Day 1: Arrival in Montpellier: transfer to St Guilhem le Desert to start your bike tour. Installation in nice 2 Star 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’s built in a narrow valley. (D)

Le Guilhaume d'Orange

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St Guilhem le Desert

Located 30 minutes Montpellier, on the road to Compostelle, hotel and village will enable visitors t...

Day 2: Loop Tour: For the first ride day of this tour 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. 77 km challenging. (B,D)

Le Guilhaume d'Orange

2

St Guilhem le Desert

Located 30 minutes Montpellier, on the road to Compostelle, hotel and village will enable visitors t...

Day 3:Today there is a choice between 2 cycling itineraries: 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 Hérault, their one and only architect. A magnificent sight, and a real oasis in the heart of these arid lands, the Hérault Gorges all have their own special characteristics: whether the waters are calm or turbulent, they are, above all, a fascinating spectacle. Ride 38km
The second option is a longer ride of 55km 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. (B,D)

Le Guilhaume d'Orange

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St Guilhem le Desert

Located 30 minutes Montpellier, on the road to Compostelle, hotel and village will enable visitors t...

Day 4: Ride to Ganges: After breakfast, you’ll leave st Guilhem heading towards Ganges. On your way, you’ll discover Les Noria de Cazilhac, six big wooden wheels dating from the 18th century and used to irrigate the whole valley. You’ll 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. Night and dinner at Domaine de Blancardy. Ride 42km. . (B,D)

Domaine Blancardy

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Ganges

The Domain of Blancardy is an old fortified farm, built in the middle of vineyards in the region of ...

Day 5: Loop Tour: Head north towards the village of St Roman de Cordieres with its Roman church and the ruins of its medieval castle. Then go through St Hippolyte du Fort where you can stop to discover it’s numerous fountains and sundials, and don’t miss the silk museum. Return to the same hotel right outside of Ganges for dinner. Ride 60km. (B,D)

Domaine Blancardy

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Ganges

The Domain of Blancardy is an old fortified farm, built in the middle of vineyards in the region of ...

Day 6: Another loop ride today: Ride to Claret, famous for its many glass blowers, where the art was created in the 14th century. Stop at the Glass blowing museum to discover the art and many steps followed. You can also see the Dolmen of Ferrieres, located nearby village of Ferrieres les Verreries, a Neolithic dolmen dating back to almost 9000 years. Return to Domaine de Blancardy and dinner included. Ride 75km (B,D)

Domaine Blancardy

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Ganges

The Domain of Blancardy is an old fortified farm, built in the middle of vineyards in the region of ...

Day 7 to Montpellier: For your last ride, you’ll return to Montpellier, capital of the Languedoc region. Built in the 1040s, Montpellier quickly became known for its trade with the Orient, and it’s medical schools. With winding streets that date back to the Middle Ages and ultra-modern facilities such as the indoor Olympic-size swimming pool, skating rink, planetarium, and tramway system, Montpellier has something for everyone. Dinner on your own. Ride: 50km. (B)

Hotel du Palais

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Montpellier

From private mansions to museums, from lovely little gardens to public squares, the old Montpellier...

Day 8: Departure Day. You are free to leave anytime after breakfast. Extra nights can be arranged. Trains depart in all directions throughout the day. (B)