Medieval treasures from Rhône to Camargue by bike
A break to delight heritage-loving cyclists, offering you a journey back in time. From Beaucaire, awarded Ville d’Art et d’Histoire status for its cultural riches, exceptionally important sites are dotted along this stretch, such as St Gilles Abbey and the rampart-surrounded port of Aigues-Mortes.
The cycling is easy, taking you along sections of safe greenways, or, in places, along quiet roads on which there are speed limits. So that you have time to discover the magnificent heritage sites along the way, the length of each day’s cycling is short. The selected stops tell of the story of these lands that were so highly strategic in past times, on the border between the French kingdom and Provence.
From €220 per person
DAY 1 – FROM CHATEAU TO ABBEY ALONG THE SANTIAGO PILGRIMAGE ROUTE (Beaucaire – Saint-Gilles – 35km)
You might arrive at Beaucaire the evening before setting off, staying in a B&B. In this Rhône-side port, visit the dramatic remnants of the Château des Comtes de Toulouse. Then head for Le Vieux Mas and back in time! This educational farm transports you to the 1900s, covering old crafts and objects of the period, while the farm animals delight young and old alike. Arriving in St Gilles, wander around the streets of this well-flowered medieval town and admire its Romanesque abbey, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an unmissable stop on the Santiago pilgrimage trail. Contemplate its magnificently carved façade and impressive crypt.
- Night’s stay in the Hôtel-restaurant Le Cours*** in St Gilles
DAY 2: TAKING ON IMPRESSIVE RAMPARTS (Saint-Gilles – Aigues-Mortes – 40km)
Cycle off towards Aigues-Mortes. First stop, the hamlet of Gallician. At the Accueil Vélo-accredited Port de Plaisance, the harbour beside the Canal du Rhône à Sète, you can make use of the facilities (showers, toilets, water point, wifi…). A short detour via the hamlet of Franquevaux and you can follow the explanatory trail helping bring its historic abbey back to life. Continuing on, climb the Tour Carbonnière, rising from amidst the marshes. This 13th-century tower served as an advanced defensive post for the medieval town of Aigues-Mortes, built along the only land route leading to the royal port and its salt pans. Arriving at Aigues-Mortes – built by order of King Louis IX (known as Saint Louis) to sail out on crusade – you can climb its impressive ramparts and towers. The views from the Tour de Constance over the pink-tinged salt pans are breathtaking. Wander around the lively, colourful streets below. Try the local speciality, Aigues-Mortes fougasse, an orange-blossom brioche, and the IGP Sable de Camargue local wine at a shaded café terrace in the historic town.
- Night’s stay in Aigues-Mortes, in Accueil Vélo-accredited accommodation: the Hôtel Canal or Mas des sables
DAY 3: TO NEW WAVE ARCHITECTURE! (Aigues-Mortes – Le Grau du Roi – 20km)
At the heart of Le Grau du Roi stands its lively fishing port. Back in 1850, Le Grau du Roi was a simple fishers’ hamlet. Today, it’s fishing port is the second-largest on the French stretch of the Mediterranean. The much newer yachting harbour and resort of Port Camargue is joined at the hip to Le Grau du Roi. Follow a walking trail focusing on the modern architecture here, some buildings awarded 20th-century heritage status. It’s the end of the trip… unless you spend an extra night at Le Grau du Roi.
Cycling touring map for the trip Medieval treasures from Rhône to Camargue
Detailed trail at: https://urlz.fr/drhI
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 the SNCF stations at Beaucaire or Tarascon.
You can have your bike(s) delivered to Beaucaire either by CYRPEO or Bike Provence Découverte.
Further info: www.mestrajets.lio.laregion.fr