Cycling in Languedoc: A 3 Day Fine Food & Wine Experience

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Cycling in Languedoc: A 3 Day Fine Food & Wine Experience

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The Languedoc region is not only the oldest and largest wine-growing area in the world, but it is also one of the most historically interesting regions in Europe. Of 37 “Grand sites de France” areas protected for their natural beauty or historical significance, 10 are located in Languedoc.

With a multitude of interesting routes that are very “doable” by your average cyclist, we firmly believe the best way to explore this magnificent region is on two wheels. The area abounds with quiet back roads that wind through the rolling countryside filled with vineyards and olive groves. There are challenging climbs, and rewarding vistas, in the Parc Naturel de Haut Languedoc, while the Mediterranean provides more leisurely pedalling and coastline views.


On this fully guided tour, you will not only have a chance to explore some of the beautiful countryside that Languedoc has to offer, but you will also be introduced to some of the small regional winemakers and fine food producers that you might not encounter otherwise. This fully guided cycling tour will delight your palate as well as your eyes with a focus on fine food and wine experiences.

On this tour, you will:

  • Enjoy the views as you cycle amongst the olive groves and vineyards
  • Stop for wine tastings at independent local vineyards hosted by the winemakers themselves
  • Discover the history of wine in the region at the famous “Cathedral of wine”, the Abbaye de Valmagne
  • Taste fresh Mediterranean oysters paired with the lemony PicPoul de Pinet wine an appellation specific to Languedoc
  • Explore the artisan shops in Pezenas the ancient captial of Languedoc
  • Get off the beaten track to sample the local culinary delicacies freshly prepared in the many picturesque villages that dot the landscape

3 days & 3 nights

View trip details


This tour is also available for a longer durations of 4 days or 7 days to allow you to really experience the many tastes of Languedoc.


Select your options

Product Description

Tour includes:

  • Transfer from Montpellier or Beziers airport
  • 3 nights’ accommodation at Bellevue B&B, a charming 3 star chambre d’hôtes
  • Bike hire
  • Welcome meeting to review the itinerary and answer any questions
  • Guided cycling each day
  • Breakfast each day
  • Gourmet lunch each day
  • Entry to all planned attractions and tastings
  • One evening meal in table d’hote format
Level: medium, some hill climbs, designed for active riders (can be adjusted for recreational or more avid riders)
We can customise the tour to suit your particular group.


Minimum group size for this trip is 4 persons

Accommodation

You will stay in the charming village of Neffies at the equally charming La Belle Vue B&B.

La Belle Vue

After a day of exploring on two wheels, relax and enjoy a bit of luxury at La Belle Vue, a delightful B&B oozing in French charm. Immerse yourself in the “joie de vivre” which is the essence of the south of France. Relax by the pool, enjoy a selection of fine wines on the terrace while enjoying views over the surrounding hills. A delicious breakfast is provided as well as secure bike storage.

  • Cycle Tour Accomodation: La Belle Vue, Languedoc
  • Cycle Tour Accomodation: Bedroom at La Belle Vue, Languedoc
  • Cycle Tour Accomodation: Terrace at La Belle Vue, Languedoc
  • Cycle Tour Languedoc: Breakfast
  • Cycle Tour Accomodation: pool at La Belle Vue, Languedoc
The Village of Neffies
Originating in medieval times, and surrounded by vineyards Neffies is a typical Languedocian village. Within its cobbled streets, you can find all the basic amenities for daily village life – a boulangerie, a tobacconist and a small general store as well as a beautiful gothic church. Neffies also boasts two excellent restaurants. Nestled between the Mediterranean and the hills of the Haut Languedoc, it is a great base for cycling.

  • Cycle Tour: Village of Neffies; Languedoc

Standard pricing is based on double occupancy, but single occupancy can be arranged for a supplement.

Sample itinerary

The sample itinerary below gives you an idea of the many sites to see and experience, and of course taste, in Languedoc. We will customise the tour to suit your particular group.

