Chein-Dessus offers several ways to enjoy an active stay: a hiking trail at Col de Larrieu, two mountain bike trails of noticeably different lengths, and horse riding options connected with the Central Pyrenees and the Val d’Aran. The village’s heritage also includes a 16th-century marble gallery. When choosing accommodation, you can first consider whether hiking, mountain biking or a horse ride is the main focus of your trip.
Hiking at Col de Larrieu
The “Découverte du Col de Larrieu – N°35” hiking trail is located at Col de Larrieu in Chein-Dessus. The route follows a forest track and offers views of the surrounding countryside, the peaks and the Garonne plain.
The official Arbas–Chein-Dessus–Arbas horse riding trail also crosses Col de Larrieu. The pass is therefore a shared local reference point for two different activities: the hiking trail is at the pass, while the horse riding route crosses it. This distinction is useful when choosing an activity, since the two descriptions do not refer to the same route.
Mountain biking: two trails of different lengths
La Palombière Flow Trail is a blue enduro mountain bike trail with a length of 3 km. Its listed features include banked turns, tables, jumps, a road gap and a natural narrow section. The trail description thus specifies both its length and some of its concrete features.
In August 2026, La Palombière was listed as an official Cagire Garonne Salat loop. A printed Topoguide was available at the visitor reception desks of the tourist offices. If having the printed guide is important for your plans, check its availability in advance with the relevant reception desk.
A second route is called “Découverte des hameaux de la vallée de l’Arbas”. This mountain bike trail is 14,974 metres long. It passes through Arbas, Castelbiague, Chein-Dessus and Montastruc-de-Salies. At just under 15 kilometres, it is almost five times as long as the 3 km La Palombière Flow Trail; the stated lengths alone therefore show a clear difference between the two trails.
Horse riding trails and rides
The official horse riding trail is called Arbas–Chein-Dessus–Arbas. It is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, in the heart of the Central Pyrenees, and can be travelled on horseback or with a donkey. In 2026, Cavalcagire is listed as an equestrian centre in Chein-Dessus and offers horseback rides between the Central Pyrenees and the Val d’Aran in Spain. This means that a named horse riding trail and the rides offered by Cavalcagire are available as distinct options.
Getting there and heritage
The directions to Cavalcagire list exit 20 on the A64, Salies and Mane towards Saint-Girons, followed by continuing towards Arbas. Check the route again before setting off. The 16th-century marble gallery adds a cultural point of interest to the outdoor activities: it is part of Chein-Dessus’s heritage.
Discover more destinations: Colomiers, Castagnac, Vigoulet-Auzil, Nogaret, Cierp-Gaud, Boussens, Montmaurin, Lherm.
For the broader travel overview: Haute-Garonne.
