Cycling Collection by Vincent Reboul
4
days
3-5 h
/ day
266 km
3,570 m
3,560 m
In the south of France, between Perpignan and Montpellier, this Collection of 266 kilometers offers a four-day escape in the hinterland, a stone's throw from the Mediterranean Sea. This loop starting from the town of Béziers is very diverse. It allows you to discover the southern part of the Haut-Languedoc regional natural park. The Caroux massif, the Montagne Noire, the gorges of the Orb and Héric, as well as the abbey of Fontcaude are the highlights of this adventure. Located in the departments of Hérault and Tarn, the regional park created in 1973 covers 307,183 hectares. It embraces a part of Occitania which is located on the foothills of the Massif Central.
The differences in climates and vegetation are notable. You will be surprised to see how quickly you move from one environment to another. The Caroux and its impressive karstic gorges succeed the Mediterranean plains. The well-maintained cycle paths along the rivers give way to small mountain roads free of traffic. The route allows you to discover a medium-sized town, rich in history, such as Béziers but also villages classified among the most beautiful in France such as Roquebrun, Vieussan or Minerve.
This route is perfect for those who, in the heart of summer, are looking for a little freshness, without moving too far from the big blue. Another advantage, and not the least, due to its location in the south of France, this course can be done in any season. In winter, don't forget to dress warmly. In the summer season, cream and sun protection are mandatory.
Its slope, in other words, its elevation, reserves this route for people with experience in this field. You can travel it by road bike or on a touring bike equipped for bikepacking or with more classic panniers. The end of each stage offers many accommodation possibilities, whether in a gîte, under a tent in a campsite or in a small hotel. Eclecticism is also on the agenda. Béziers is very well served by many trains that accept bikes in a cover or not. It is therefore quite logical that this adventure starts from the station of this city.
Enjoy your discovery!
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Last updated: November 25, 2024
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
03:55
59.7km
15.3km/h
540m
370m
Béziers, border town between the Mediterranean Sea and Haut-Languedoc welcomes you. Before setting off on your adventure, take the time to discover the Paul-Riquet avenues which face the city's theater. Every Friday a very beautiful flower market takes place here. Every Thursday during the summer, cultural…
05:56
79.8km
13.5km/h
1,380m
730m
This second stage takes place in two distinct parts. The first section consists of a long warm-up of 60 kilometers carried out on flat terrain.
From Mons, this old railway line, converted into a cycle path, takes you to Mazamet. Old stations converted into cafes and restaurants as well as numerous tunnels…
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
04:22
59.3km
13.6km/h
1,110m
1,760m
I particularly like this third stage, because it is punctuated by unknown passes. The small deserted roads evolve into the forest. They are particularly beautiful with their numerous laces. In the end, despite some notable difficulties, at the end of the day you will have made more descents than climbs…
04:01
66.7km
16.6km/h
550m
700m
This last step is very balanced. Made up of small, still pretty roads that wind through the mountain, it lets you discover the south-eastern part of the Haut-Languedoc regional natural park. The first part of the route passes through the village of Cruzy. Don't miss its museum which houses a large collection…
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