Joining the Haut-Garonne Pyrenees

What about soft mobility in the Haut-Garonne Pyrenees?

Want to get some fresh air without taking the car? The Haut-Garonne Pyrenees are an ideal destination for a stress-free getaway. Thanks to the train, you can leave Toulouse and soon find yourself at the foot of the mountains, sitting back and enjoying the scenery as it passes between Volvestre, Comminges and the Haut-Garonnais Pyrenees. No need to drive, no traffic jams, just the pleasure of starting your holiday right from the start. Once you’re there, there’s everything you need to keep the adventure going smoothly: shuttles from the stations, Lio buses to take you from one village to the next, cable cars to the summits, cycling routes for leisurely or sporty strolls, and signposted footpaths for walking. It’s a different way of travelling, simpler, more relaxing, and above all more respectful of the environment. By leaving the car behind, you can rediscover the pleasure of taking your time, stopping to admire a panorama, chat with the locals or savour a local product. In these authentic, welcoming valleys, every moment becomes a real break, far from the hassles of everyday life.

Why come without a car?

Easy access from Toulouse and beyond

Coming to the Haut-Garonne Pyrenees without a car is not only possible, it’s also very simple. From Toulouse, the train line provides easy access to Montréjeau – Gourdan-Polignan, at the gateway to the mountains. In the near future, the reopening of the line to Luchon will provide direct access to the heart of the valley. Regular connections are also available from other major cities such as Bordeaux and Pau. Once you arrive at the station, shuttle buses and local transport take over to take you to the villages, accommodation or hiking starting points.

A gentler, truer experience

Travelling without a car means slowing down the pace and taking full advantage of the experience. No more traffic jams or searching for parking spaces: here, you take your time. The train becomes the first stage of your journey, a soothing transition between the city and nature. By choosing soft mobility, you’re also helping to preserve these exceptional landscapes. Less CO₂, more breathing space: a small gesture for the planet, a big step towards more respectful tourism.

Well-thought-out local alternatives

Once on site, there’s no need for a car to explore the valleys. Shuttle buses serve the main villages, ski resorts, spa resorts and points of interest. Many accommodations are accessible on foot or by bike, sometimes with luggage storage or bag transfer services. Bikes are available for hire (electric or otherwise), with or without trailers for families. Maps, apps, local information: everything is provided to help you enjoy a smooth, comfortable and stress-free stay.

The train as a gateway

What if your holidays started as soon as you got on the train? From Toulouse, it’s easy to reach the Haut-Garonne Pyrenees. The Toulouse – Montréjeau – Gourdan-Polignan – Luchon line takes you to the foot of the mountain in just over 1? hours. From there, regular shuttle buses take you to the valleys, resorts and villages. The Crémaillère Express takes you up to the Luchon-Superbagnères station in just 8 minutes.

Practical information

  • Timetable: several departures a day from Toulouse.
  • Fares: low-price tickets with the liO card or TER Occitanie offers.
  • Bookings: via ter.sncf.com/occitanie, on the SNCF Connect app, or at the station.
  • Local shuttles: links to the villages, Luchon and hiking trails accessible from the various stations.

Travel tips

    • Take your bike with you: trains accept bicycles free of charge, subject to availability.

Choosing the right station:

→ Montréjeau – Gourdan-Polignan
→ Loures-Barousse
→ Saléchan-Siradan
→ Marignac-Saint-Béat-Lez
→ Luchon

Travel light: some accommodation offers luggage transport or the loan of equipment on site.

By bus or carpool: flexible, user-friendly options

In addition to the train, there are regular bus services to the Haut-Garonne Pyrenees from the stations or directly from Toulouse. The liO bus network provides several daily connections between Montréjeau and Luchon, towards Les on the border of the Val d’Aran, with stops in the villages served. These coaches are comfortable, accessible to travellers with luggage, and sometimes equipped to carry bicycles.

Car-sharing is also a very popular way of getting to the mountains at a lower cost, while doing something for the environment. Platforms such as Blablacar, Mov’Ici and even liO covoiturage offer regular journeys to Luchon, Saint-Béat and the surrounding area. And locally, some accommodation and tourist offices put travellers in touch with each other to share journeys to hikes, markets or activities.

Explore without a car: our ideas for breaks

What if your holiday started at the station? In the Haut-Garonne Pyrenees, you don’t need a car to enjoy a real adventure. Thanks to the train that now links Toulouse to Luchon via Montréjeau, it’s easier than ever to get to the mountains without stress. Here are three ideas for holidays that are 100% accessible by soft mobility, with maps, stages, accommodation and links included.

🎿 3 days skiing in Luchon-Superbagnères, without a car

Board the train from Toulouse and get off directly at Luchon, in the heart of the valley. From the station, the Crémaillère Express gondola is just a few steps away, taking you to the Luchon-Superbagnères slopes in just a few minutes. Nearby accommodation, equipment hire, restaurants and thermal baths. Ideal for a snow holiday with no worries about parking or snow chains.

🥾 Itinerant hike with return by train

Set off on foot from a station for a 2 to 5-day hike between valleys and ridges, passing through typical villages and breathtaking scenery. Sleep in a gîte or refuge, then finish your itinerary near another station to catch the train back home.

🚲 Cycling weekend between villages and markets

Arrive by train at Marignac, Luchon or Saint-Béat, hire a bike (classic or electric), and set off to explore the Garonne valley at your own pace. Between country roads, gourmet stops and local markets, every pedal stroke is a discovery. A wide range of accommodation is available for cyclists, with garage parking, a sports breakfast and even a picnic hamper.

FAQ

🚲 Can I bring my bike on the train?
Yes! TER Occitanie trains accept bicycles free of charge, subject to availability. Remember to arrive a little early, especially during busy periods.

🏡 Is there accommodation within walking distance of the stations?
Yes, a lot of accommodation is less than 10-15 minutes’ walk from Luchon, Marignac or Saint-Béat train stations. Some even offer a shuttle or transfer service.

Pyrénées 31 | All rights reserved | Legal notice | Privacy policy