The 10 best bike rides in and around Montpellier

Montpellier, nicknamed the ‘gifted’ of the Languedoc, offers an exceptional playground for cycling enthusiasts. Between the Mediterranean Sea, unspoilt lakes and fragrant scrubland, the city reveals its finest treasures via a remarkably well-developed network of cycle paths and greenways. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, a family or a group of friends, these routes will take you on a tour of the most beautiful cycle routes in and around Montpellier.

---

Also read the Montpellier guide :

• The 6 best beaches in Montpellier
• What to do around Montpellier with your family
• Top 8 hotels in Montpellier
• 20 must-see weekend ideas around Montpellier
• Top 5 activities in Montpellier
• Top 4 events in Montpellier

---

1. Along the river Lez towards Palavas-les-Flots

This is one of Montpellier’s most popular cycle routes. The 22-kilometre route follows the banks of the River Lez from the city centre to the beaches of Palavas-les-Flots. Entirely safe on cycle paths, this greenway passes through several urban parks and nature reserves before reaching the Mediterranean.

The route starts ideally from Parc Montcalm and follows the banks of the river through the communes of Lattes and Pérols. Along the way, cyclists will discover magnificent lakeside landscapes and unspoilt wildlife, particularly at the Arnel and Méjean ponds. The finish facing the sea rewards the effort, with an unbeatable view of the Languedoc coastline.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Montpellier on foot and on your own

Before setting off to explore the surrounding area by bike, immerse yourself in the soul of the city with theMontpellier audio tour. This 3.5km route guides you through the architectural treasures and fascinating history of this dynamic metropolis, from the Place de la Comédie to the Peyrou gardens, via the medieval streets of the historic centre.

Practical information

• Distance: 22 km one way
• Duration: 1h30 one way
• Difficulty: Easy
• Start: Parc Montcalm, Montpellier
• Special features: Secure cycle path, picnic area in Lattes

2. Around the Etang de l’Or and the Petite Camargue

This magnificent 45-kilometre loop takes you on a journey of discovery through the Petite Camargue in the Hérault region and its exceptional landscapes. The route skirts the Etang de l’Or, one of the largest lagoons on the French Mediterranean coast, offering breathtaking views of this protected wetland.

The route passes through the communes of Mauguio, Lansargues and Mudaison, alternating between equipped cycle paths and little-travelled country roads. Keen observers will be able to spot pink flamingos, grey herons and many other species of migratory birds that stop over in this nature reserve. Traditional farmhouses and herdsmen’s huts dot the route, testifying to the region’s Camargue authenticity.

Practical information

• Distance: 45 km
• Duration: 3h30
• Difficulty: Medium
• Start : Mauguio
• Points of interest: Bird observatory, Mas des Iscles

3. The greenway from Lavérune to Cournonsec

Perfect for a family cycling outing, this 13-kilometre greenway links Lavérune to Cournonsec, passing through a typically bucolic Languedoc landscape. The old railway line has been transformed into a cycle path winding through vineyards, pine forests and fragrant garrigue, offering a natural escape at the gateway to Montpellier.

The route passes through the charming villages of Pignan and Cournonterral, where cyclists can stop to discover the local heritage. The Vignogoul abbey, a 12th-century historic monument, is one of the highlights of this tour, which is accessible to all levels of cyclist. Families with children can enjoy the Mediterranean scenery in complete safety.

Practical information

• Distance: 13 km
• Running time: 1h15
• Difficulty: Easy
• Departure : Lavérune train station
• Facilities : Rest areas, fountains, bicycle parking

4. Pic Saint-Loup circuit

Experienced cyclists will be delighted with this cycle circuit around the Pic Saint-Loup, an emblematic mountain peaking at 658 metres north of Montpellier. This sporty 42-kilometre loop crosses the region’s famous wine-growing appellations and offers exceptional panoramic views of the Cévennes and the Languedoc plain.

The route starts in Viols-le-Fort and winds through the wine-growing villages of Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers, Les Matelles and Sainte-Croix-de-Quintillargues. Wine tourism enthusiasts can stop off at the many estates along the way to sample the local vintages. The 450-metre gradient requires a minimum of physical preparation, but rewards the effort with breathtaking views of the limestone massif.

Practical information

• Distance: 42 km
• Duration: 3h30
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Difference in altitude: 450 m
• Start : Viols-le-Fort
• Specialities: Wine tastings at wineries

5. La Grande-Motte and the Etang du Ponant

This 34-kilometre coastal walk takes in the modern architecture of La Grande-Motte and the wild landscapes of the Etang du Ponant. The route starts at Carnon-Plage and runs along the Mediterranean coast before entering the lagoon hinterland, a veritable sanctuary of biodiversity.

The route passes through the seaside resorts of Carnon and La Grande-Motte, famous for its pyramids and futuristic 1960s architecture. The second part of the route goes inland to skirt the Etang du Ponant, a protected wetland where many species of aquatic birds nest. The sunsets here are particularly spectacular, fully justifying the name of this west-facing pond.

Practical information

• Distance: 34 km
• Duration: 2h30
• Difficulty: Medium
• Start : Carnon-Plage
• What to see : Architecture by Jean Balladur, nature reserve

6. The Rhône-Sète canal

Follow the calm waters of the Canal du Rhône à Sète on this magnificent 28-kilometre cycle route linking Montpellier to the city of Sète. This historic route follows the towpath of the canal, which was dug in the 19th century to link the Rhône to the Mediterranean, offering a peaceful and culturally rich ride.

