BOUCLE CYCLO N°2 - GARRIGUES AROUND MONTPELLIER

1

Departure is from the parking lot at the entrance to Saint-Paul et Valmalle from Montpellier. Originally called Saint-Paul des Monts-Calmels, Saint-Paul took the name of the hamlet of Valmalle and became Saint-Paul-et-Valmalle in 1711. A "terroir" village surrounded by farmland and garrigue, Saint-Paul et Valmalle is also an ideal starting point for hiking, notably to the Croix de la Garde. In the village, you can take the small parallel streets to discover Saint-Paul church and the fountain on the same square.

2

Leaving Saint-Paul-et-Valmalle, you pass the old cooperative winery and after less than 1 km turn right onto the D27. The small, winding road climbs gently upwards, in a beautiful stony enfilade with the discreet Coulazou stream below. After about 2 km, the landscape opens up and you reach a long straight stretch, in a landscape of vineyards, hills and farmhouses lining the road.

3

At the end of the straight stretch, before reaching La Boissière, turn left to discover the small but charming church of Saint-Martin de Valras. Its square apse, bounded by 4 pillars, has all the characteristics of a pre-Romanesque church foundation. From the tree-lined, flower-filled square at the foot of the church, there's a wonderful view over the plain.

4

Return to the D27 and climb up to the village of La Boissière to cross it, then follow a quiet little road to Argelliers, through landscapes of garrigue and vineyards, on roads lined with oaks and rocks. The village of Argelliers appears on the heights on your right.

5

You climb up to Argelliers and arrive at the top of the "Jardin Tranquille", a well-landscaped wooded park with picnic tables and a watering hole. The view of the Pic Saint-Loup a little further north-east is magnificent. Argelliers is set on a ridge overlooking the agricultural plain and large vineyards surrounded by pine and oak woods. In 1908, this small village was the birthplace of Max Rouquette, an Occitan writer and poet and a symbol of local literature.

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Enjoy the village's tiny streets before heading downhill on a wider, slightly busier road. The road descends gently for 6 km to reach Montarnaud.

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You arrive in Montarnaud, a village on the Camino de Compostela, via a street lined with winegrowers' houses. The village is steeped in history, with its imposing château and 12th-century Romanesque chapelle castrale, Notre-Dame-du-Fort. You can climb up to the castle via steep alleyways. While the Tour de l'Horloge and the church are clearly visible, the château is well hidden and not easily accessible. The castle is privately owned and not open to visitors. We also invite you to take a detour to the source of the Mosson, marked by a small stone structure in the ditch alongside the "La Source" housing estate. From this point, the river flows some 40 km along the west side of Montpellier, emptying into the Lez and the Etang de l'Arnel in Palavas-les-Flots. On the road leading to the spring, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the château from the school.

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On leaving Montarnaud, a cycle path and then a very small road will take you to your starting point, 2 km further on.

Hérault à Vélo" road signs

https://www.saintguilhem-valleeherault.fr/velo-vtt-scooter-et-trottinette

Saint-Guilhem - Hérault Valley Tourist Office

Hérault Vélo