Arrival
We will pick you up at your arrival airport or agreed location and transport you to the picturesque town of Neffies, which will be the home base for your tour. No riding today; take the time to settle in and wander around the charming village.

Enjoy dinner at the Very’Table restaurant in Neffies or Table d’hote at La Belle Vue B&B

We will hold a welcome meeting in the morning to review the itinerary, answer questions and ensure everyone is comfortable on their hire bikes.

  • Cycle Tour: Village of Neffies; Languedoc
No formal cycling today.
Abbaye de Valmagne

Today’s ride will begin by meandering leisurely through the vineyard roads before ascending to the picturesque hilltop village of Aumes. We will stop for a break to take in the view and take a few pictures in the charming central square before continuing on to the Abbaye of Valmagne.

This historic abbey is a designated “Monumente de France” and is definitely worth exploring. It is referred to as the Cathedral of the Vines as it has been associated with wine making for centuries – in fact they still produce wine there today.

Guided tours are offered throughout the day, usually only in French, but with guide cards in other languages. The tour will be followed by a tasting of the Abbey’s bio wines produced on site.

We will have lunch at the Abbey’s excellent restaurant before heading back to Neffies passing through the pretty winemaking towns of Sainte Pargoire, Uclas d’ Herault and Adissan.

You will notice that many of the villages in the region, are constructed on a circular plan. Steeped in over 1000 years of history and winemaking, these traditional “circulade” villages are typical of the Languedoc region. Originating in medieval times, these villages are constructed in concentric circles generally with a church or chateau at the centre. In most cases, at least some vestiges of the protective city walls remain.

  • Abbaye de Valmagne, Languedoc
Distance: 55-60km
Tasting the Wines of Languedoc

Today’s route is dedicated to discovering some of the independent winemakers of Languedoc and of course tasting their wines. We will cycle a pretty loop through the vineyard roads taking in several picturesque towns including Gabian, Margon and Fouzilhon. At Margon we will take the time to explore the gardens of the beautifully restored Chateau Margon.

We will stop at 3 vineyards on route where we will be greeted by the winemakers themselves who will present their stories and their wines. We will sample the wines of the two major appellations of this area: AOP Languedoc & AOP Faugères.

The second tasting of the day will include a tapas style lunch with food and wine pairings.

After lunch, the route will become a bit more challenging as we cycle through the schiste hills of the Faugerès appellation. You will be rewarded for your efforts by some stunning views but also by the opportunity to taste some of these special wines.

All purchases made at any of the vineyards we visit will be collected after the ride and delivered to Bellevue.

  • Cycling in Vines, Languedoc

Distance: 30-55km

PicPoul & Oysters

Today we feature the fresh tastes of the Mediterranean coast. We will sample some of the best oysters produced in France along with a zesty white wine which is grown exclusively in this region.
The production of Picpoul white wine is centered around a few small villages close to the Bassin de Thau, that coincidentally produces much of France’s high class oysters and mussels. Situated on a limestone plateau, the wine is made from a single Piquepoul grape variety and is a light acidic wine, with citrus fruit aromas. It is the perfect accompaniment to seafood.

We will stop for a tasting at a local Picpoul domaine where the winemaker will explain what makes this grape so special and let us sample his wines.

After the domaine visit we will cycle on to Pezenas for a seafood lunch featuring a fresh oyster tasting, paired with Picpoul of course.

Once the capital of ancient Languedoc, Pézena’s medieval town centre is full of history and charm as well as many boutiques and cafes. Take the time after lunch to explore the pedestrian-only historic centre and the ancient Jewish Quarter. Pézenas is a local artistic hub. Pop in to the many artisan workshops and galleries; there are marked routes you can follow.

We will then transport you to the airport or agreed location for your onward journey.

  • Pezenas-with-bougainvilla
Distance: 25-30km

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