Languedoc – a voyage of discovery
The Languedoc is a land of startling contrasts. From its flat coastal plain which is the largest wine producing area of France, the region stretches inland to the Black Mountains (Montagne Noire), and to the west until it meets the Pyrénées. In the east, the spectacular country of canyons and cliffs stretches onto the lonely plateau of the Cevennes, and from there to the River Rhône. The Mediterranean washes miles of white sandy beaches from the Rhone delta to the Spanish frontier. Between these borders sit the rugged hinterlands of the Corbières and Minervois.
Languedoc was in the early middle ages the historic home to the Cathars, a religious sect who rejected the pomp of the Catholic church, and who were persecuted to extinction as a result. The Cathars left a legacy of fortresses in the Pyrénéen foothills and the Montagne Noire that today are some of the most romantic ruins in Europe!
Another man-made feature of the Languedoc that has to be mentioned is the engineering feat of the Canal du Midi, built in the eighteenth century to carry goods from the Mediterranean at Sète to the river Garonne at Toulouse, from where they would be transported to the Atlantic coast at Bordeaux. Tranquil and tree-lined, it meanders across the Languedoc plain and into the hills.
Fish and shellfish feature strongly in the cuisine of the coastal region, with spanish influences being felt from the proximity of the border. Further inland the food is heartier, with specialities such as cassoulet and game dishes.
The wines of the Languedoc are diverse, as befits the worlds largest continuous wine growing region, with reds from the Faugeres and Minervois regions, the whites of Picpoul de Pinet and others from the coastal plain which provide a perfect accompaniment to shellfish dishes, and the sparkling wines of Limoux; these are but a small selection of what the area has to offer.
The cycling is as varied as the terrain, with moderate pedalling along the valley of the River Gardon, but challenging countryside in the more mountainous terrain of the Haut-Languedoc and its Cevennes National Park, and then easy cycling as we appreciate the wineries of the coastal plain. The tour involves a moderate amount of climbing, including a couple of cols or mountain passes, and is ideal for those with some cycling experience. Our bike tour will show you all of the diverse aspects of this fascinating region.
Tour highlights
- The dramatic gorge of the Cirque de Navacelles
- The stunning caverns of the Grotte des Demoiselles
- Wine tasting at our château-hotel’s own winery
- Stay in a 12th century convent and a 18th century château
Transfers
- TGV/train to Avignon
- Ryanair to Nimes
- return to Beziers railway station
Fitness levels
Day 1
We transfer from Avignon TGV station to our hotel which is in the heart of the medieval city of Uzès. Often overlooked by tourists, Uzès is marvellously preserved but retains the heart of a real working community. Early arrivals may choose to take an excursion to the incredible Roman Pont du Gard about 12km away. Otherwise just take in the atmosphere of the traffic-free old town, stopping for a coffee or pastis at a café in the market square.
Our first evening will be spent in our hotel's superb restaurant, enjoying the cuisine for which the city is famous.
Day 2
Waterfall, St-Laurent-des-Mines
We set out west through gently undulating fields of vines and sunflowers, descending gently to the valley of the River Gardon. Our next port of call is the hilltop village of Vézénobres. The medieval cite includes several unique buildings including the Chateau de Thoiras which is now the village town hall. The town is also a great stop for lunch.
In the afternoon we cross the Gardon and continue to the historic town of Anduze. Inhabited since megalithic times, subsequently occupied by the Gauls and then the Romans, in the 12th Century it was the most powerful town in the Languedoc. It was the centre of Protestant revolt in the 17th century. After a coffee stop in the old town we visit the Bambousaraie de Prafrance, a marvelous collection of exotic plants set in hectares of bamboo groves.
Our final destination today is the village of Tornac, 5m from Anduze and overlooked by the Chateau de Tornac. At our delightful hotel we will dine at the gourmet restaurant, a foodie destination for the whole region.
Daily Distance 64km / 40 miles , vertical elevation 650m / 2,050ft
Day 3
Grotte des Demoiselles
Our second full day of riding takes us westwards to the village of Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort on the banks of the River Vidourle. In the village, which is ideally placed for a coffee stop, keep a lookout for the fountains and sundials which abound in the village.
Continuing, we arrive in the village of St-Bauzillé-du-Putois where there is a fantastic restaurant for lunch, before visiting the Grotte des Demoiselles. This massive cavern, with its enormous stalactite and stalagmite formations, is visited by an underground funicular railway.
Back on the road, a short ride brings us to the market town of Ganges, home to our hotel at the head of the Vis valley. An optional side trip will take in some thrilling white-water kayaking on the Vis. Dinner tonight is at a charming restaurant in the nearby village of Brissac.
