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, ~40 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 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, ~35-57 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