On Saturday 18 April 2026, a convivial bike loop through the Lauragais region will take place starting from Castelnaudary, France. Open to everyone, this day-long event invites participants to explore local agricultural landscapes, discover regional food products, and discuss the importance of agrobiodiversity and local food systems.

This activity is organised by the INRAE Occitanie as part of the DIVINFOOD research project, which aims to promote cultivated biodiversity through short and medium food supply chains, in collaboration with local organisations and community groups.

A day cycling through the Lauragais terroir

The bike loop will start at 9:30 am in front of the Païs’en Bio shop in Castelnaudary, located only 500 metres from the train station, making the event easily accessible by rail.

The day will begin with a welcome coffee offered to participants, followed by the departure of the cycling groups. The route will cover approximately 40 kilometres, mostly on small roads and sections of the towpaths along the Canal du Midi.

Several stops will be organised along the route to visit local food and farming initiatives, meet producers and stakeholders, and discuss topics such as:

• local and diversified food production
• the value of regional products and terroir
• cultivated biodiversity
• short food supply chains and territorial food systems

Participants will ride in small groups, depending on the number of attendees, to allow time for visits and exchanges.

A picnic with local products

Participants are invited to bring snacks and something for a picnic lunch. During the ride, stops will be made at places where participants can buy or complement their picnic with local products, such as producer shops or bakeries.

It is recommended to bring bike panniers or a small backpack to carry these products.

Practical information

Date: Saturday, 18 April 2026

Time: approximately 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

Starting point: Païs’en Bio shop, Castelnaudary (France)

Distance: about 40 km

Participation: free of charge (registration required)

Participants should come with a bicycle in good condition and suitable cycling equipment, including a helmet, water, snacks and weather-appropriate clothing.

Electric bikes (e-bikes) are welcome, provided batteries are fully charged before departure.

The organisers will also bring basic repair equipment in case of minor mechanical issues.

At the end of the day, the group will gather in a social venue in the town of Castelnaudary for those who still have the energy to continue the discussion and enjoy a convivial moment.

A few days before the event, registered participants will receive additional information by email.

Part of a citizen consultation process

This cycling activity will also serve as the first step in a series of three citizen consultation activities organised within the DIVINFOOD project. Additional sessions are scheduled for 29 April and later in May (details are available in the registration form).

Registration

Participation is free, but registration is mandatory through the link below so that the organisers can prepare the visits and adapt the cycling groups to the number of participants.