Daily Distance 60km / 37 miles , vertical elevation 600m / 1,950ft
Day 4
Picnic by the Lac du Salagou
Up bright and early because there is a longer day in the saddle today. We head west climbing up the Vis Valley and then take a side-trip to the heart-stopping vista of the Cirque de Navacelles. What was a loop of the river Vis has joined up with itself to leave a hill in the centre. The village of Navacelles huddles at the foot of the hill in a gorge that is over 300m deep. After crossing the plateau there follows one of the most breathtaking descents as we freewheel down over 15km to the town of Lodève.
Glorious countryside is the order for the rest of the day; we finish by descending the valley of the River Orb to the village of Hérépian. Hérépian has a history of bell-making, and we can visit the still working bell foundry. Our hotel is a converted convent, but there is nothing austere about the sumptuous table d'hôte that rewards us for the day's exertions.
Daily Distance 80km / 50 miles , vertical elevation 1,000m / 3,300ft
Day 5
Medieval Pézenas
Today’s ride is a loop, returning to Hérépian in the evening. On the way we continue along the Orb Valley which opens up to provide some of the most sublime views of the whole week. Along the way we stop in the beautiful village of Roquebrune-Sur-Orb, maybe visiting the botanical gardens.
Daily Distance 64km / 40 miles , vertical elevation 700m / 2,200 ft
Day 6
Our last day of riding takes us out of the mountains onto the coastal plain. On the way we visit a winery in one of the many villages. Grenache Carignan, Syrah and Mourvedre are the grape varieties that go to make these highly regarded (by those in the know!) wines.
Hotel Chateau Saint Martin
Continuing through typical Languedocien villages each with their distinctive wrought-iron bell-towers, we come to the historic town of Pézenas. The home of the playwright Molière, the charmingly preserved old quarters feature a Jewish ghetto dating from the 14th Century. All around the town you will see the intricately carved doorways and courtyards of which the town is proud.
Our final stretch of riding is a relaxed affair and brings us to the village of Murviel-les-Béziers, where our Hotel is the old wine making domaine of the Château de Saint-Martin-des-Champs. The château still produces some fabulous wines using unusual grape combinations and we will be welcome to sample the different varieties, and to drink some in earnest at our final dinner.
Daily Distance 70km / 44 miles , vertical elevation 450m / 1,480ft
Day 7
After breakfast we might like to take a dip in the pool or wander the picturesque Chateau grounds. Then exchange addresses with new friends before the short transfer to Béziers station or Montpellier for connections for the onward journey.
2012 Dates & Prices
| Start Date | Price† |
|---|---|
| 06 May | £1675 |
| 20 May | £1675 |
| 23 September | £1675 |
*Prices are per person based on 2 sharing. Single room supplement £450.
†A 5% discount will apply to all bookings of 6 persons or more.
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“Thank you again for all your hard work to ensure our holidays were so spectacular. We will have fond memories for years to come of the friends we met and the great biking through the south of France. We’re already debating which French Cycling tour to take next year!”
Jackie Frend and Bob Bach, Virginia, USA
“Dear Mike,
“Just a note of thanks for a truly terrific holiday in the Languedoc. I appreciated greatly the challenge and when this old body couldn't keep up in the heat, you were so kind to keep me company, keep me going and keep me laughing. I feel I have found a very special part of France, thanks to French Cycling Holidays.”
Derin Altay-Geminiani, New Jersey, USA
Hotel General d’Entraigues, Uzès
A complex of medieval buildings in the pedestrianised medieval centre of Uzès, opposite the spectacular cathedral with its circular windowed tower, the Entraigues has been turned into a delightful 3*hotel. Every room is elegant but different, and other delights include a rooftop swimming pool and restaurant.
Le Ranquet, Tornac (Anduze)
A spectacular ‘destination’ hotel, Le Ranquet consists of chic apartments scattered on the wooded slopes of the grounds, each with its own terrace. The fabulous rooms are complemented by the superb swimming pool, and above all, the Michelin starred restaurant.
Les Norias, Ganges
At the mouth of the Vis valley, Les Norias is a converted eighteenth century watermill ( a ‘noria’ is a watermill-wheel). Now a comfortable 3* hotel it is ideally sited for visiting the village of Ganges and strolling along the Vis and Herault rivers. The hotel has extensive parkland leading down to the river, a lovely setting for a pre dinner aperitif.
Le Couvent d’Hérépian, Hérépian
Converted from a 15th century convent, the hotel is a wonderful oasis of peace and luxury. The enormous rooms have all possible modern facilities but retain the charm of the ancient stonework. The hotel boasts a spa and an outdoor pool, and an excellent restaurant.
Château de Saint-Martin-des-Champs, Murviel-les-Béziers
The 18th century Château is now a charming 3* hotel with a super restaurant – in summer dinner is served on the terrace with sweeping views over the vines. The Chateau is a noted wine-making domaine, and the cellars next door can be visited and the products sampled with dinner!
Our leisure tours
