Tour of Languedoc Region
This cycling trip will take you through all the best places Languedoc has to offer!
Your tour starts in St Guilhem le Desert, a UNESCO world heritage site famous for its cloister and declared as one of the “Most beautiful villages of France”. From there, you will ride on the famous Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, cycling through vineyards and typical villages of the south of France. Don’t miss out on the world renowned Languedoc wines!
You will then cycle along the Canal du Midi. This waterway, also a UNESCO heritage site, links the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. It was built in the 17th century. At the end of this adventure, you will arrive in Carcassonne, famous for its fortified castle. This medieval city with its Gothic cathedral, its narrow streets and of course its castle was restored by Viollet le Duc in the 19th century and is also a UNESCO world heritage site.
This tour will definitely show you the best of Languedoc, and all this in just one week!
During the harvest season, cellar visits and wine tasting are subject to availability and security conditions. During this period, it may be difficult to book these activities. For more information, please contact your travel consultant.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Languedoc
Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights
Level :
or 
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Pre-tour night : (Optional)
We can take care of pre-tour hotel reservations as well
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.Accommodation : Hotel du Palais - "Montpellier"
Day 1 : Arrive in Montpellier
Arrive in Montpellier and we will transfer you to St Guilhem le Desert (UNESCO site #1) to start your bike tour. Installation in nice hotel where you will have an orientation by our staff, and then you can explore this fabulous village. Dinner included; and then after go to the central plaza for cafe or drink of your choice to soak up the ambiance of village dating to the year 804! Dinner included.
Accommodation : Le Guilhaume d'Orange - "St Guilhem le Desert"
Day 2 : St Guilhem le Desert to Villeneuvette
Distance 1 : 28 Miles - 45 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 567 Meters
Take some more time after breakfast to explore this fascinating village before you go out on a nice cycling trip to Villeneuvette. On this cycling itinerary you will travel through rural and quiet countryside with several stops possible in villages along the way. You will ride on the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela in Spain (UNESCO site #2), the resting place of St James (UNESCO site #2) This is also an important wine country, so tasting is very possible. You will pass the Lake of Salagou before you reach Villeneuvette and your charming hotel. This little village is an outdoor place with some famous land formations that remind of the Italian Dolomites! 39km, flat to rolling.
Accommodation : Auberge Val Moureze - "Moureze"
Day 3 : Cycle through Languedoc Wine Region to Béziers
Distance 1 : 32 Miles - 51 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 610 Meters
Another day in the quiet back country of this region of Causse et Cévennes (UNESCO site #3) going to the town of Lignan. From Beziers you drop down onto a plain and can enjoy some flat riding and vineyard country.
Accommodation : Café Hôtel XIX - "Béziers"
Day 4 : Cycle along the Canal du Midi to Siran
Distance 1 : 42 Miles - 67 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 732 Meters
Leaving Lignan after breakfast, you will drop further south and west toward the Canal duMidi (UNESCO site #4). The ride starts out flat before gettingsomewhat rolling. You will pass numerous villages dating from another time. The highlight, and maybe your lunch spot, is Minerve. It’s an old Catharbastion and ranked “one of the most beautiful village of France”. At the end of the ride you are in the village of Siran.
This evening a wine tasting is included in Pepieux at 3km of your arrival in Siran with a local wine maker. You will have the chance of tasting 5 different and delicious wines! This domaine was also awarded "Best Wine of the World" in 2005.
Accommodation : Chateau de Siran - "Siran"
Day 5 : Ride to Carcassonne
Option 1 : 29 Miles - 47 Km
Option 2 : 45 Miles - 73 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 227 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 604 Meters
While you are just a short distance from Carcassonne (UNESCO site #5), the eventual goal for the day, we invite you on a ride along the canal direct into Carcassonne or a longer diversion to Fabrezan and Lagrasse and then dropping back into La Cite where you hotel is situated just outside the fortress walls. ***Please note that if you rent a road bike you will not be cycling on the canal path. Instead you will be on roads nearby. Only the longer route option is possible if you rent a road bike.
