By bike on the greenways...
By bike, on foot, on horseback, but above all at your own pace, explore the many kilometers of greenways developed from the Canal du Midi to Saint-Chinian, in the heart of the Occitanie region. Cross the magnificent landscapes shaped by vineyards, scrubland and olive fields.
IGN MAP
AERIAL PHOTOS / IGN
OPEN STREET MAP
CAMIN'ARTS - CYCLING LOOP OF THE CASTLES
The first part of the route follows the Camin'Arts greenway for 11 km. It will immerse you in the world of built railway heritage from the beginning of the XNUMXth century (small country stations, gatekeeper's houses, bridges, aqueducts, etc.). Punctuated by artistic installations, Camin'arts is also an opportunity for contemplative breaks in the superb landscapes of South Hérault, and the villages steeped in history: Puisserguier, Creissan and Quarante, which are located nearby... Another look at the nature through the prism of art…
You will wander at your own pace through vineyards, scrubland, pine forests, olive trees, streams... Marvel at the nature that surrounds you, a work of art in itself that changes appearance with the seasons, and linger in front of the surprising sculptures of Maxime Sanchez Tomberaw that blend into the landscape.
The possible 13 km return via the châteaux loop passes through the heart of the vineyards, with fine examples of wine châteaux from the end of the 19th century: Seriège, Saliès, les Carrasses, Roueïre... A heritage visit or gourmet break in sight!
The route is regularly enriched with new creations or animated by one-off exhibitions. Don't wait any longer to discover Camin'Arts... An invitation to travel and discover.
Don't wait any longer to discover Camin'Arts... an invitation to travel and discovery.
This route can be explored freely, with no departure or arrival point, just as you wish, following the signs provided (convenient parking at the tourist office in Capestang).
CAMIN'ARTS GREENWAY (CAPESTANG - CRUZY)
The Voie Verte Camin'Arts, when nature and culture become one…
The 11 km course was created on the route of the old railway line which left from Colombiers. It now connects Capestang to the old Cruzy station transformed into restaurant for several years: The Terminus.
The route allows you to discover the built railway heritage of the early 20th century (small country stations, barrier guard houses, bridges, aqueducts, etc.). Punctuated with artistic installations, Camin'arts is also an opportunity for contemplative breaks in the superb landscapes of Sud-Hérault, and the villages steeped in history: Puisserguier, Creissan and Quarante, which are located nearby... Another look at nature through the prism of art…
You will meander at your own pace through vineyards, scrubland, pine woods, olive trees, streams... Marvel at the nature that surrounds you, in itself a work of art that changes appearance with the seasons, and linger you in front of the surprising sculptures of Maxime Sanchez Tomberaw which blend into the landscape.
Don't wait any longer to discover Camin'Arts... an invitation to travel and discovery.
Departure: parking possible near the tourist office in Capestang. You follow the canal, the start of the cycle path is at the old station. You get there by taking the road which goes up opposite the iron bridge.
From Cruzy, easy access and parking at the Terminus restaurant.
OENOVELO 1 - FROM SAINT-CHINIAN TO CANAL DU MIDI
Set off to discover the villages of this area, where viticulture is predominant. Whether you venture on a greenway or a low-traffic road, you have the opportunity to admire the plains and hillsides planted with vines or the preserved banks of the Canal du Midi. Take the time to taste the local gastronomy and taste the renowned wines (in moderation) of this region, at the bend of a winding road. Whether it's a romantic stroll as a couple or an adventure with friends, enjoy an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature and history.
SAINT-CHINIAN GREENWAY - COLOMBIERS CANAL DU MIDI
There are nearly 33 km of trails, from Saint-Chinian to the Canal du Midi via Cessenon-sur-Orb, Cazouls les Béziers (where you will find a bike stop), Maureilhan, Colombiers, which are developed into tracks green. Between Saint-Chinian and Maureilhan, the track follows the old local railway line Saint-Chinian, Béziers Gare du Nord. Then between Maureilhan and the Canal du Midi, it takes the municipal roads with low traffic.
This greenway will definitely delight cycling and hiking enthusiasts, and many connections are possible with the circuits Moutain Bike FFC of Saint-Chinianais Terroir.
Departure: From Saint-Chinian rue de l'Ancienne Voie Ferrée or easy parking near the Tourist Office in Saint-Chinian (Allée Gaubert).
The Camin'Arts Green Way - Castles Loop
This 11 km Green Route was created by following the route of the old railway line which once left Colombiers. It now links Capestang and the Canal du Midi, to the old Cruzy station, transformed into a restaurant, passing close to villages such as Puisserguier, Creissan and Quarante.
It immerses you in the heart of nature, surrounded by vast vineyards, scrubland, pine forests, olive groves and small streams... In addition, this greenway has the particularity of hosting works of contemporary art along its route.
The possible 13 km return via the châteaux loop passes through the heart of the vineyards, with fine examples of wine châteaux from the end of the 19th century: Seriège, Saliès, les Carrasses, Roueïre… A heritage visit or gourmet break in sight!
