La cathédrale de Maguelone
E. Brendle

Maguelone Cathedral

A Romanesque gem on the Maguelone Peninsula

This 1,000-year-old fortress of a cathedral on the sands, set between sea and lagoon, was the seat of Montpellier’s bishopric up to the 16th century and as such central to the creation of the city of Montpellier and its university. A major Christian centre, on several occasions it provided refuge for popes. Today, this site on the Maguelone Peninsula is managed by Les Compagnons de Maguelone, running an establishment offering the handicapped care and careers, here cultivating vines and organic produce.

Exploring this spot surrounded by lagoons helps teach visitors about French history and many waves of invaders. The majestic cathedral, in Romanesque style, is dedicated to St Peter and St Paul, but provided with defensive features such as arrow-slits. Its unique site intrigues visitors today, as they learn that people from practically all the great Mediterranean civilisations stopped here or occupied the place.

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Accommodation Useful information Leasure Restauration

Accommodation Useful information Leasure Restauration

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Je débute/En famille
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Béziers / Sète

5 Béziers / Sète

51 km
3 h 19 min
I’m used to cycling
From Béziers’s port, the Canal du Midi à Vélo route directs you back to the Med. From Roque Haute bridge, you can easily access Portiragnes Beach by bike to enjoy a refreshing dip. Also stop to admire Le Libron’s curious adjustable aqueduct and Agde’s circular lock. Agde Cathedral, with its bell-tower dominating the Hérault River, calls on visitors to explore the ancient city below, built from black basalt. The Canal du Midi merges with the Etang de Thau lagoon at the level of Les Onglous lighthouse. From Marseillan-Plage, Le Lido Greenway sticks to the Mediterranean, leading you to Sète and its museums. How long will you resist the call of the sea for a swim along this stretch?

It is advisable to request written authorization to cycle across these parts from VNF, the managing authority, in accordance with Article R4241-68 of the French Code des Transports.
Sète / Le Grau-du-Roi

6 Sète / Le Grau-du-Roi

57 km
3 h 51 min
I’m used to cycling
On this Mediterranean Cycle Route stage, keep towel and bathers at the top of your pannier! For lunch, taste local shellfish accompanied by a Muscat de Frontignan wine, the perfect reward for tackling this watery scenery. Towards Montpellier, the route meanders between lagoons and beaches. Make a detour to Saint-Pierre de Maguelone Cathedral, the Gardiole Range in the background covered in typical garrigue scrubland. Then head for the lighthouse at Palavas-les-Flots. Next, the great pyramids of La Grande Motte call, man-made reflections of the grand Pic St-Loup rock inland. At the port-resort of Le Grau-du-Roi, why not try some nautical sliding sports, witness a Camargue bull run or savour local produce?