Languedoc and Ardeche

Overview

The Languedoc derives its name from the language of Oc (Langue d’Oc ). With the word Oc meaning yes, the FLS team has fully embraced this region and it’s ‘yes to adventure’ atmosphere.

Combining this infectious tone with the rich cultural heritage displayed in the awe-inspiring castles, walled cities and grand Abbeys that are strewn across this region, you have the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday. Nestled between the Rhône and Garonne rivers and surrounded by the majestic Pyrenees and Cevennes Mountains, this region presents a panorama of natural beauty.

Dominated by over 740,300 acres (2,996 km2) of fine vineyards the Languedoc has been an integral part of French winemaking for centuries.  You know what that means? Wine tasting and lots of it!

Within the region there is a sharp contrast between the highly populated areas around the coast and the tranquil mountainous inland. So, whether you wish for the tranquility of the countryside or the bustle of Montpellier or Nimes, the Languedoc offers both in abundance.

FLS tours go beyond the Languedoc region into the magnificent department of Ardeche. Bordered by the Mézenc and Gerbier de Jonc mountains the Ardeche will provide a variety of opportunities to challenge yourself. For those who are not as keen to climb these great hills the plateaus of Haut-Vivarais and the Cévennes are just as breath taking. The additional benefits of the Ardeche include the ‘undiscovered’ villages, vineyards, markets, regional cooking schools and kayaking, all of which are offered by the FLS team.

So no matter what level of cyclist you are and what you wish to experience, both the Languedoc and the Ardeche have a lot to offer. Go on…

Take the Leap!

Sample Itinerary

Quick Facts

Dates: Between June – September
Price: From €2800 (pricing dependent on chosen accommodation and activities)
Duration: 7 nights, 8 days (may be customized)
Group Size: up to 10 guests
Accommodation: Hotel, Guest House, or Gites

CONTACT US MAKE YOUR BOOKING
Routes

Your comfort and enjoyment are our priority so we make the effort to be flexible with our routes. Every evening your FLS host and/or hostess will put your mind at ease by discussing and planning your cycling options for the following day. Any chosen route is thoroughly explained with a detailed map or Garmin GPS, with a pre-programmed/highlighted route (indicative distances and elevations are indicated below). The FLS designed cycle routes allow you to experience a wide variety of locations, such as:

  • Gorge de l’Ardeche
  • St Martin d’Ardeche
  • Nimes
  • Uzes
  • Vers–Pont-du Gard
  • Barjac
  • Anduze
  • Lussan
  • Goudargues
  • Vallon–Pont d’Arc

To make the most of your time in this region we will provide with information about any exciting activities or experiences available. Possible off- bike activities include:

  • Sightseeing or discovering the incredible environs
  • Professional wine tasting tours of the Costieres de Nimes and Ardeche
  • Exploration of quaint villages or vibrant cities
  • Viewing the awe-inspiring 2000-year-old Pont du Gard or the ancient Roman arena in Nimes
  • Visiting the various markets and certainly participating in the ‘mandatory’ gastronomic events

All of which, the FLS team endorses with a passionate yes, mais oui!

