The best road cycling routes around Boisset

The former Saint-Pons Cathedral It is difficult to understand Saint-Pons-de-Thomières without stopping here. The building is the former abbey church of a Benedictine monastery founded in 936, around which the town developed. In 1318, the abbey became the seat of a new bishopric: the church then took on the status of a cathedral, which it retained until the Revolution. The Romanesque building, most of which dates back to the second half of the 12th century, still bears the traces of this turbulent history. Fortified in the Middle Ages, the cathedral was heavily damaged in 1567 during the Wars of Religion. Then, in the 18th century, its appearance was profoundly transformed: in 1716, the orientation of the choir was reversed and a new classical facade was built to the east. The medieval remains are particularly remarkable: the two crenellated towers on the north facade recall the defensive character of the building, while the former west facade preserves precious Romanesque reliefs depicting, in particular, the Last Supper, the Washing of the Feet, the Ascension and the Crucifixion. Inside, there are also marble decorations, choir stalls and an organ dating from 1772.

On the edge of the shaded square of Aigues-Vives, the parish church has been the historic heart of the village for centuries. The town, once known as Aigues-Vives-le-Roy, occupied a strategic position in the Minervois. Like its neighbour in Agel, the church was burned down in 1355 during the passage of the Black Prince's troops in the Hundred Years' War. It survived as best it could before being profoundly remodelled at the end of the 16th century, largely erasing its original medieval architecture. Striking fact: before becoming direct possession of the King of France in 1210, the lord of Aigues-Vives had chosen to support the lord of Minerve during the crusade against the Albigensians. Declared a "faydit" (lord dispossessed for heresy), he lost his lands, and the village then took the name Aigues-Vives-le-Roy, recalling its attachment to the crown.

As you cross Agel, take the time to stop in front of the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul church. Behind its peaceful appearance lies a turbulent history: destroyed in the 14th century, rebuilt, and then ravaged again during the Wars of Religion, it has crossed the centuries before adopting its current appearance in the 16th and 17th centuries. Did you know? Its large bell from 1781 still invokes protection against storms in a Latin inscription, while a small sculpted lizard hides among its ornaments.

Located in the Jaur valley, in the heart of the Hauts cantons of the Hérault, Riols is a vast rural village typical of the Haut-Languedoc. The village is intimately linked to the history of the abbey of Saint-Pons-de-Thomières, founded in the 10th century, on which it long depended. From the Middle Ages onwards, Riols was part of a network of monastic possessions. Even today, the old center retains its valley setting, crossed by the Jaur, around which the main routes and activities developed. The Pont-Vieux and several structures on the river bear witness to this close relationship between the village and its watercourse.

On the way to Assignan, a beautiful road to a lovely village. I wouldn't miss a cup of coffee here.

Fairly flat road on asphalt

This climb is very uneven. After noon, you'll be riding in the shade.

The D20 is a pleasant and scenic road. It is safe.