モーレイハンのおすすめMTBライド

The Montady pond is a former pond, drained during the Middle Ages, located in the western part of the French department of Hérault, between Béziers and Narbonne. Thanks to drainage canals, the water is channeled towards a central collector, which explains the star-shaped layout of the fields and vineyards. This canal system dates back to the 13th century. Sixty drainage ditches converge at the circular ditch, called the Redondel, in the center of the former pond. The water is then carried away by a counter-sloping ditch towards the Capestang pond and through a tunnel under the Ensérune hill and the Malpas tunnel. The tunnel is located at a depth of 29.5 meters below the Malpas pass and 16 meters below the Canal du Midi tunnel. The pond is visible from the Montady tower, a remnant of the former 12th-century castle, and from the top of the hill, the Ensérune oppidum. Heavy rainfall, like that at the end of October 2019, can cause it to reappear. (Wikipedia)

An ideal footbridge for crossing the Orb by bike or on foot. Much more pleasant than the busy road bridge.

With its tree-lined squares, fountains, and narrow streets, Capestang is a lively village with a typical Mediterranean atmosphere. The village is located just twenty kilometers from the sea. Who would suspect, passing through, that its fate was long linked to the harvesting of sea salt? Indeed, the pond that gave it its name, "Lou Cap de l'estang" (meaning "the head of the pond"), brought wealth to the town around the 14th century. Largely dried up today, it is reborn with the rains and floods, creating a protected wetland landscape classified as a Natura 2000 site, where various species of birds and flamingos come to nest. Thanks to its salt marshes, its fertile land, and its geographical location at the crossroads of trade routes, Capestang experienced its golden age in the Middle Ages. From this rich historical past remain unique monuments that make Capestang such a singular city, where life is good.

The road to it has French asphalt. So less suitable for racing bikes.

First possibility to cross the Orb from its mouth (the small ferry at Valras-Plage is only in operation during the summer season).

Here you can get right onto the river. Canoes 🛶 and SUPs are available for rent.

Well-developed path along the Canal du Midi. The surface is OK, sometimes the path is a bit narrow with oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

This oppidum housed an ancient village dating from the 6th century BC. What surprises here is the incredible view of the Montady pond. This former artificial body of water is now dry. It had a rather special irrigation system developed in the 13th century CE. Drainage canals brought water to a central collector. This explains the very particular arrangement of stars observable from this height.