Multi-activity trip in the Languedoc
A beautiful week by bike, on foot or on the water to discover on the first part the Passa Païs in the Natural Park of the Haut Languedoc. Then join the site (classified UNESCO) of Salagou and discover all its richness. Finish your cycling trip on the Mediterranean coast on the banks of the Thau Lagoon and then in Sète. A small glass of white wine, oysters, magnificent landscapes, isn’t this what we call happiness?
- Haut-Languedoc
- 8 day(s)
- Moderate
- ~ 31 km/day
- Itinerant
A week by bike from the Haut Languedoc Natural Park to the Mediterranean coast.
The construction of a cycling trip is often similar to a good recipe. Different authentic ingredients rigorously selected, a good method, it often gives an excellent result to share with family or friends. For your cycling trip from the high Languedoc to the sea, the ingredients are: A breathtaking diversity of landscapes. A first part 100% secured on the Passa Païs cycle path and then on secondary roads through vineyards, olive trees and scenic villages. UNESCO classified sites like the Grand site du Salagou. A cultural stage in the medieval town of Pézenas. All this sprinkled with différent riding way (on foot, by canoe and of course by bike). It’s ready, bon apétit !
Program
- 24 km
- + 250 m
From Mazamet, the Bike path of the Passa Païs offers you a landscape full of greenery and calm. You are in the valley of Thoré, at the foot of the Black Mountain, ideal to recharge your batteries.
You will take the path of the old railroad, connecting Mazamet to Bédarieux and you will penetrate a set of oaks and ash trees, which will offer you freshness and intimacy.
On about 25km, you will cross multiple tunnels, more or less long, lighting up on your way and you will cross many points fitted out to take a break.
Regularly, you will find on your way bridges, opening windows of light on the surrounding massifs, to benefit at most from the nature which surrounds you.
You will go along some villages in which you will be able to stop to discover places like the departmental museum of Textile in Labastide Rouairoux, a privileged witness of the region’s industrial past.
The track has a stabilized surface and a very soft profile.
- 33 km
- + 250 m
You will leave behind the Montagne Noire and enter the Jaur valley.
The Passa Païs will then offer you new landscapes, transition between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean climate.
From Saint Pons de Thomières to Mons la Trivialle,you will discover the medieval village of Olargues offering you a relief of schist and a vegetation of scrubland.
- 12 km
- + 700 m
Since 1993, Les Gorges d'Héric, as well as a large part of the Caroux massif, have been a classified site.
Stroll along the stream to discover the many waterfalls and chasms.
- 43 km
- + 436 m
You will continue your trip on the Passa Païs in the direction of Poujols sur Orb, a pretty little village at the foot of the Caroux and Espinouse massifs.
This stage offers you an open scenery composed of chestnut trees, low shrubs of scrubland and multiple flowers.
The path is gentle and lets you appreciate the beauty of the wild nature of the Haut Languedoc.
The more you advance on the path, the more the scenery becomes red, typical color of the land of the Salagou site.
But before you get there, you head towards the village of Mourèze, famous for its dolomitic cirque and its white rocks.
- 24 km
- + 450 m
You leave from Mourèze to discover the splendor of the Salagou lake and its grandiose scenery.
Its red earth and green mountains will simply allow you to escape. With its hilly landscape and fire-colored soil, you will be sure to be disoriented and will not want to leave this place.
You will also be able to take advantage of the many water activities offered on the lake. The second part of the route is beautiful but very hilly through the vineyards of Mount Liausson. You are free to choose the easy way back to Mourèze by the same way in.
- 26 km
- + 218 m
You leave Mourèze to go down towards the Mediterranean and the scenery starts to change.
The olive trees make their appearance and you are surrounded by vineyards.
At the end of the stage, you will arrive in Pézenas, emblematic city of the Hérault, known for its culinary specialties, its historical city center of the Middle Ages, its paved streets and its flea markets. City of Molière and Bobby Lapointe, Pézenas has a thousand stories to tell. On the first Sunday of May and the second Sunday of October, it is the "Grand Déballage", an antique fair that stretches over nearly a kilometer. More than 200 professional exhibitors are present all day long.
- 44 km
- + 200 m
It is high time to reach the big blue! On your way today: Local gastronomy and coastline.
The first part of the stage allows you to enjoy the vineyards of Languedoc. Among the most famous appellations of the region, cross Pinet and its emblematic dry white wine. Then head south! The Thau Lagoon can be approached from the town of Mèze.
The bike path around the Thau Lagoon is very pleasant and safe. You enter Sète through the historic fisherman’s quarter of the Pointe courte. The city of water and light is well worth your time before heading off to new adventures. Go to its large sandy beaches to relax after your stay.
Before leaving, don’t forget the tielle Sétoise (delicious local specialty).
Accommodation
Information
Start of the trip
As the first day is a non-biking day, you’ll arrive at your leisure, depending on your route. Please note that rooms are usually available by mid-afternoon, depending on your accommodation. Please let us know if you are arriving late.vsYour first day is a cycling stage.
To get to the departure point
By plane: flight to Toulouse, then TER train to Mazamet. Or flight from paris to Castres and then taxi to Mazamet
By train: TGV, Intercity and regional train to Toulouse, then TER to Mazamet. Travel time from Toulouse is estimated at 1h45. To plan your trip, https://www.thetrainline.com/
Parking
If you drive to Mazamet, you can park your car at out local bike partner
To find parking: https://www.parkopedia.com/
Returning to the starting point
TER or Intercités train between Sète and Toulouse then TER between Toulouse and Mazamet.
All practical information will be provided to you in your travel documents.
- Haut-Languedoc
- 8 day(s)
- Moderate
- ~ 31 km/day
- Itinerant
Tried and tested stays!
- Experience15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
- Tested & ApprovedThe whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
- Quality of serviceA dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
- Secure paymentIndividual or fractional payment by secure means via our website
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- Haut-Languedoc
- Moderate
- ~ 31 km/day
- Itinerant