The best cycling routes around Pézenas

This 18th-century residence hosted a vineyard, a silkworm farm, and an alcohol distillery before becoming a bed and breakfast and reception venue today. You can admire its beautiful Florentine facade from the outside, the building having been built inspired by Italian Renaissance castles.

This Benedictine abbey has its roots in the 8th century. Around 770, a monastery is said to have been founded here by Attilio, a disciple of Benoît d’Aniane, near the tombs attributed to three Christian martyrs: Thibéry, Modeste, and Florence. The site then became an important place of pilgrimage. The abbey occupies an even older site: it is located at the foot of the ancient oppidum and on the presumed site of the ancient town of Cessero. Beneath the parvis of the abbey church lies the "Gleizette", a small primitive underground chapel traditionally dated to the 9th century. The current abbey church, largely marked by Gothic architecture, bears witness to the numerous transformations of the abbey during the Middle Ages and the following centuries. In 1639, the abbey joined the Congregation of Saint Maur and received the title of royal abbey from Louis XIII. The Maurists then undertook a major reorganization of the monastery, the conventual buildings of which still retain elements.

Restaurant Les Valseuses. Nice terrace, cool atmosphere, ate well for a fair price.

Pézenas is not just about Molière, even though the playwright stayed there several times between 1650 and 1656 under the protection of the prince de Conti. The city was for a long time one of the most influential in Languedoc: the States of Languedoc met there regularly, and Louis XIII, Richelieu, or the prince de Conti stayed there. While strolling through the narrow streets, keep your eyes open: many doors still retain their original knockers and ironwork, testaments to the skill of Pézenas artisans. A tradition that is perpetuated today by the Musée de la Porte et de la Ferronnerie, unique in France. Finally, one last curiosity: the famous Maison de Molière should not be misleading. Despite its name, there is nothing to confirm that the playwright lived there. Local tradition rather holds that he liked to settle in the barber Gély's shop, where he observed the inhabitants and their foibles, a source of inspiration that is said to have fueled several of his future characters.

Beach area of Marseillan, here mainly surfers and walkers mingle, sharing the area with cyclists. Lovely view of the Étang de Thau.

It is difficult to imagine that waterways cross here like at a crossroads. Built in 1676 by engineer Pierre-Paul Riquet, the round lock of Agde is unique on the Canal du Midi: its circular shape and its three gates allow boats to choose between three different directions. Depending on their course, they head back towards Béziers, towards Agde, or towards the Étang de Thau. An ingenious river junction at the entrance to the town.

OENORANDO® THE ART AND NATURE TRAIL Starting from the cellar of Vignobles de Montagnac, you will walk a route with little elevation gain, but of significant length and duration. You will take the vineyard paths overlooking the Étang de Thau and the Hérault valley. You will encounter 14 monumental statues inspired by wine, vines, and the work of winegrowers.

Old wheat mill converted into a hydroelectric power station. (1988). The 11th-century "Bled" mill is in a perfect state of preservation. It supplied the local population with wheat and barley flour. The motive force of the water drove a heavy wheel that crushed the millers' grain. This medieval mill has ceased its activity but bears witness to the economic activity of this small commune in Bas-Languedoc.