South of France: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
6 nights from €2224
4.5Cycle to the most spectacular UNESCO sites in Southern France
This cycling trip is your one-stop-shop for the best sightseeing opportunities Languedoc has to offer!
Starting in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its cloister and declared one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France', you'll ride onwards along the famous Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, cycling through verdant vineyards and charming villages typical of the landscape of Southern France. Don't forget to sample the celebrated Languedoc wines along the way!
Continuing along the Canal du Midi, you'll have the chance to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site waterway, built in the 17th century, which links the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
At the end of your adventure, you'll arrive in captivating Carcassonne. This medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is celebrated for its Gothic cathedral, narrow cobbled streets, and the grand castle restored by the world-famous French architect Viollet-le-Duc.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the wonderful World Heritage Sites of Southern France in a single week!
Bike tour of Southern Fran e
“We loved our bike tour through the rolling hills and quaint villages of France. We especially enjoyed visiting the UNESCO Heritage Sites and wished we’d had a little bit…” Full Review
“We loved our bike tour through the rolling hills and quaint villages of France. We especially enjoyed visiting the UNESCO Heritage Sites and wished we’d had a little bit more information on this history of the region.
Would it be possible to include some not so famous sites that are worth visiting on your map interface such as chapels, wineries or cafes worth visiting ?” Less
—Joanne Z
Peaceful tour of some lovely countryside and beautiful little medieval villages.
“We surely enjoyed this trip. The beginning in St. Gilhem le Desert was perfect - such a lovely little town nestled into the mountains. There were a lot of uphills and wonderful…” Full Review
“We surely enjoyed this trip. The beginning in St. Gilhem le Desert was perfect - such a lovely little town nestled into the mountains. There were a lot of uphills and wonderful long downhills on quiet roads. It was a nice variety of scenery and towns. We were particularly grateful for our Ebikes as the hills would have been difficult and tiring without them. It was a most enjoyable bike tour all round.” Less
—Anne Stanek
Wonderful trip and incredible moments!
“Bike trips are such an incredible way to see a country. This trip did not disappoint. The rides were definitely hilly - as hobby cyclists with not enough time to bike at home…” Full Review
“Bike trips are such an incredible way to see a country. This trip did not disappoint. The rides were definitely hilly - as hobby cyclists with not enough time to bike at home before the trip - we did great, but did walk a few hills. The hotels we stayed at were INCREDIBLE, each in their own way. All and all - I'd recommend this trip to any one that wants to really see and experience the south of France.” Less
—Jessicarae
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Arrive in Montpellier and transfer to the tour starting point in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (UNESCO World Heritage Site #1). Check into your hotel and receive a tour orientation, then head out to explore this blissful village. Dinner is included tonight, and we recommend heading to the Central Plaza afterwards for a coffee or drink in the unique ambience of these atmospheric surroundings - this village dates back to 804!
Overnight in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.
Day 2: Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert – Moureze
24 miles/39 km; elevation: 628m
Take some more time after breakfast to explore this fascinating village before heading out on your ride to Moureze. Today's cycling itinerary features quiet, rural countryside scenery with several stops in charming villages available along the way. You'll cycle along the famous pilgrimage route towards Santiago de Compostela (UNESCO World Heritage Site #2) through important wine country - tantalizing tastings are possible!
Pass by the serene Lake of Salagou before reaching Moureze and today's lovely hotel. This little village is set in sublime natural surroundings which lend themselves to outdoor exploration - here you can find famous land formations reminiscent of the Italian Dolomites. Dinner is included tonight.
Overnight in Moureze.
Day 3: Moureze – Villeneuvette – Béziers
34 miles/55 km; elevation: 535m
Another day in the quiet backcountry of this region of Les Causses et Les Cévennes (UNESCO World Heritage Site #3) heading towards Béziers. From Villeneuvette, you'll drop down onto a picturesque plain and enjoy flat riding through vineyard country.
Overnight in Béziers.
Day 4: Béziers – Canal du Midi – Siran
42 miles/67 km; elevation: 732m
Leaving Beziers after breakfast, you'll venture further south and west towards the Canal du Midi (UNESCO World Heritage Site #4). The ride starts out flat before become slightly more rolling. Along the route, you'll pass numerous villages all evocative of past eras, with a beautiful lunch spot available in Minerve. This village is among France's more impressive stone settlements, forming an old Cathar bastion. At the end of today's ride, cycle into the village of Siran, where dinner is included.
Overnight in Siran.
Day 5: Siran – Carcassonne
option: 29 or 45 miles/47 or 73 km; elevation: 325 or 595m
You're now only a short distance from Carcassonne (UNESCO World Heritage Site #5), and today you'll ride along the canal directly into the city or take a longer diversion to Fabrezan and Lagrasse before finding your hotel just outside the medieval city walls. Dinner is not provided tonight, but you'll find plenty of ambiant eateries in this site of wonderful history.
Overnight in Carcassonne.
*Please note that if you rent a road bike you will not be cycling on the canal path. Instead, you will be on roads nearby.
Day 6: Free day or optional bike ride Carcassonne
option: 27 or 41 miles/43 or 67 km; elevation: 670 or 1107m
Today is a free day and so the bike ride is optional. This relaxed day is included in the itinerary to give you the choice of how best to experience spectacular Carcassonne. There are 2 cycling tours to choose from - 44 or 67 km - over flat terrain in the beautiful surroundings encircling the city, with time left for exploring the treasures within Carcassonne itself. Dinner is not provided tonight.
Overnight in Carcassonne.
Day 7: Departure
Departure after breakfast. Trains from Carcassonne are possible, as are extra nights - please inquire at time of booking.
Don't want the adventure to end? Consider enjoying a cycling day tour in Provence.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
The accommodations on this tour are 3-star hotels.
St Guilhem le Desert: Le Guilhaume d'Orange
Moureze-Villeneuvette: Auberge de Val Moureze
Béziers: Café Hôtel XIX
Siran: Chateau de Siran
Carcassonne: Hotel Montmorency
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
Bikes
Standard touring bike
The SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty "trekking" geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 27 speed transmission and integrated front and rear lights, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.
Electric bike
The SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 30 unisex (or equivalent)
All the fun of cycling in an electric version. The SCOTT Sub Tour eRide 30 will assist you in all your rides in town or in the countryside thanks to its 500 Wh Bosch battery.
Available sizes : XXS, XS, S, M, L
More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Road bike
The SCOTT ROAD BIKE ADDICT 30 Disc (Standard) (or equivalent)
With a new geometry that focuses more on endurance. The SCOTT ADDICT 30 Disc will become your preferred choice for long distance travel.
Available sizes : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Accessories
Equipment included with bike rentals:
- Helmet
- Odometer
- Water bottle
- Lock
- Pannier and handlebar bag
- Repair kit (2 spare tube, tool kit, tire levers, patch kit, pump)
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals (Look Ke, Shimano SPD-MTB, and Shimano SPD-SL pedals. are available on request). If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmet:
A helmet is included with your bike rental; however, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Surface and terrain
The route is mainly on quiet roads (about 95%) and the terrain is flat with occasional hills.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Montpellier (MPL)
Nearest train station: Montpellier
Transfer from Montpellier to St. Guilhem is included in the tour cost.
Tour end
Nearest airport: Carcassonne (CCF)
Nearest train station: Carcassonne
Tips on getting to and from your tour.
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