Languedoc Wine and Heritage Tour

Discover sunny Languedoc on a fabulous route that takes you off the beaten tourist path. On this tour we take you directly into the South of France ‘s countryside to the charming village of St Guilhem le Desert with its medieval town and pedestrian streets.
You will then cycle through typical French villages and vineyards from which famous Languedoc wines are produced: Lauret, Pic St Loup, Sommieres.
The last stage of the trip is more urban, and takes you through Nimes, also called the “French Rome” because of its rich history and monuments dating back to the Roman Empire. It then ends in lively Montpellier with its medieval heritage.
This is the perfect cycling trip to discover Languedoc, its countryside, it wine and its heritage. And since the region is sunny most of the year, it is good time just about any season!

Price from : 1370€
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Languedoc
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Level :
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day

Click below to see hotels versions.

Day 1 :   Arrive in Montpellier

Arrival in Montpellier - we transfer you to St Guilhem le Desert 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. The village is a UNESCO classified village and is a well known spot on the Camino de Santiago not only for its Abbey, but also because it is built in a narrow valley.

Dinner included

Day 2 :   Cycle around St Guilhem le Desert

Option 1 : 47 Miles - 75 Km  Option 2 : 32 Miles - 51 Km  Option 3 : 24 Miles - 39 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 373 Meters  Elevation gain 2 : 866 Meters  Elevation gain 3 : 1013 Meters 

Loop Tours, your choice of 3 rides(from easy to challenging): You will do a loop trip from St Guilhem to the Lac du Salagou (Lake Salagou). The lake is itself fairly large with a lot of visitors in the summer, but it is unique with a surrounding of red clay soil; the rocks dating back millions of years. The ride is rolling bypassing many small villages and wine country. Return to St Guilhem, and if you have the energy, walk some of the trails leading out to the surrounding peaks. Ride: 78 km challenging.

You can either ride to the Gorges de l Herault: Varying in depth from 200 to 300 meters, the gorges are a real canyon hollowed out of the heart of the garrigues by the River Herault, its one and only architect. A magnificent sight, and a real oasis in the heart of these arid lands, the Herault Gorges all have their own special characteristics: whether the waters are calm or turbulent, they are, above all, a fascinating spectacle. Ride 51km moderate.

The third option is a shorter ride of 39 km taking you to the Chateau and vineyards of Jonquieres. The soil comes from the local chalky rock (limestone consisting of calcareous fossil skeletal fragments of microscopic algae) of the Larzac Plateau. It is in this terroir that the wines find their fundamental characteristics: power, aroma, and a typical elegance. Return again to St Guilhem tonight.

Day 3 :   St Guilhem le Desert to Lauret

Distance 1 : 31 Miles - 50 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 661 Meters 

After breakfast, you will leave St Guilhem heading towards Lauret. On your way, Saint Etienne d/Issensac and its charming stone bridge (XIVth) and chapel. You will also stop in Brissac, a modest village settlement, but it is nevertheless notable for its 12th century church (listed as a monument historique), and for the castle perched on the rocky outcrop, which dominates and protects the village.

Day 4 :   Pic Saint Loup

Distance 1 : 29 Miles - 46 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 464 Meters 

Stop at the Glass blowing museum to discover the art and many steps followed. You can see the Dolmen of Ferrieres, located nearby village of Ferrieres les Verreries, a Neolithic dolmen dating back to almost 9000 years. Then, discover the surrounding countryside by heading south towards Saint Martin de Londres, with several views on the Pic Saint Loup which is the main peak of the Montpellier backcountry. The Pic Saint Loup is also an area that has its own wine designation because there are the vineyards of very high quality. You can include a stop in one of the wineries for a tasting. Return to Auberge du Cedre and dinner included.

Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 5 :   To Sommieres through vineyards

Distance 1 : 24 Miles - 39 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 318 Meters 

Ride first to Claret, famous for its many glass blowers, where the art was created in the 14th century. You could make a stop here in order to visit the glass blowers museum. The first glassblowers in the area arrived in 1280, attracted by the abundant resources of wood in the region. Today you will ride through the vineyards on 'le chemin des Verriers' (the glassblowers route). The villages on the chemin des verriers are Claret, Lauret, Sauteyrargues, Vacquieres and Sommieres. Ride 39km. Nice hotel in Sommieres.

Day 6 :   Cycle to Nimes

Distance 1 : 37 Miles - 60 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 382 Meters 

You will use the cycle path called 'voie verte' just behind your hotel to Caveirac and will pass through the vineyards. You will see some bulls of Camargue on your way. Then you could enjoy the city center of Nimes, an historic town, with a very old past. The arenas, the square house, 'Jardins de la Fontaine' and the tower Magne, these monuments invite you in the roman antiquity. This rich past earned him the nickname 'French Rome'. You will come back to your hotel by the same way.

Day 7 :   Ride back to Montpellier

Distance 1 : 21 Miles - 34 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 376 Meters 

For your last ride, you will return to Montpellier, capital of the Languedoc region. Built in the 1040s, Montpellier quickly became known for its trade with the Orient, and its medical schools. With winding streets that date back to the Middle Ages and ultra-modern facilities such as the indoor Olympic sized swimming pool, skating rink,planetarium, and tramway system, Montpellier has something for everyone. Your hotel is in the heart of the historic center. You are close to the Triumphal arch, the “Garden of Peru”, which is continuing with the magnificent and huge Aqueduct St Clement and the central square “place de la Comédie” with its Opera.

Day 8 :   Leave Montpellier

You are free to leave anytime after breakfast. Extra nights can be arranged. Trains depart in all directions throughout the day.

Average / Day : Distance : 49.25 Km / 30.63 Miles - Elevation gain : 556.63 Meters

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, 2

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 : 3, 4

The Auberge du Cèdre is a very special place


Day : 5, 6

The hotel Estelou, whose architecture is typical of an old railway station, is located in the south of France, between Nîmes and Montpellier, in the town of Sommieres.


Day : 7

The Grand Hôtel du Midi Montpellier - Opéra Comédie enjoys the ideal location for discovering Montpellier: it is situated where the heart of the town beats away, the famous Place de la Comédie. It is there, at the foot of the Fontaine des Trois Grâces, that the people of Montpellier have always arranged to meet. The Grand Hôtel du Midi Montpellier - Opéra Comédie is a charming hotel in a privileged location; historical curiosities as well as shows at the Opera are within walking distance.

Bikes available for your tour

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.

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...

Daily Elevation Profiles
Average / Day : Distance : 49.25 Km / 30.63 Miles - Elevation gain : 556.63 Meters
Day 2 :   Cycle around St Guilhem le Desert

Option 1: 47 Miles - 75 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 373 Meters 

Option 2: 32 Miles - 51 Km  Elevation gain 2 : 866 Meters 

Option 3: 24 Miles - 39 Km  Elevation gain 3 : 1013 Meters 

Day 3 :   St Guilhem le Desert to Lauret

Option 1: 31 Miles - 50 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 661 Meters 

Day 4 :   Pic Saint Loup

Option 1: 29 Miles - 46 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 464 Meters 

Day 5 :   To Sommieres through vineyards

Option 1: 24 Miles - 39 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 318 Meters 

Day 6 :   Cycle to Nimes

Option 1: 37 Miles - 60 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 382 Meters 

Day 7 :   Ride back to Montpellier

Option 1: 21 Miles - 34 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 376 Meters 

Included

  • 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
  • Daily breakfast at each hotel, 4 dinners included
  • Orientation in person with our local guide
  • Hybrid bike rental included
  • 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.

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 1370 € 170 € 2030 €
    Pre-tour Night ** ** **
*Rates vary according to hotel availability and specific start date. Please contact us for triple room rates

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 145 €
    Premium 300 €
Electric assist bike
    Standard 145 €
Tandem Bike Rental
    Standard 50 €



Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.

Services available

Services available
Cancelation insurance 6%

Bot scann is mandatory