This route can be explored freely, with no departure or arrival, just as you wish, following the signs provided.The greenway of Saint-Chinian- Canal du Midi
There are nearly 33 km of trails, from Saint-Chinian to the Canal du Midi via Cessenon-sur-Orb, Cazouls-lès-Béziers (where you will find a bike stop), Maureilhan and Colombiers, which are developed into greenways. Between Saint-Chinian and Maureilhan, the track follows the old Saint-Chinian local railway line, Béziers Gare du Nord. Then between Maureilhan and the Canal du Midi, it takes municipal roads with low traffic.
Since 2024, this greenway has been part of a cycle tourism route called “Oenovélo” : a 73 km loop between greenway and low-traffic roads. Enough to take the time to admire the plains and hillsides planted with vines or the preserved banks of the Canal du Midi.
Departure : From Saint-Chinian, rue de l'Ancienne Voie Ferrée. Easy parking near the Tourist Office in Saint-Chinian which is labeled “Accueil Vélo” (Allée Gaubert).
Take the opportunity to explore the village of Saint-Chinian and its AOC wine estates, take a swimming break in the Orb in Cessenon, discover its cultural heritage through its picturesque streets, indulge in sporting activities at the base of Réals, and enjoy gourmet cuisine at Pont de Réals.
For mountain bike enthusiasts, you will find around Saint-Chinianais many possibilities for connecting to circuits “FFC mountain bike from the Saint-Chinianais region”. (Several difficulty levels are available to you.)
The Canal du Midi greenway project
Inscribed on the list of world heritage sites by UNESCO on December 7, 1996, the Canal du Midi is the result of a project that remained in the dream state for centuries.
Only the perseverance of one man, Pierre Paul Riquet, made it possible to realize this audacious idea: creating and maintaining an artificial watercourse 240 km long, 10 to 20 meters wide and 2 meters deep, connecting the Garonne, therefore the Atlantic Ocean, to the Mediterranean, using the technical and topographical means of the XNUMXth century, at the time of Louis XIV
Just like the railways of yesteryear, the Canal du Midi served as a waterway for the transport of goods across France, from one end of the country to the other. Today, tourism has taken over, and the towpaths are gradually transforming into cycle routes, offering the opportunity to enjoy the freshness that reigns along the canal and to admire the magnificent landscapes crossed by this feat of 'engineering.
To prepare for your excursion, specialized agencies can help you by offering all-inclusive packages.
It should be noted that currently cycling the towpath is possible, but requires authorization from VNF (Voies Navigables de France, contact) and a mountain bike is preferable to cope with the condition at times. neglected from the path.
Cycle touring loops
Ride freely on the small country roads of the Canal du Midi destination in Saint-Chinian, and contemplate the magnificent landscape that surrounds you: between vineyards, hills, scrubland, picturesque villages... These cycle touring loops accessible to all, beginners or sportsmen will delight you with the diversity of their landscapes. A family or solo escape!
IGN MAP
AERIAL PHOTOS / IGN
SLOPES MAP (IGN MAP)
MAP 1950 / IGN
CARD OF THE STAFF (1820-1866)
OPEN STREET MAP
CYCLO LOOP N ° 9 - SAINT-CHINIAN, RELIEFS AND VINES
This loop winds around the reliefs surrounding the land planted with vines.
The first part of the loop enters through rugged landscapes but remains at reasonable levels of difficulty due to the shortness of the hill to be crossed. The second part of the route offers a downhill profile on a small secondary road that fits into these hilly landscapes and allows you to reach Saint-Chinian with a clear view of the village.
You can thus make a connection with loop n ° 6 and thus cross a large part of the Minervois and Saint-Chinian vineyards.
CYCLO LOOP N ° 16 - THE VILLAGES OF THE ORB VALLEY
The route first crosses the hills of Haut-Languedoc, up to Berlou, before following the course of the Orb and its picturesque valley. A true jewel of Haut-Languedoc, it winds between holm oaks, vines and olive trees, wine-growing plains at the foot of the Caroux and reveals the remarkable architecture of the towns and villages that say a lot about the history of this territory.
From Vieussan to Cessenon, you will discover the deepest part of the river and its steep gorges, shaped by nature over thousands of years.
CYCLO LOOP N°6 - THE MINERVOIS AND SAINT-CHINIAN VINEYARDS
Departing from Assignan, the loop offers a beautiful crossing of the Saint-Chinian and Minervois vineyards.
The route follows pleasant secondary roads and crosses small villages and typical places where several cellars offer tastings of local wines. The landscapes alternate between land of vines and small reliefs through which the road threads its way.
If you are in good shape, you can extend this circuit with the short loop n°9 which leads to Saint-Chinian in the East. And if you are very fit, continue with loop 12 which climbs magnificently into the Haut-Languedoc from Minerve.
CYCLO LOOP N°8 - THE OPPIDUM OF ENSERUNE AND THE DRY POND OF MONTADY
This route takes you to exceptional sites such as the oppidum of Ensérune (archaeological site), the dried-up pond of Montady (pond in the shape of a sun) or the Canal du Midi which passes under the mountain at the Malpas Tunnel. After these beautiful discoveries, you will set off on the small roads and cross the Béziers wine-growing plain in complete tranquility.
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