CYCLING LOOP NO.23 BIS SUMMER - FROM VALRAS COAST TO THE CANAL DU MIDI

1

The start is from the departmental estate of Bayssan. The estate, which covers 160 ha, includes a wooded park around a building and its deconsecrated church. The estate is dedicated to culture for all audiences: festivals, live performances, events... From Bayssan, take the greenway heading west. It is quiet, amidst fields, vineyards and olive groves. You pass under the highway after 3 km and continue on these pleasant paths to Vendres.

2

You cross the village and arrive at the edge of a pond, a wonderfully peaceful place with very rich nature. Take a detour west to the nearby Temple of Venus (Vendres derives from the Latin Venus). The small ruins of the temple in the middle of the garrigue offer an ideal space for meditation and birdwatching. The temple was likely a place of worship for sailors in Roman times. You then follow the lake by a good condition path. Along the way, you can see the ruins of the ancient aqueduct, another Gallo-Roman vestige, on your left slightly elevated. The pond loop is very pleasant, then the path moves away to join the D37E9. Be more cautious on this section, then take the path 500 m further which runs alongside the D64E1 then the D64.

3

After 2 km, turn right and join the streets of Valras up to the seaside. The town is a popular seaside resort; you will share the promenade sidewalk with pedestrians up to the port, so please be respectful.

4

Leaving Valras at the marina, you board your bike on the ferry to cross the Orb and reach the Orpellières nature reserve. You cross the back dune, a zone below sea level, wet and salty. At the exit of the reserve, you follow a very pleasant greenway along the Orb. At the level of the D37E11, take the small road opposite. From there and for 4 km, cycle among vineyards and other crops with very little traffic to reach the Canal du Midi at Portiragnes. Follow the canal banks calmly to reach Villeneuve-lès-Béziers.

5

Continue along the Canal du Midi for 5 more km, at your own pace, to reach the Orb aqueduct. To cross the Orb, a capricious river, it was decided to build this famous aqueduct, whose construction took place between 1854 and 1857, with 7 arches over 240 m long. The place, with barges passing and the Saint-Nazaire Cathedral of Béziers towering above, is magical.

6

Continue along the Canal du Midi for 5 km more, at your own pace, to reach the Orb aqueduct. To cross the Orb, a capricious river, it was decided to build this famous aqueduct, whose construction took place between 1854 and 1857, with 7 arches over 240 m long. The place, with barges passing and the Saint-Nazaire Cathedral of Béziers towering above, is magical.

7

At the foot of the locks, cross the 2 footbridges for pedestrians and cyclists (stairs are also required). Take the service road then take the CR156 heading south. A short but especially steep climb awaits you. Less than 3 km remain, still on quiet roads, to return to Bayssan.

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