Southern France Vacation

Located in the most southern part of France, the province of Languedoc is an area with scenic landscapes and a beautiful climate. Bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the Pyrenees Mountains to the south, the region provides visitors a lovely variety of landscapes to cycle through.

The South of France with its warm, inviting climate and ancient heritage, offers visitors a combination of relaxation, adventure, and a step back in history. Whether it is riding along the Canal du Midi on the Garonne River, visiting one of the many Cathar castles, the medieval city fortress of Carcassonne, or just relaxing by the Mediterranean Sea while drinking some local Corbieres wine, there truly is something for everyone in Languedoc and southern France.

All
Day
Short Escape
Week

All
Bike
Multisport
Hiking

All
Casual
Hobby
Active
Pro

Through the Grands Causses : from Aumont Aubrac to St Guilhem le Desert

The Way of Saint Guilhemis a pedestrian itinerary that Cap Vélo proposes to you while taking small roads to discover the Aubrac, the Lozerian Causses classified with Unesco the Cevennes and finally Saint Guilhem le Désert, the most beautiful villages of France.

Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights Price from : 1440€
Trip : Self-guided Activity : Hybrid
Level :

Region : Languedoc
Type : On the way Dates : Starts any day

On the Camino de Santiago from Aubrac to Lot

Who hasn't dreamed of doing the Way of Santiago de Compostela... by bike? Cap Vélo offers you an exclusive offer for this stay by taking small roads from Aumont-Aubrac to Cahors.

Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights Price from : 1700€
Trip : Self-guided Activity : Hybrid
Level :

Region : Languedoc
Type : On the way Dates : Starts any day

Passa Païs: The bike path from Bédarieux to Mazamet

The Voie Verte de Passa Païs is located in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Haut Languedoc . It meanders between Bédarieux and Mazamet through small villages, tunnels and sublime bridges.

Duration : 4 Days / 3 Nights Price from : 1150€
Trip : Self-guided Activity : Hybrid
Level :

Region : Languedoc
Type : On the way Dates : Starts any day

Aubrac Loop

Go around the Monts d'Aubrac by bike through small country roads, in the middle of meadows, forests and enjoy the pure air of the Lozère, here is what this bike trip offers you

Duration : 5 Days / 4 Nights Price from : 1750€
Trip : Self-guided Activity : Hybrid
Level :

Region : Massif Central
Type : On the way Dates : Starts any day

Tour of Languedoc Region

5 Comment(s)

Cycle through 5 UNESCO sites in one bike trip in Languedoc! From Montpellier to Carcassonne, your days will be rich with new historically significant highlights such as the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, Canal du Midi and the Cathar Country.

Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights Price from : 1490€
Trip : Self-guided Activity : Hybrid
Level :

Region : Languedoc
Type : On the way Dates : Starts any day

Canal du Midi, from Carcassonne to Sete

1 Comment(s)

This cycling trip in the Languedoc (Occitanie) region takes you on a journey along the Canal du Midi and on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. On your last riding day, a wine tasting and delicious oysters from Sete are included.

Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights Price from : 1290€
Trip : Self-guided Activity : Hybrid
Level :

Region : Languedoc
Type : On the way Dates : Starts any day

Languedoc, Cathar Country

2 Comment(s)

Start in Carcassonne, a UNESCO world heritage site in the South of France. Experience the Cathar Country which was recently made famous by the Da Vinci Code, and finish in the charming village of Collioure by the Mediterranean Sea. This trip is perfect for e-bikes.

Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights Price from : 1190€
Trip : Self-guided Activity : Hybrid
Level :

Region : Languedoc
Type : On the way Dates : Starts any day

Languedoc Wine Tour

1 Comment(s)

Our Languedoc Wine & Cycling Tour exhibits the wonderful natural variety of vineyards in Occitanie (one of the largest wine producing regions in the world). On your way from Toulouse to Montpellier, you will visit charming villages like Revel, Saissac, Capestang and Cournonterral.

Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights Price from : 1690€
Trip : Self-guided Activity : Hybrid
Level :

Region : Languedoc
Type : On the way Dates : Starts any day

Languedoc Bike & Canoe Tour

Discover what the Languedoc region has to offer beyond the beaten track. The adventurous among you will enjoy the added mountain biking, adventure park zipline experience and the canoeing in the Gorges of the Gardon River. Excellent choice for families with bigger kids.

Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights Price from : 1550€
Trip : Self-guided Activity : Hybrid
Level :

Region : Languedoc
Type : On the way Dates : Starts any day

Languedoc Wine and Heritage Tour

3 Comment(s)

This cycling trip is a great alternative, as it explores the less known, but equally fascinating backcountry of Montpellier, including Pic St Loup. You will visit many of the locals favorite places including Roman historical sites of Nîmes.

Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights Price from : 1370€
Trip : Self-guided Activity : Hybrid
Level :

Region : Languedoc
Type : On the way Dates : Starts any day

Canal du midi, from Moissac to Carcassonne

2 Comment(s)

Riding your bike from Moissac to the Mediterranean coast is a peaceful experience. You will cycle along the Garonne river under the century-old trees, visit the "Pink City" of Toulouse before making your way to medieval Carcassonne.

Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights Price from : 1390€
Trip : Self-guided Activity : Hybrid
Level :

Region : Midi Pyrenees
Type : On the way Dates : Starts any day

The most beautiful villages of France

4 Comment(s)

Starting in Gaillac, this cycling trip brings you to Albi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will discover villages officially recognized as Most Beautiful Villages of France including Gaillac, Najac and the Gorges of Averyon.

Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights Price from : 1290€
Trip : Self-guided Activity : Hybrid
Level :

Region : Languedoc
Type : On the way Dates : Starts any day

Tour of Aubrac by bike

Go around the Monts d'Aubrac by bike through small country roads, in the middle of meadows, forests and enjoy the pure air of the Lozère, here is what this bike trip offers you.

Duration : 6 Days / 5 Nights Price from : 1700€
Trip : Self-guided Activity : Hybrid
Level :

Region : Massif Central
Type : On the way Dates : Starts any day

The Lozere Gorges by bike

The Causses are classified in the World Heritage of Unesco, and this bike trip allows you to go around this natural heritage by the Gorges du Tarn and the Jonte. Through small roads.and small villages you will discover the Lozère.

Duration : 5 Days / 4 Nights Price from : 1360€
Trip : Self-guided Activity : Hybrid
Level :

Region : Lozère
Type : On the way Dates : Starts any day

More Self Guided Tours

5 REASONS TO DISCOVER LANGUEDOC

Canal du Midi
The oldest working canal in the world, this amazing work of engineering is considered by UNESCO to be a World Heritage site, and for good reason. During 15 years, from 1666 to 1681, 12 000 workers shoveled this long trench to become a navigated waterway. However, it wasn't long before Louis XVI ran out of money to finance this great project. Its designer, Pierre-Paul Riquet, then gave of his personal fortune to continue. Unfortunately he passed away before he could see his life's master-piece achieved. Opened in 1681, the 204 kilometers of the canal links Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea. Once used for commerce, the canal is now primarily a tourist attraction where visitors can travel along by boat, or by hiking or cycling alongside it. There are also plenty of places along the way to stop and enjoy a leisurely lunch or savor a glass of wine. Connecting the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean, this magnificent feat has been referred to by the UNESCO as “a masterpiece of human creative genius”. It is a must-see attraction for anyone planning a trip to Languedoc.
Carcassonne and its Castle
This fortified city is located on the trade road linking the Mediterranean to the Atlantic and has always been a strategic place. Nowadays it is famous for its medieval fortress – the Cité de Carcassonne – one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was renovated by Viollet-le-Duc in the 18th century and is therefore in remarkable condition. Make sure you see the Narbonne Gate, which defended the entrance to the fortified town and the magnificent basilica of Saint Nazarius and Saint Celsus (St Nazaire and St Celse in French).
Cathar castles
The Cathars were Gnostic Christians and founders of a new religion in the twelfth century called Catharism. They were considered by the Pope to be heretics and were subsequently the targets of a full-scale crusade. The Cathars sought refuge in the South of France in castles and fortresses, many of which were located high atop the hills of Languedoc. They lost their battle and most were put to death for their beliefs, but many of the castles that once protected them still stand today. The castles that are accessible to the public require some hiking to reach, but their magnificent presence is a sight to behold and a visit to one of these giant monuments is a virtual step back in time.
Perpignan
The town of Perpignan is the economic and cultural capital of Roussillon, and a Catalan city. Even though Perpignan is located in the South of France, you will notice the strong influence of Barcelona, capital of the “new” Catalonia. With the architectural refinement of its cathedral, its royal palace, its convents and monasteries, its ramparts and fortifications similar to the Gothic quarter of Barcelona, Perpignan is one of the capitals of Gothic art in the Mediterranean.
Collioure and the Mediterranean coast
Collioure is a lovely resort by the Mediterranean Sea. Many artists such as Matisse have painted the picturesque landscape of this Catalan port. The town was given back to France in 1659, after being annexed to the kingdoms of Aragon and Majorca. Collioure is also a fishing village, famous for its anchovies. Make sure to get some of these salty delicacies at the Societe Roque!