Day 1 Collection by the FLS team at either TGV Nimes or Avignon, or possibly the airport at Nimes, Montpelier or Avignon, before settling into hand-selected accommodation. Unpacking and preparation of bicycles with assistance from the FLS team. If time allows, a short exploration ride around the nearby area followed by a superb welcome dinner to commence the Tour.
Level A and B Level C and D
Day 2: We commence the tour by riding from the beautiful hilltop village of Lussan, to the ‘Duchy’ d’Uzes, where we will stop for coffee. Then on to the pottery village of St Quentin before heading back to Lussan for a picnic Distance: between 50 to 70 km
Elevation: between 200 and 900 m
Distance: between 25 and 35 km
Elevation: between 200 and 300 m
Day 3: Today we will ride through the Gorges de Ceze (alongside the beautiful la Ceze river). Coffee at Goudargues “Little Venice”, Montclus, stopping in the market town of Barjac Distance: between 50 to 70 km
Elevation: between 200 and 900 m
Distance: between 25 and 35 km
Elevation: between 200 and 300 m
Day 4: Into Ardeche; explore the foothills of the Cevennes Mountains, through the villages of St Ambroix, Besseges, climbing to Genolhac, for a well earned coffee, before coasting back through peaceful forests to your accommodation Distance: between 50 to 70 km
Elevation: between 200 and 900 m
Distance: between 25 and 35 km
Elevation: between 200 and 300 m
Day 5: An easy ride through the garrigues (wild olive, oak and thyme), pass through St Saveur, St Andre, to St Paul le Jeaunes, to Vallon-Pont d’Arc, Vagnas and back through the vineyards to the accommodation Distance: between 50 to 70 km
Elevation: between 200 and 900 m
Distance: between 25 and 35 km
Elevation: between 200 and 300 m
Day 6: A treat: the magnificent Gorges de L’Ardeche commencing in the mediaeval village of Aigueze, through St Martin, along the north bank or the Ardeche. Some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever experience Distance: between 50 to 70 km
Elevation: between 200 and 900 m
Distance: between 25 and 35 km
Elevation: between 200 and 300 m
Day 7: For the energetic, today we will tame Mt Bouguet, a sharp climb! Proceeding to Fons sur Lussan, and then dropping down into Belveze. We will then travel through the vineyards and olives, stopping for a coffee at our favourite Auberge de Lussan Distance: between 50 to 70 km
Elevation: between 200 and 900 m
Distance: between 25 and 35 km
Elevation: between 200 and 300 m
Day 8: After a European breakfast, it will be time to pack and say Bon Voyage. The FLS team will drop you off at your departure point, the TGV Nimes or Avignon, or possibly the airport at Nimes, Montpelier or Avignon.

This is only a sample itinerary. Your cycling tour will be customized to suit your needs.

Included in the tour
  • The duration of each tour is 7 nights; however, should you wish to spend more time with us, this can be arranged.
  • We provide personal collection upon arrival and return from an airport or train station.
  • Intimate group sizes of up to 10 guests will ensure that each of you receive personal assistance
  • We ensure that your memories will last a lifetime by capturing your experience in photographs and videos. We will ensure a complimentary copy is given to you.
  • Carefully selected accommodation for the duration of the tour, will ensure that your time off the bike is just as memorable, as your time spent on the bike (please take careful note, that the accommodation you select in the Request and the Booking form may influence the pricing).
  • Breakfasts and most lunches for the duration of the tour will be provided. Catered picnics in beautiful settings will also be offered. Three evening meals will be provided as part of the pricing. All other evening meals and outings will NOT be included in the price.
  • The distance and difficulty of each day’s riding are flexible to ensure that you can make the most of your experience.
  • Bicycle hire is available at an additional cost, and the choice is Road, hybrid and electronic bicycles.
  • Drinks and food supplements will be provided each day, for the duration of the tour.
  • The support vehicle may accompany the ‘peloton’, depending on the difficulty of the route.
  • An extensive range of off the bike activities and opportunities to truly explore and discover your surroundings
  • To commemorate your holiday with us you will receive a custom designed FLS cycling kit (which includes jersey, bib shorts and water bottle)
Accommodation

We believe that exceptional accommodation is essential in creating a memorable experience. Thus, the type of accommodation is essentially driven by area, duration and quality and therefore we have an eclectic mix of preferred chateaux/bed-and-breakfasts /hotels/gites, that we have developed relationships with. The photographs are indicative of these preferred venues chosen for their attractive location and superior facilities, while dovetailing with our Art of Life requirements.

Chateaux

Auberge

Auberge

Gites

Gites

Hotels

Hotels

Testimonials

“This was the first time that I had ventured into Languedoc and Ardeche area, and I was totally blown away by the experience. With FLS we explored a variety of quality cycling routes that travelled through stunning valleys and patchwork fields with virtually no traffic! Both on and off the bike there was plenty to see and do from discovering the quaint villages and markets to wine tasting, kayaking and roasting a genuine wild boar! The exceptional service of the FLS team made for a truly outstanding experience. Thanks team.”

Shaun, Johannesburg, South Africa

“I cannot even begin to describe my amazement at the natural beauty of the cycling routes of this area. It was like nothing I have ever experienced. Add in the delicious cuisine, amazing Archecoise wine and there was not much more I could ask for. With FLS there was also lots to see and do off the bike, with one particularly vigorous afternoon of wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape being one of the biggest highlights! Thank you FLS for this remarkable experience”

Andy, Johannesburg, South Africa

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.