Cycling weekend between Montpellier and Sète
"Garrigue", vineyards, lagoons and sea... The varied landscapes of the Hérault region unfold before your eyes during this three-day cycling weekend starting from Montpellier. Cycle around the Thau lagoon and enjoy both the inland countryside and the Mediterranean beaches.
- Haut-Languedoc
- 3 day(s)
- Fairly easy
- ~ 46 km/day
- Loop
Cycle between land and sea, around the Thau lagoon
Leave Montpellier via a safe cycle path through vineyards, orchards and residential areas. A detour through the villages of Cournonterral and Cournonsec will give you the opportunity to get off your bike for a short break. Once you arrive at the spa town of Balaruc, you will reach the Thau lagoon. Famous for its oyster farms, its waters are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna that will delight cyclists. You will follow its shores to Sète, the Venice of Languedoc, with its fishing port and numerous canals. The south shore, populated by pink flamingos, white horses and black bulls, will remind you of the Camargue. A final stop in one of the many coastal villages will allow you to take a swim before returning to Montpellier via a charming cycle path.
Program
- 52 km
- + 196 m
Starting from Montpellier, the cycle route to Mèze invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of the Mediterranean. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and follow a perfectly maintained cycle path, accompanied by the scent of pine trees and aromatic plants. The road leads to Balaruc-les-Bains, a renowned spa resort nestled on the banks of the Thau lagoon. Here, the waters sparkle and the view opens up to a horizon where sky and lagoon merge. After a break to admire the panorama, you cycle along the shores of the lagoon, dotted with small beaches and fishermen's huts. The route ends in Mèze, a charming fishing port, where sampling a few fresh oysters as the sun sets is the most delicious of rewards.
- 37 km
- + 107 m
From Mèze to Sète, the cycling route runs along the Thau Lagoon, offering stunning views of its shimmering waters and oyster farms. The ride, mostly flat and pleasant, follows coastal paths and quiet country roads, with Mont Saint-Clair growing closer with each pedal stroke. Upon reaching Sète, the “Venice of Languedoc,” you are welcomed by its canals, lively port, and the salty scent of the sea.
Step inside the two-hundred-year-old vermouth house and discover the history of the first French vermouth. 45min guided tour, starting at 10.45 am. Please note the tour is available in French only during low season.
- 0,00 € (Visite découverte 45min (18+))
- 0,00 € (Enfant)
- 51 km
- + 74 m
Today's itinerary includes miles of beaches, ponds and, to top it all off, a magnificent cathedral! You leave the Venice of Languedoc along the Rhône Canal in Sète to reach the lagoon. Before entering the village of Vic-la Gardiole and the Gardiole massif, you can follow the canal in the middle of the lagoon (gravel recommended), an option that shortens your stage by a few kilometres, but which is not paved. The two routes meet at the superb Maguelone Cathedral, overlooking the waters and surrounded by vineyards. From Palavas-les-Flots, a former fishing village, your route continues along the Lez. Cycle peacefully while enjoying the panoramic views of the lakes, flamingos, horses... The cycle path then takes you directly to Montpellier, a lively city with so much to offer!
Accommodation Cyclist-friendly
Information
Start of the trip
Your first day is a cycling stage. Your bikes will be available from 9 am at the shop (near St Roch train station). If you have chosen the luggage transport option, you must drop them off at the bike shop at 9 am.
Getting to the starting point
By plane: Fly to Montpellier. A shuttle bus will take you to the city center in approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
By train: Go to Montpellier train station (St-Roch or Sud de France), then take the tram directly to the city center. To plan your trip: www.thetrainline.com/
Parking
If you are coming by car, be aware that parking in Montpellier is quite difficult and expensive. It is best to park outside the city center in a secure parking lot and take public transport. To find parking spots: www.parkopedia.com/
- Haut-Languedoc
- 3 day(s)
- Fairly easy
- ~ 46 km/day
- Loop
Tried and tested Trips!
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Experience15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
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Tested & ApprovedThe whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
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Quality of serviceA dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
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Secure paymentIndividual or fractional payment by secure means via our website
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- Haut-Languedoc
- Fairly easy
- ~ 46 km/day
- Loop