OENOVELO 1 - FROM SAINT-CHINIAN TO THE CANAL DU MIDI

1

From the Tourist Office in Saint-Chinian, head for rue de la Voie Ferrée. Continue straight on until you reach the town hall in Pierrerue, where you'll reach the Voie Verte Saint-Chinian - Maureilhan, which runs through vineyards and woods towards Cessenon-sur-Orb.

2

As soon as you arrive in Cessenon, join the banks of the Orb (a 145 km river that stretches along the ramparts of Cessenon). Turn right onto Boulevard de l'Orb for 1 km. At the end of the road, take the cycle path signposted "Base de Réals" at 2.7 km.

3

Set against a sumptuous natural backdrop, Base de Réals is the ideal place to picnic, relax or hire a canoe. You should also admire the famous dolomitic chaos, where the rock forms deep gorges. Return to the cycle path, pass through a tunnel, skirt the Orb and then head along the vineyards towards Cazouls-lès-Béziers.

4

Arriving in Cazouls (where you'll find a bike stop), you'll pass the old railway station and stop off at the Vignerons du Pays d'Ensérune winery, before cycling another 3 km through vineyards. At the (provisional) end of this stretch of greenway, turn right to return to Maureilhan.

5

Once over the Lirou (a tributary of the Orb), discover Maureilhan through the narrow streets of its historic center. You'll notice the medieval castle flanked by a quadrangular enclosure, the church a little further on, and the winegrowers' houses typical of the region. Cross the main road through Maureilhan and continue towards Montady.

6

After the cemetery, turn right onto a narrow road that skirts the unusual Montady dry pond. Join the banks of the Canal du Midi, then cross the bridge to the village of Colombiers.

7

Enjoy the pretty little streets and discover a surprising heritage. We strongly advise you to visit the impressive Cave du Château at the river port on the Canal du Midi (April to October) before leaving Colombiers. Take the "Rue de l'Oppidum", then walk along the canal and over the Malpas tunnel. Go to the Maison du Malpas to see the superimposed model of the underground galleries beneath the tunnel. Another tip: take the 1 km climb up to the Ensérune oppidum for a magnificent panoramic view of the Étang de Montady. Return along the canal and drive peacefully to Poilhes. And if you prefer to taste, head for the center of Nissan-lez-Ensérune on the D162E3 to knock on the door of the cellars that have been awarded the "Accueil Vélo" and "Vignobles et Découvertes" labels.

8

Enjoy beautiful views of the quays and barges. Continue straight ahead along the Canal du Midi. You'll see the majestic collegiate church of Saint-Etienne (tours and steeple climbs by appointment) before arriving at Capestang, the largest port on the Canal du Midi.

9

Continue on Camin'art, the former railroad line transformed into a greenway. Here you'll discover a unique artistic trail dotted with works of contemporary art. At Terminus, in the former station, you can enjoy a gourmet break. Immediately afterwards, in the village of Cruzy, you can admire the fortified church or the museum collections.

10

Continue due north on the D36 (take care). After 3 km, turn left towards Villespassans. Then it's time for some fun on a winding road lined with pine trees, overlooking the vineyards.

11

Head for Assignan, then 2.5 km further on, turn right towards Saint-Chinian. The road continues through limestone landscapes. The descent offers superb panoramic views between hills and vineyards. Before arriving in Saint-Chinian, take a detour to the mill on the left for a superb view of the village, with the Caroux as a backdrop. In the village, taste the famous AOC wine at the Maison des vins, and don't miss the Art en Cave visit to the cooperative cellar.

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