We have enjoyed cycling this beautiful area of the Languedoc for the past couple of years, so we know the region well, and we are keen to share our experiences with you.

Whether you want a gentle ride out with the family, or a serious challenge we’ve got a lot of routes that we can recommend direct from personal experience.

And when you hire from Mellow Vélos, all our maps, route guides and advice are absolutely free.

 

SOME POPULAR ROUTES IN THE AREA

COMFORT BIKE / eBIKE  #1 – GENTLE CIRCUIT OF THE VINEYARDS

Distance: 26km  Elevation Gain: 305m

Difficulty: Easy VTC

A pleasant loop to the west of Limoux. We head out along the gently climbing road to La Digne d’Aval and La Digne d’Amont, passing vineyards and pretty villages. After Castelreng, we turn right up the pretty climb to La Bezole. This is the highest point of the ride, then we descend down through the woods to the beautiful village of Villelongue d’Aude. Our route then takes us along the flat valley from Loupia, vines and sunflowers on both sides, before dropping back down into Limoux.

Sunflowers near Loupia

 

COMFORT BIKE / eBIKE  #2 – ROUTE DE BLANQUETTE

Distance: 24km  Elevation Gain: 339m

Difficulty: Easy – Medium VTC

We leave Limoux and head westwards to pretty Saint Polycarpe with it’s ancient abbey before turning left and heading up a gentle climb through the vineyards growing grapes for the famous Blanquette de Limoux. Turning left, we climb up to the village of Gardie, before turning left again and winding past wooded hillsides and emerging in the vineyards once more near the summit of the Col d’Al Bosc. We are rewarded with wonderful views over Limoux, before descending once more to the finish.

This route can be extended by continuing to down to Saint Hilaire, with its famous Abbey and restaurants. Be prepared to work off your lunch immediately though on the climb out of the village back to Limoux!!

Col d’Al Bosc looking over to Limoux

 

COMFORT BIKE / eBIKE  #3 – VILLAGES OF THE RÀZES & COL DE MALEPÈRE

Distance: 38km  Elevation Gain: 500m

Difficulty: Medium VTC

Heading west out of Limoux, we climb gently up into the rolling countryside of the Ràzes, with sunflower fields, and vineyards growing the AOP protected Malepère grape. The route gradually bends to the north as we arrive in the pretty village of Cailhau. A’Kotee is an excellent little bar bistro in the centre of the village. Continuing our ride, we climb up along the ridge line onto the Col de Malpère. It’s a gentle climb offering stunning views to the south of the Pyrenées and Pic de Bugarach. Just before the summit, we turn right and drop down through the vineyards and pretty villages until we arrive in Saint Martin de Villereglan. Following the cycle path for a while, we then turn left past Leclerc and into Limoux by the backroads, pausing to admire the impressive church of Notre Dame de Marceille, before arriving back in the centre of Limoux.

Villages and vineyards of Ràzes

 

ROAD BIKE #1 – A TASTE OF CORBIÈRES

Distance: 56km  Elevation Gain: 751m

Difficulty: Easy Road

We head east out of Limoux and immediately begin the long, gentle climb up into the Corbières. A region of beautiful wooded hills and mountains, and river valleys. We pass through Saint Polycarpe with it’s  ancient Abbey, and continue past ruins of chateaux on hillsides, all the way up to the head of the valley. The views back toward Limoux are wonderful. Turning left, the route descends past wooded hillsides, before picking up the River Laquet valley. We follow this all the way down to Saint Hillaire. There are lots of excellent places to stop along the way for a break, eat some food, or maybe even take a dip on the river. We arrive in Saint Hillaire with it’s famous abbey, and perhaps stop in a restaurant for lunch, before heading up past the vineyards growing grapes for the world famous Blanquette de Limoux, claimed to pre-date Champagne; drop back down into Saint Polycarpe, and finally arrive back in Limoux just in time to head to the cafés in the Place de la République for a well deserved coffee, beer or a glass of local wine.

Corbières Vineyards

 

ROAD BIKE #2 – LAC DE MONTBEL FOR CREPES AND COFFEE

Distance: 70km  Elevation Gain: 1065m

Difficulty: Medium Road

A beautiful circular route from Limoux to Lac de Montbel, taking in the Col de St Piérre, the Col de Flotte, the pretty town of Chalabre, and the Col de St Benoit. The views from the summit of the Col de Flotte looking across to the Pyrenees are breathtaking on a sunny day. Lac de Montbel is a reservoir with azure blue waters and a sandy beach at one end, popular for swimming and sailing. The Creperie du Lac is a great place to take a mid-ride break, take in the views of the mountains, and enjoy a wonderful crepe or galette and a coffee.

Lac de Montbel

 

ROAD BIKE #3 – LIMOUX CIRCULAR VIA COUIZA (AND RENNES LE CHATEAU)

Distance: 66 – 77 km  Elevation Gain: 1073m – 1375m

Difficulty: Medium – Difficult Road

Heading southwest out of Limoux, this route takes us up and over two scenic cols with views over towards Bugarach, before dropping down into Couiza. We then turn right and climb gently up the Sals river valley, surrounded by wooded peaks, until we get to Arques, with it’s medieval chateau. Turning left, we begin to climb in earnest through some of the most stunning scenery on the ride, until we arrive at the summit of the Col de Festes. Make sure to stop and look back at the incredible vista of the Pyrenees. From here it’s downhill all the way to Limoux as we head down through the lovely villages of Valmigère, Missègre, and Saint Polycarpe with it’s medieval abbé.

For those who want a little more of a challenge, turn right in Couiza and head up the winding climb to the infamous hilltop village of Rennes le Chateau with it’s church and villa. A place thats surrounded by mystery, legend, and intrigue. The views at the top are well worth it, and there are a number of good restaurants to refresh oneself. We then continue on the backroad to the sister village of Rennes les Bains, with it’s ancient hot springs and baths, before heading down the valley to rejoin the main route just before Arques.

Climbing the Col de Festes out of Arques

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OTHER ROUTES, POINTS OF INTEREST AND RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS, DROP US A MESSAGE