the 2027 trip.
Which meals are included?
On every trip, every meal is included except dinner on Wednesday, your off day, and wine and beer are included with meals. On-bike nutrition is included for every ride too.
How much support is there on the road?
Lots. You're fully supported every day by 2 vans and 2 on-the-road guides.
How big are the groups?
Each trip has 10 to 12 guests to keep the experience intimate.
I'm travelling solo. Do I have to pay for a single room?
Not unless you want one. Most rooms at Le Monastère have two beds, so if you'd like, we can pair you with another solo traveller and you pay the regular double-occupancy price. Pairing is completely optional. You can always choose a room to yourself for an additional $1,800 CAD on any trip.
Do I need to be a strong rider?
No. You need to be able to ride safely in a group. These are vacations, not training camps. E-bikes are also available at no extra cost if you'd like a little help on the hills.
Are e-bikes available?
Yes. E-bikes are available at no extra cost. Just let us know when you book.
Do I need to bring a bike?
No. Bike rental is included, so you can use one of our bikes from our fleet at no extra cost, or bring your own. If you bring your own, a fairly recent road bike that fits 30mm or wider tires is ideal. We stay on pavement, but gravel bikes are welcome.
Final balance and refunds
Deposit: Your deposit is non-refundable, but it can be transferred to another Doctrine vacation up to 60 days before your vacation starts. After that, it is no longer refundable or transferable.
Final balance: The full balance is due 60 days before your vacation (for example, May 11, 2027 for the July 10–21, 2027 trip).
Between 60 and 30 days out: Your balance can be transferred to another Doctrine vacation.
Within 30 days: Your vacation is fully non-refundable and non-transferable (for example, from June 10, 2027 for the July 10–21, 2027 trip).
How do I hold my spot?
Fill out the booking form and send a $1,500 CAD per-person deposit by e-Transfer to trev@thedoctrine.ca.
Is massage available?
Yes. We have a resident massage therapist on site and available for the length of both vacations. Massage isn't included in the base price, so sessions are booked and paid for separately.
Do we ride the Tour de France route?
Not the race route itself. On July 18 and July 20 (July 10–21 trip only) we'll still ride, but the days are centered around the Tour: we take you to the roadside to watch Stage 15 (Rodez → Albi) and the Stage 16 time trial in Toulouse as the pros race by.
Do I need travel insurance?
We recommend you purchase travel and medical insurance for your vacation with us. It protects you if plans change, and covers you for medical care while you're away from home.
Questions?
We're happy to help
Not sure which trip is right for you, or want to know more before you book? Send us an email and we'll get back to you.
Email trev@thedoctrine.caJoin us in France in 2027 or 2028.
Only 10 spots per trip. Fill out the booking form, send your deposit, and start dreaming about the Pyrenees.
Book Your Spot