With the family on La Méditerranée à vélo
From Perpignan to the Mediterranean, adventurous families can enjoy a trip packed with culture and nature, Catalan-style. Embarking on this cycling odyssey, appreciate unique experiences along the way.
This package can also last for 4 days / 3 nights, counting one extra night at Perpignan or Rivesaltes, either at the start or end of the trip:
- Day 1: possibility of staying at Canet-en-Roussillon in a 3-star hotel
- Day 2: possibility of staying at Saint-Laurent de la Salanque in a 3-ears of corn B&B
From €207 per person
DAY 1 – VISIT CATALAN PERPIGNAN AND ITS GEMS (Perpignan - Sainte Marie la Mer – 17km)
Embark on a marvellous epic through the heart of Perpignan, classed as a Grand Site Occitanie. Immerse yourself in its Gothic past thanks to the app Perpignan 3D, climb the 142 steps to reach Le Castillet Keep, with its unique views, and visit the charming Muséum d’histoire naturelle, with all its curiosities…
To go from town to sea, it’s not a long way by bike. Spend a relaxing evening in Sainte Marie la Mer. Have fun with the family at a pool, at the seaside, or admiring the trompe-l’œil artworks in the heart of the village.
DAY 2 – A DAY VERY CLOSE TO NATURE, PLUS SEASIDE PLEASURES (Sainte Marie la Mer - Canet en Roussillon - Torreilles Plage - 25km)
There’s a good chance, reaching the Etang de Canet, that you’ll turn into budding naturalists, immersed in the midst of coastal landscapes made for observing birds and studying biodiversity.
Or then choose from a host of water sports, creating memories with your family, maybe learning kayaking at sea or canoeing on a river, paddle-boarding or sailing.
Get back on your bike(s) to reach Torreilles, its beach reputed for its unspoilt, natural, wild side.
And make the most of the many services on offer at the tourism residence here (pool, sauna, play area, etc), perhaps going for a memorable dinner at a typical waterside restaurant known as a paillote.
DAY 3 – TO THE HEART OF A BIODIVERSITY REFUGE (Torreilles Plage - Le Barcarès les Dosses - Rivesaltes - 42km, or 20km if you remove the section Agly/Les Dosses)
Cycle along beside the sea up to Le Barcarès and the site of Les Dosses, a spit of land advancing into the lagoon here that contains 200 plant species and 50 bird species. Spark your curiosity with a tour focusing on such figures in these natural surroundings.
Enjoy the simple pleasures, picnicking in the shade of pines at the seaside.
Get back on your bike to ride peacefully along the greenway beside the Agly River and through the parish of Rivesaltes, home of the Muscat grape, and also homeland of Marshal Joffre, French Chief of Staff during the first half of World War I.
To return to Perpignan, you could give your legs a rest, opting for a train that accepts bikes onboard. It’s swift and comfortable, making for an easy end to the day.
Cycling touring map for A Catalan cycling odyssey with the family
Detailed trail at: https://bit.ly/3fhTNeb
GPX tracks available from My Maps, by clicking on the icon ‘‘télécharger l’itinéraire en KML’’ (download the route in KML), then import the tracks via a tracking app such as OpenRunner.
Getting there:
By train, via Perpignan SNCF train station, or then by car.
Your bike rental company to head to on arrival is located in Canet-en-Roussillon; it is in fact possible to start your cycling break at Canet-en-Roussillon.
There’s an SNCF train link between Rivesaltes and Perpignan.
Further info: www.mestrajets.lio.laregion.fr