Languedoc Bike & Canoe Tour
This trip offers different ways of enjoying Languedoc on a fabulous route that takes you off the beaten track.
Starting in La Grande Motte, a popular seaside resort, you will mountain bike on the low hills of Sommieres, hike around St Guilhem le Desert, a charming medieval town also recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site, and canoe down a nearby river. You will enjoy the beach in La Grande Motte, cycle the southern French countryside and visit the lively city of Montpellier.
This cycling tour has it all to make the best of sunny Languedoc!
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 La Grande Motte
Arrive in Montpellier and we will transfer you to La Grande Motte to start your multisport bike tour. Upon arrival you will have orientation by our staff, and then you can explore the town or go to the beach.
Accommodation : Hotel St Clair - "La Grande Motte"
Day 2 : Cycle to Sommieres
Distance 1 : 30 Miles - 49 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 212 Meters
For the first ride day of this tour you will be a moderate hybrid bike ride to the little town of Sommieres in the quiet countryside. the little medieval town of Sommieres, with a much-modified Roman bridge, is where Lawrence Durrell spent the last years of his life. the town itself boasts no major sights, though its well preserved and has some charming ambiance in the center. A visit to the castle of Vieilleville (April-Nov afternoons), on the hillside 3km above Sommieres, should not be missed. Owned by the same family for nearly eight hundred years, the castle is full of exquisite antique furniture.
Accommodation : Hotel Estelou - "Sommières"
Day 3 : Mountain Bike loop around Sommieres
Option 1 : 11 Miles - 18 Km
Option 2 : 24 Miles - 38 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 153 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 410 Meters
Today you have a mountain ride in the extensive trail network around Sommieres. A combination of single track and double track will give you a sense of the nature and vegetation common in the region. Somewhat hilly, the ride is not technical but requires some short climbs and offers some fast and fun downhills and chutes. Return to Sommieres and the same hotel as last night. Dinner on your own again in town; we will include suggestions for both nights.
Accommodation : Hotel Estelou - "Sommières"
Day 4 : Ride to Lauret
Distance 1 : 27 Miles - 44 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 472 Meters
Back on the hybrid bikes today, your ride to the town of Lauret with a stop at an Adventure Park! After breakfast, you leave Sommieres on the road again, but nice quiet back country roads perfect for a leisure ride. On your way, you can stop at an adventure park where you will put a harness and climb into the trees for some ladder courses, rope courses, and zip lining! These parks, known as accrobranche in France are lots of fun and offer activities not at all common. You should be ok at heights knowing that with the harness you are perfectly safe. Overnight in Lauret, a small village near the Pic St Loup, staying in a charming auberge.
Accommodation : Auberge du Cedre - "Claret"
Day 5 : Ride to St Guilhem le Desert
Distance 1 : 31 Miles - 50 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 635 Meters
Another hybrid bike day brings you to the charming village of St Guilhem; arrive early to 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. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accommodation : Le Guilhaume d'Orange - "St Guilhem le Desert"
Day 6 : Hiking and Canoeing near St Guilhem
Option 1 : 6 Miles - 10 Km
Option 2 : 9 Miles - 14 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 424 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 718 Meters
You will return to the same hotel again tonight, so today you can enjoy a hike from the hotel and upon return you will have the chance to do a 2 hour canoe trip on some mostly calm river waters near to St Guilhem. Hiking is 10 or 14km, your choice. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accommodation : Le Guilhaume d'Orange - "St Guilhem le Desert"
Day 7 : Ride to Montpellier
Distance 1 : 26 Miles - 42 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 463 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. When you get to the hotel, you will have waiting for you the instructions for your treasure hunt! This is a chance to learn about Montpellier and visit at the same time.
Accommodation : Grand Hotel du Midi - "Montpellier"
Day 8 : Leave Languedoc
You are free to leave anytime after breakfast. Extra nights can be arranged. Trains depart in all directions throughout the day.
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1
Hotel Saint Clair is on the edge of the beach in La Grande Motte.27 rooms in peaceful garden, 20 meters from the beach, all rooms fitted with flat screen televisions, WiFi, air conditioning and a fridge.Private patios.Buffet breakfast.Patio garden, bar, secure parking.Near to the town centre(restaurants, shops, casino).
Day : 2, 3
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 : 4
The Auberge du Cèdre is a very special place
Day : 5, 6
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 : 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 |
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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 (145€) 
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 (145€) 
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: 30 Miles - 49 Km Elevation gain 1 : 212 Meters
Option 1: 11 Miles - 18 Km Elevation gain 1 : 153 Meters
Option 2: 24 Miles - 38 Km Elevation gain 2 : 410 Meters
Option 1: 27 Miles - 44 Km Elevation gain 1 : 472 Meters
Option 1: 31 Miles - 50 Km Elevation gain 1 : 635 Meters
Option 1: 6 Miles - 10 Km Elevation gain 1 : 424 Meters
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Option 2: 9 Miles - 14 Km Elevation gain 2 : 718 Meters
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Option 1: 26 Miles - 42 Km Elevation gain 1 : 463 Meters
Included
- 7 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
- Mountain bike rental included for 1 day
- 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.
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 | 1550 € | 230 € | 2250 € |
Activities
| Category | Activity | Price |
| Outdoor activities | Relaxing Ride on mountain bikes | Included |
| Outdoor activities | Adventure park (zipline) | Included |
| Outdoor activities | Canoeing in the Gardon's gorges | 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 | 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% |
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