Languedoc bike route - Autignac to Roquebrun in the Orb Valley

Local cyclist Darren Kennedy has sent in this 48km circular loop from Autignac to Roquebrun, following the stunning Orb river valley.

From Rue Saint André, ride north out of the village past the football pitch and water tower keeping left at the fork with the cross.

Continue through the vineyards heading north towards the mountains. Turn left at the junction towards Lentheric and Saint Nazaire de Ladarez. After a short climb, descend around a sharp corner and turn first left at the bridge towards Lentheric on the D136.

Traverse the village of Lentheric going straight on out through the vineyards until you reach a small bridge where you climb steadily for about 500 metres, following the signs to Causses-et-Veyran and staying on the D136. The road winds through the vineyards mainly downhill – ignore the turn to the right to Saint Nazaire and keep heading straight on until you reach the village of Causses-et-Veyran.

Turn right towards the village and ride up the hill into the centre following the road left at the top of the hill. Go past the school on your right and ride downhill to a junction where you need to turn left and then right uphill towards Roquebrun and Olargues. This is probably the steepest section of the ride but don’t worry as it only lasts for approximately 500 metres and you are rewarded with a stunning view across the Orb Valley when you get to the top.

After an excellent descent (watch the hairpins), the road then meanders through the vineyards following the River Orb. After a few kilometres and a small section of gentle uphill, the road sweeps right and you will get a wonderful view of the village of Roquebrun, your destination for lunch.

In Roquebrun, I recommend a couple of options for lunch: Restaurant Le Petite Nice (+33 (0)4 67 89 64 27) on the left as you come into the village or Le Cave St Martin (+33 (0)4 67 24 56 49) on your right. Both have terraces overlooking the River Orb, reservation recommended to be sure they are open.

It is possible to paddle in the river by the beach area on the other side of the bridge and there are some beautiful Mediterranean gardens carved into the side of the mountain above the village.

To return to Autignac, take the D14 across the bridge towards Cessenon-Sur-Orb. A gentle climb of approximately 1.5km will work off the lunch and then it is nice descent all the way down to Cessenon a lovely village with cafes and restaurants.

From Cessenon-Sur-Orb take the D14 East towards Murviel-Les-Beziers turning left at junction to the D36 crossing the River Orb at Réals (nice view from the bridge and an Auberge for lunch or coffee).

When you arrive in Murviel-Les-Beziers head uphill and take a right turn signposted for the college and the chateau of Saint Martin des Champs. This road is the D16E and eventually will lead you to St-Genies de Fontedit (bear left at junction where new tarmac runs out) which is directly South of Autignac.

From St-Genies de Fontedit, follow the road back to Autignac on the D154 saving your legs for the last little climb back up to the village.

Autignac can be easily recognised by its unique water tower that dominates the skyline and the higher mountains sitting behind.  

Cycling tours in Languedoc

See our organised guided and self-guided cycling holidays in Languedoc page.

Bike hire in Langeudoc

See our bike hire pages for rental options across the region.

More on cycling in Languedoc

See our overview of cycling in Languedoc, as well as our day rides article. We also have articles on Perpignan, Nimes, Montpellier, and Narbonne, as well as info on the Canal du Midi.

On the blog

© 2011-2021 Freewheeling France | Copyright, Cookies, Privacy and Advertiser T&Cs |