Canyon and Valley of the Hérault River in outstanding hotels.
The region of the Languedoc is a real insider's tip! You start your bike holidays in one of the most beautiful towns of France, Montpellier. Then you cycle on through the Garrigue, the Mediterranean scrubland, with its scented thyme and rosemary. After Gignac and Aniane you reach the canyon of the Hérault River, which leads you to one of the oldest villages of France, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. The roman abbey is a UNESCO world heritage site. Through huge vineyards you cycle on to Clermont-l’Hérault. After having a swim in the clear waters of ‚Lac du Salagou’ you ride to the picturesque village of Mourèze and you will discover an amazing landscape of dolomite rocks. In Villeneuvette you can visit the former royal cloth factory, which has existed since 1666. The following day you get to Pézenas, where Molière was born, and where he did his theatrical debuts. The buildings of this town are mostly from the 15th and 16th century. The bike tour leads you on to the Mediterranean Sea and the Greek town of Agde before you return to Montpellier by train. Visit the museum ‚Musée Fabre’ with its rich collection of paintings.
Day 1: Arrival in Montpellier
Montpellier is one of the most beautiful towns in France. You stay in a 3*** hotel in the famous suburb of Antigone.
Day 2: Montpellier - Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, ~42 km
At 9:30am you will meet us at the hotel for your personal briefing. You cycle then through the Garrigue towards Gignac and Aniane and afterwards through the canyons of the Hérault until you reach the picturesque medieval village Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.
Day 3: Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert - Pézenas, ~45/65 km
Visit the village and its abbey (UNESCO world heritage site) and then follow the Herault River southwards. Take a break at the cave stalactites at ‚Grotte de Clamouse’ and cycle on through the vineyards and small villages until you reach Clermont l’Hérault.
Day 4: Pézenas - Valmagne Abbey & oysters in Mèze - Pézenas, ~45 km
From your hotel you will ride eastwards and after about 10 kilometers you’ll come to the town Villeveyrac and then to the ‚Valmagne Abbaye‘. This former monastery of the Cistercian Order were confiscated and sold by the state after the French Revolution so that it became a wine cellar, which it is still today. And as it is open to the public you can visit the very well preserved cloister and make some wine tasting, too. Afterwards you cycle on to Mèze, a small and lovely town on the banks of the Etang the Thau. This lagoon is famous for its oysters and so in Mèze there are lots of small and cozy restaurants where you can try them…it’s so delicious.
Day 5: Loop tour through vineyards towards Faugères, ~40-56 km
On this stage you will ride to the northwest to a lake. To your right you can see the first hills of the Cevennes Mountains. On small roads without much traffic you cycle through a gently hilly landscape that is marked by enormous vineyards and sleepy little villages. Take your time and make a wine tasting in one of the ‘Cave Cooperative’ along your way. And why not buying a bottle for a cozy picnic in the heart of all these beautiful landscapes.
Day 6: Pézenas - Agde or Sète - Montpellier, ~20 or 50 km
On small roads you cycle along famous white wine vineyards to Agde, which once was founded as a Greek colony. After visiting the old town with its Romanesque fortified church, made of basalt stone you take the train back to Montpellier where you should visit the historical center with the oldest faculty of medicine in France, and the square around the opera house with its nice cafes and bistros. You can also continue cycling to Sète and take the train there.
Day 7: Individual departure or extra nights
