Languedoc Wine and Heritage Tour

Arrive at the Montpellier Saint Roch train station (old town), Sud de France train Station (outside town) or Montpellier Airport where you will meet our guide who will transfer you to Saint Guilhem le Désert to start your bike tour. Settle into your charming hotel, where you will have an orientation by our staff, and then you can explore this fabulous village.

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. Go to the central plaza for a coffee or drink of your choice to soak up the ambiance of a village dating back to the year 804!

NOTE: In the Montpellier St. Roch train station, your guide will meet you at the "Information Desk" on first floor (Check 'Train Station Map' on the hyperlink below).

Link : Train Station Map here



During your stay in Saint Guihem du Désert, you have a choice between 3 loops :

• Loop trip from St Guilhem le Désert to the Lac du Salagou 75km (46mi) - 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.

Elevation : 373 m

• Loop trip from St Guilhem le Désert to the Gorges de l'Hérault 51km (32mi) - 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.

Elevation : 866 m

• Loop trip from St Guilhem le Désert to the Chateau and vineyards of Jonquieres 39km (24mi) - 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.

Elevation : 1013 m

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.

Distance : 50 Km (31 mi).

Elevation : 661 m.

NOTE : You have limited possibilities to get supplies today before reaching your hotel at the end of your itinerary, so plan ahead and get everything you need in St Guilhem le Désert before leaving.



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 Lauret.

Distance : 46 Km (29 mi).

Elevation : 464 m.

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.

Distance : 39 Km (24 mi).
Elevation : 318 m.

NOTE : There are few glassblowers left in the area. Below are some suggestions. If you want to visit their workshop we strongly advise making an advanced appointment.

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 Sommieres by the same way.

Distance : 60 Km (37 mi).

Elevation : 382 m.

For your last ride, you will return to Montpellier. 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.

Distance : 34 Km (22 mi).

Elevation : 345 m.

You can take your time getting started in the morning to have breakfast and depart at your leisure. (Depart on your own). Trains depart in all directions throughout the day.