Cycling

The local area really does has something for everyone – you can choose to travel along the flat towpath of the Canal du Midi, cycle through gently rolling vine-covered hills or tackle some challenging off-road routes in the Haut Languedoc.

There are a number of cycle hire options locally. Try Velocation in Homps (directly on the Canal du Midi), or Cycles de Minervois in nearby Pepieux. Melo Velos in Paraza (20 minutes’ drive, but you can book over the phone) will deliver to your door and can provide you with suggested routes. If you want to explore the Black Mountain area it may be easier to hire there – options include Location de VTT en Montagne Noire in St Denis who can provide circular routes in all degrees of difficulty and also offer child seats and trailers, or Bike’Here in Caunes-Minervois. If the Passa Païs appeals, try Oxygene in Olargues.

The Canal du Midi

Flat and very straightforward – though there are tree roots breaking up the surface of the towpath in places. A cycle from one village to the next for lunch and back again is a very pleasant way to spend a few relaxing hours; you can access the towpath just 1.5km from Azille, or from Homps or La Redorte.

Through the vines

Mooching round pretty villages and cycling between vineyards has a lot to recommend it and is a great way to explore the local area. The Minervois has a network of minor roads and tracks that are perfect for cyclists – the road route from Azille to Siran is delightful and a good one for families to try.

The Voie Verte

The Voie Verte (Green Way) is a cycle path that uses where possible – and where not, closely follows – the old railway line. Pretty, peaceful and mostly flat, it is an easy route to suit all ages and abilities. Pick up the track just outside Azille, on the road to Rieux-Minervois. If you don’t want to retrace your pedalling, you can easily return by road.

The Montagne Noire

There is lovely cycling in the foothills, including a route from Caunes Minervois to St Julien; or starting from Minerve, you can take the cycle path down to the river bed or choose the steep, winding mountain road above the village. Many of the walking routes in the Montagne Noire are suitable for mountain bikes, while road cyclists can climb through pretty villages before enjoying a truly exhilarating descent.

Hérault

To the east of the Montagne Noire, into neighbouring Hérault, there are some superb mountain biking routes – both around Ferrals-les-Montagnes and a little further into the mountains around Olargues. Local tourist offices can advise, or take a look at visorando.com for suggested routes.

The Passa Païs

If you want to experience the beauty of the Haut Languedoc by bike but not the challenge of steep hills, the Passa Païs is for you. The name comes from the Occitan language and means ‘route through the land’. A converted railway line,  this greenway – or voie verte – runs from Bédarieux to Mazamet, a distance of 75km, passing through many pretty villages along the way – and almost all of the route is relatively flat. Consider starting from Mazamet or Olargues, both around an hour’s drive from Azille.

La Clape Massif

Once a wooded island, La Clape Massif takes its name from the Occitan word clapas, meaning ‘pile of stones’ – perhaps because it consists of high, rocky plateaus punctuated by deep, narrow ravines. Many of the walking trails here are excellent for mountain biking – or you could cycle between vineyards and taste some of the wines from this prestigious AOC designation. The view from the top of the Massif is simply stunning.

The sea and étangs

There is easy and pleasant cycling to be found all along the coastline and around the étangs from Bages or Gruissan. This is a particularly good way to see the area’s birdlife.

Le Massif de Fontfroide

The Massif de Fontfroide has a wonderful network of paths and tracks, and a number are accessible by mountain bike. If you reach the crest, you’ll be rewarded with superb views of the étang, the coastline, the Montagne Noire and, of course, vineyard upon vineyard, as far as the eye can see.

Cycling the Cathar Country

This blog, written by ‘a Canadian with a mild obsession with cycling’ is great for inspiration.