LANGUEDOC FOOD AND WINE

2 500 years ago, the olive trees were brought to southern France by the Greeks. The olive trees of Languedoc grow dry little black olives or juicy big green ones. Olives and olive oil are on all outdoor markets. This region consume 50 000 tons of olive oil per year! Make sure you bring some home.
The gastronomy from the South of France consists of dishes with eggplants or zucchini: Aubergines a la tomate (eggplants with tomatoes), Aubergines aux cepes ( eggplants cooked with mushrooms), Courgettes farci (Stuffed Zucchini) are to name a few. We also find influences from the Catalan culture with Cod, turkey, or chick peas “à la Catalane” - Catalonian Style.

Languedoc also has some great wines with world famous names such as Minervois or Corbieres. The AOC wines of Languedoc covers 120,000 acres of vineyards on the slopes and “garrigues” of the South of France. AOC is a guarantee of the quality of wine and it is the highest French wine qualification.
The region produces red wine, pink or rosé, and white wines. The diversity of soils makes it possible to produce wines of different types, and the differences are carefully maintained, with a constant eye on quality. Among many, we can name:

AOC- Dry wines- Cotes du Roussillon (white, red and rose wine), Collioure (Rose wine)
AOC- Natural Sweet wines- Banyuls Rimage, Maury Traditionnel, Muscat de Rivesaltes.

LANGUEDOC GEOGRAPHY

The Languedoc region in the South of France is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and therefore has always been an extremely important trade route.
It is composed of 5 departments: Lozere, Gard, Herault, Aude, and Pyrenees Orientales and its landscape is varied with farmlands and countryside on one hand, and important cities such as Montpellier, Perpignan, Beziers and Carcassonne on the other; and with vineyards as well as beaches on the coastlines of Languedoc.

Tourism will very soon overtake agriculture as the most important economic activity. The wealth of the natural heritage and history, and the mix between ocean and mountains give Languedoc plenty of options in terms of touristic activities; from water sports to spotting wildlife. Cyclists will also enjoy riding alongside the beautiful water, coastal stretches and quaint fishing villages.

The weather in Languedoc is mild to warm. Temperatures can range from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the spring, 65 to 80 degrees during the summer months, and 55 to 75 degrees in the autumn season. Perfect for a cycling holiday!

LANGUEDOC HISTORY

The archeological and historical heritage is very important in Languedoc, relating from one of the oldest European Man (the Man of Tautavel, 450 000 years old) to Roman and Baroque churches and fortresses.

The population of the Mediterranean Sea arrived on the coast of Languedoc in the VI century BC. They introduced vineyards and olive production. The Phoenicians founded Collioure and Agde. Originally from Minor Asia, the Greeks of Phocee founded Massilia ( Marseille). The Masseliotes (inhabitant of Marseille) took control of Agde and it became an important commercial trade center between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Around 120 BC the Romans conquered this southern region, Narbonne in 118 BC, then Beziers. In 27 BC, the Narbonnaise was created, a province that would correspond to today’s Languedoc.
The Roman history of Languedoc-Roussillon is long and has left some spectacular traces. The names of towns, the Catalan language, the region’s heady wines and olive-oil dishes all testify to the lasting influence of 400 years of occupation.

This is also a region where the “Cathars”, named after the Greek “katharos” or “pure”, fought the Catholic church in the 13th century. It took many decades to exterminate this movement whose followers believed the visible world to be the work of the devil. Nowadays, many impressive fortresses perched on dizzying heights and the ancient villages still bear witness to this lost religion.

The term "Languedoc" appeared in the XIII century to designate all the landmarks where it was said "oc" for "oui"(yes) by opposition of the Northern provinces where the dialect "oil" was spoken. The Occitan language was composed of several dialects: the gascon, the limousin, the auvergnat, the provencal, and the languedocien. In 1919, the Escola occitana school was created and in 1945 the Institut of Occitana studies to keep the language alive. It is indeed a national treasure as it holds 160,000 words versus 30,000 in French!

Bot scann is mandatory

* Required field

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

Canal du Midi

Carcassonne and its Castle

Cathar castles

Perpignan

Collioure and the Mediterranean coast

LANGUEDOC FOOD AND WINE

LANGUEDOC GEOGRAPHY

LANGUEDOC HISTORY