Pirinexus

Pirinexus is a cross-border circular cycling circuit in Catalonia in Spain and Pyrénées-Orientales in France, that connects regions on either side of the eastern edge of the Pyrenees. You will get from alpine valleys in the mountains to costal beaches and through the Toscana-like landscapes of l'Emporda counties.

Understand

The primary section of this cycling journey spans a distance of 350 km (220 mi), complemented by an additional 175 km (109 mi) of supplementary routes offering access to various captivating points of interest along the way. Remarkably, nearly half of these routes meander through picturesque greenways, while the remainder traverses tranquil rural paths and roads characterized by minimal traffic congestion.

This region stands as a veritable paradise boasting an abundance of diverse landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and gastronomic delights. Its geographical location, latitude, and strategic positioning grant it an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, traditions, culinary treasures, and cultural legacies that are unmatched anywhere else in the world.

• 1 Consortium of the Greenways of Girona, Ronda Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 28A, 1r, Girona, ☏ +34 972 48 69 50, info@viesverdes.org. (updated Sep 2023)

Prepare

Elevation profile of Pirinexus route

Gravel bikes are the most suitable choice. Mountain bikes are also ok, and road or cruise bikes are not.

Even during the summer months, have warm clothing on hand for the downhill segments. Waterproof attire can be a wise addition to your gear. When navigating stretches that intersect with main roads, donning a fluorescent waistcoat is recommended to enhance visibility. Equip yourself with reliable lighting gear, as unexpected incidents may potentially disrupt your planned itinerary. It's recommended to use a GPS or similar device. You can get further info and last minute information on the official web Vies Verdes Girona in english, and there are bike shops in Girona where you can rent bikes and buy supplies.

There are some official charging points for e-bikes, however, from Mollo until Castello d'Empuries there aren't any official charging points as of summer of 2023, and you have to look for a plug for your e-bike.

Get in

Pirinexus sign

As its a circular route you can start at any point. However it's recommended to start in Girona. There are many ways to get to the city. See Girona for further details.

By plane

The closest airports are:

• 1 Girona Airport (GRO ^IATA), ☏ +34 972 473 681, +34972 186 675.  
• 2 Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport (PGF ^IATA).  

Also Barcelona airport, as it has many more connections. From Barcelona airport take the train to Sants station and then to Girona.

By railway

The most suitable railway connections to the route are:

• Girona (Spain) - Either high speed trains from Barcelona or from France and regional trains from Barcelona
• Figueres (Spain)- Either high speed trains from Barcelona or from France and regional trains from Barcelona. There is connecting cycle route to Pirinexus.

RENFE, Spanish high speed trains (AVE) do not accept bicycles, unless packed in a box that you must load on the train yourself. Regional trains and Rodalies Girona usually have places for bikes.

Cycle

• 1 Girona This segment goes gently upward following the Ruta del Carrilet d'Olot, passing Amer until 2 Coll d'en Bas, and then descends to Sant Esteve d'en Bas and Olot. It's 69 km (43 mi) long with a 300 m (980 ft) elevation gain.
• 2 Olot This segment is a challenging one. you has to climb 3 Coll de Santigosa on a low traffic road , and then descend to 4 Sant joan de les abadesses and climb again until Mollo which is at 1,000 m (3,300 ft) over sea level. It's 46 km (29 mi) long.
• 3 Molló This is the final climb to cross the Pyrenees through the 5 Coll d'Ares , where you cross into France. From there you descend to Ceret. It's 55 km (34 mi) long.
• 4 Céret Head to 6 Coll de Panissars (361 m) to cross the Pryrenees back to Spain. The descent from coll de panissars is quite technical. You start following the Eurovelo-route 8 which is coincident with Pirinexus until sant feliu de guixols. 52 km (32 mi)
• 5 Peralada From Perelada you follow towards the sea. run across the Roman ruins of Empuries. The final segment follows the "Via verda del Tren Petit" 76 km (47 mi) near flat. It runs through Castelló d'Empúries, Sant Pere Pescador, L'Escala and Torroella de Montgrí
• 6 Palamós The segment until Sant Feliu de Guixols can have a lot of traffic in summer. From there, you follow again the "ruta del carrilet d'Olot" back to Girona. 53 km (33 mi). It runs through Platja d'Aro and Sant Feliu de Guíxols