The route starts in the Montpellier-Port Marianne district and passes through Castelnau-le-Lez, Palavas-les-Flots and Frontignan before reaching Sète. Historic locks, canal bridges and engineering structures punctuate this journey through time. Arriving in Sète gives you the chance to discover this authentic port town, nicknamed the “Venice of Languedoc”.

Practical information

• Distance: 28 km
• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Departure : Port Marianne, Montpellier
• Heritage: Historic locks, port of Sète

7. The Méjean and Prévost ponds

Immerse yourself in the landscapes of the Camargue on this 25-kilometre loop around the Méjean and Prévost lakes, a veritable showcase of biodiversity on the outskirts of Montpellier. This nature walk reveals all the ecological wealth of the region, with its lagoons, sansouires and reed beds.

The route starts in Pérols and follows the dykes that separate these ponds from the sea. Birdwatchers will be able to admire pink flamingos, avocets, white stilts and many other species in their natural habitat. Maguelone Cathedral, a 12th-century Romanesque edifice built on a rocky islet, is one of the heritage gems on this route between the sea and the ponds.

Let theNavaway discovery itinerary of Montpellier be your guide as you explore these exceptional natural areas, and gain a better understanding of the historical links between the city and its lagoon territory.

Practical information

• Distance: 25 km
• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Departure : Pérols
• Fauna: flamingos, avocets, herons

8. Biterrois hinterland circuit

This 55-kilometre cycling breakaway takes you through the Biter hinterland and its unspoilt Mediterranean landscapes. The route passes through the wine-growing villages of Pouzolles, Alignan-du-Vent and Abeilhan, offering an authentic journey to the heart of the Languedoc terroir.

The route alternates between country roads and cycle paths, winding through vineyards, olive groves and fragrant garrigue. Heritage lovers can discover Romanesque churches, restored windmills and cooperative wine cellars that bear witness to the region’s rich wine-growing history. This sporty walk rewards the effort with exceptional panoramic views over the Hérault plain and the foothills of the Cévennes.

Practical information

• Distance: 55 km
• Duration: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Medium to difficult
• Start : Béziers
• Discoveries : Wine villages, Romanesque heritage

9. The Vaunage greenway

Extend your cycling discovery into the Gard with this 17-kilometre greenway that crosses the Vaunage plain between Sommières and Calvisson. This converted former railway line offers a completely safe route through the rural landscapes of the Languedoc.

The route passes through a number of picturesque villages such as Boissières and Fontanès, giving visitors a chance to discover traditional architecture and the Mediterranean way of life. The remains of the old Sommières railway station and the railway engineering structures bear witness to the industrial past of this region, now dedicated to green tourism. The path, entirely shaded by plane trees, offers a welcome refuge on hot summer days.

Practical information

• Distance: 17 km
• Duration: 1h30
• Difficulty: Easy
• Start : Sommières
• Benefits: Shady course, railway heritage

10. The capitelles and garrigue loop

Round off your discovery of the most beautiful cycle routes around Montpellier with this authentic 32-kilometre loop through the garrigue and its traditional dry-stone buildings. The route starts in Saint-Gély-du-Fesc and winds through limestone hills covered with holm oaks and Aleppo pines.

This route reveals all the charm of the Mediterranean garrigue, with its capitelles (dry-stone huts), its restanque walls and its vegetation scented with thyme, rosemary and wild lavender. Cyclists will also discover the remains of the Roman aqueduct that supplied Montpellier, a testament to ancient ingenuity. This technical ride requires a good level of fitness, but offers exceptional views over Montpellier and the Mediterranean.

To find out more about the region’s heritage before setting off on your adventure, take an audio tour of Montpellier and discover all the secrets of this thousand-year-old city.

Practical information

Distance: 32 km
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Start: Saint-Gély-du-Fesc
Heritage: Capitelles, Roman aqueduct, garrigue

In conclusion, Montpellier and its region offer a fantastic playground for cycling enthusiasts. These ten itineraries reveal the full diversity of the Languedoc landscape, from the ponds of the Camargue to the hills of the Cévennes, via the famous vineyards and the Mediterranean coastline. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely family outing or a sporting challenge, these cycle tours in Montpellier will satisfy all your desires to get away from it all. For an even more complete discovery of this dynamic metropolis, don’t hesitate to take theaudio-guided tour, which will reveal all the hidden treasures of the ‘Surdouée’ of the Midi.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I hire a bike in Montpellier?

Montpellier has a number of bike hire outlets: the VélocĀ system (self-service bikes), specialist shops in the city centre, and several hire companies near the train stations. Seaside resorts such as Palavas-les-Flots and La Grande-Motte also offer seasonal rental services.

Can you cycle all year round?

The Mediterranean climate makes it possible to cycle around Montpellier virtually all year round. The best periods are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), to avoid the summer heat and benefit from ideal conditions.

What precautions should be taken for family outings?

Choose greenways and safe cycle paths such as those in Lavérune-Cournonsec or along the River Lez. Equip yourself with helmets, plenty of water and sun protection, and choose routes suited to children’s ages. There are plenty of rest areas on most routes.

Can you combine cycling and public transport?

Yes, the TAM network in the Montpellier metropolitan area allows bicycles on trams outside peak hours and at weekends. TER trains also accept bicycles for an additional charge, making it easy to get to the starting points for various excursions.