Accommodation : Hotel Montmorency - "Carcassonne"
Day 6 : Loop ride around Carcassonne Castle
Option 1 : 27 Miles - 44 Km
Option 2 : 42 Miles - 67 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 671 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 1107 Meters
Bike ride optional today. With all there is to see and do in Carcassonne, we inserted this day to use as you wish. We will include 2 cycling tours, 44km or 67km, over flat terrain to see more of the surroundings but leaving time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site at Carcassonne.
Accommodation : Hotel Montmorency - "Carcassonne"
Day 7 : Departure Day
Departure after breakfast. Trains from Carcassonne possible. Extra nights also possible, please inquire.
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : Pre-tour Night
From private mansions to museums, from lovely little gardens to public squares,the old Montpellier is fascinating. Leave your car in one of the nearby car-parks(rue Foch and rue Pitot) and come and enjoy the city on foot.
Just steps away from the Peyrou Gardens and the place de la canourgue,You will find a building housing the secrets of carefully-planned hospitality. The combination of old stones and modern comfort of its 26cosily-arranged rooms give a very special charm to this little hotel.
Day : 1
Located 30 minutes Montpellier, on the road to Compostelle, hotel and village will enable visitors to discover the southern Romanesque art as well as exceptional nearby natural sites such as the "Clamouse" cave, the gorges of the "Herault" river, the "Infernet" cirque, and more. The hotel allows visitors to spend unforgettable vacations in a unique medieval village: Saint Guilhem le Desert which is a world heritage site by Unesco.
Day : 2
Charming Auberge near the Lake Salagou and 8 km from Clermont l'Herault, this hideaway offers comfort surrounded by nature. 18 rooms are well appointed and the hotel has a restaurant and swimming pool.
Day : 3
In the old city, a completely renovated building, the XIX hotel proposes you 12 superior-quality rooms. Giving onto the square Jean Jaurès, right in the heart of Béziers, you will be plunged into an atmosphere deserving of big cities. Its decoration "art deco" following the styles of the day and its warm colors will transport you in a universe of sweetness and peace.
Day : 4
The Chateau de Siran is a charming hotel on the banks of the Aude and Herault in the heart of Minervois in the Regional Park of Haut Languedoc. The castle is a 16th century country house built on a wall dating from the Middle Ages. The vaulted rooms on the ground floor, high ceilings, wall thickness, the remarkable renaissance sandstone staircase from Aigne, and the remains of the stairs to the walkway are the testimonies of the time.. A heated swimming pool has been installed in the courtyard with Gothic arches, allowing guests to bathe and relax in tranquillity and privacy. Gerard Nadège Blet like to make it a warm and welcoming hotel of charm and hospitality in which to welcome their guests.
Day : 5, 6
The Hotel Montmorency, ideally situated at the foot of the city walls and opposite the entry to the medieval city of Carcassonne, offers the charm of the Middle Ages with contemporary comfort. The hotel is charming and cozy with 20 individually decorated bedrooms. Within tree-lined gardens of half a hectare you will find the heated swimming pool and jacuzzi, perfect for relaxation. There is a private car park for guests as well.
Bikes available for your tour |
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The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure. Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
The SCOTT EA-SUB Active 10 make getting around easier. With comfortable geometry, and ePowered by Bosch with a 400wh battery, those bikes are the ideal touring bike and are ready to provide many kilometers with no worries.
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride. Included with your bike rental : -Helmet -Lock -Hand pump -2 spare tubes -Rear pannier -Toolkit -Tire levers -Patch kit -1 souvenir water bottle -Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Electric assist bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 10 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (135€) 
The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles.
Saddle Bag Containing:
Road bike - Standard
SCOTT ADDICT 20 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (135€) 
The all-new TREK Emonda SLR 7 is the lightest model of the American Brand. Equipped with the Shimano Ultegra Di2 transmission, the gear shift is faster and more precise. Available sizes : XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Road bike - Performance
TREK EMONDA SLR7 - ( or equivalent) with supplement 
An exclusive geometry well adapted to the widest riding public. Our Tandem MTB will accompany you on long excursions or for more sporty rides. Traveling as a pair will become a new way for you to share your passion. Available in size : M, S Included with your bike rental :
Tandem bike - Premium
LAPIERRE TANDEM - ( or equivalent) with supplement |
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The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
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Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.
Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
- Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your stuff during your ride.
- Included with your bike rental :
- Helmet
- Lock
- Hand pump
- 2 spare tubes
- Rear pannier
- Toolkit
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- 1 souvenir water bottle
- Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Accessories
INCLUDED
Roadbook for Discovery allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip: Stages, points of interest, itineraries with interactive guidance, travel documents.
All in offline mode, you download your file before leaving, then you have all the information necessary for your trip. (Phone not provided).
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Click below to see activities per trip version.
Extra activities can change based on the tour dates
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
Option 1: 28 Miles - 45 Km Elevation gain 1 : 567 Meters
Option 1: 32 Miles - 51 Km Elevation gain 1 : 610 Meters
Option 1: 42 Miles - 67 Km Elevation gain 1 : 732 Meters
Option 1: 29 Miles - 47 Km Elevation gain 1 : 227 Meters
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Option 2: 45 Miles - 73 Km Elevation gain 2 : 604 Meters
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Option 1: 27 Miles - 44 Km Elevation gain 1 : 671 Meters
Option 2: 42 Miles - 67 Km Elevation gain 2 : 1107 Meters
Included
- 6 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel, 3 dinners included
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
Guidance Application (phone not provided)
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
Train: From Paris Gare de Lyon to Montpellier St Roch; 3 hours 20min. Tour depart from Montpellier to Paris same, 3hr 20min. Flights to Montpellier possible from many European cities; from Paris Orly 1 hour 15min. Pedals on bikes are flat unless straps/cages are requested. Clipless pedals are not available, but can be installed if you bring them.
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Standard | 1490 € | 250 € | 2170 € |
| Pre-tour Night | ** | ** | ** |
Activities
| Category | Activity | Price |
| Wine tasting | Chateau de Massamier la Mignarde | Included |
Extra activities can change based on the tour dates
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| Guidance Application | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 135 € |
| Premium | 275 € |
| Electric assist bike | |
| Standard | 135 € |
| Tandem Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 40 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Services available
| Services available | |
| Cancelation insurance | 6% |
Blinge
United States
My husband and I did this self guided cycle tour. I can not recommend this tour highly enough. The bikes were in perfect condition. Extremely well maintained. The maps and GPS provided made for easy navigation - we did however get lost once. The cycling was sensational. Discover France had obviously put a lot of thought into the routes chosen to avoid main roads and show case the amazing scenery. Accommodation provided was perfect (even stayed in Chateaus). The food variety and quality available was exceptional. We generally ate where we were staying if they had a restaurant in house. At Carcassonne we ate at the Michelin star restaurant in the old town. This was fantastic food and outstanding value. On a personal note I had a day where I "hit the wall" and couldn't continue cycling for fear of fainting. We were in the middle of nowhere and it was 39 degrees.. I rang Discover France and they had us and our bikes picked up within 30 minutes and took us to our accommodation. Now that is service!
United States
We had some terrific rides on this tour. The most notable being the third day of riding with a stop at Minerve. The scenery was incredible. The first two days also had some great vistas. We took the time to explore the first night's village of St. Guilhume le Desert. Worth the time. We also stopped and walked the cave at Clamuse. The vineyards on the hillsides and in the valley were treats to cycle through. We enjoyed exploring the villages in which we stayed such as Villeneuvette and Siran. The accommodations were all adequate with a couple highlights with the Chateaus in Lignan sur Orb and Siran. La Source in Villeneuvette was also charming. The staff at all the accommodations were all very helpful and friendly. The included meals were lovely.
United States
We had a great experience and the weather co-operated making the trip that much more enjoyable/memorable. Everyone (as in all the hotels) was great throughout except the Hotel Cortie in Thuir, which was not comparable to any of the other hotels we stayed at.
United States
We are enjoying this cycle trip very much.
Canada
The ride couldn't have gone any better, thank you!! The routes you set out for us each day were amazingly beautiful and varied! Our accommodation was wonderfully comfortable and again so delightfully varied and unique. The meals you provided were each a scrumptious experience! Thank you again for a first class experience. I would definitely book with your company again and I look forward to sharing my experience with friends.
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions