The best cycling routes around Pézenas

Cycle path along the railbike

Attached to the diocese of Agde, the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Thibéry is said to have been founded around 770 with the arrival of Attilio, a disciple and advisor of Benedict of Aniane. As the first abbot of the monastery, Attilio settled with a few monks near the tombs of the three Christian martyrs Tibère, Modeste, and Florence, executed during the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian on November 10, 304[...]. During the Middle Ages, the abbey was the seat of several councils, such as those of 907 and 1050, which brought together the bishops and abbots of the province of Narbonne. All-powerful among the abbeys of Languedoc, Saint-Thibéry declined with the Hundred Years' War.

A few kilometers from Nézignan-l’Évêque, in the municipality of Saint-Thibéry, Château Sainte-Cécile dates back to the 18th century. Originally a "country house" intended for holidays, the estate gradually developed around viticulture, but also silkworm farming and alcohol distillation. This former bastide was profoundly transformed over time, notably by the addition of an Italianate decor: Florentine facade, Corinthian columns, loggia, terrace adorned with Venetian lions, and balustered staircases. This transformation earned it the nickname "Venetian folly". In 1933, the castle was acquired by the father of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the Marquis Jacques de Saint-Exupéry. The writer stayed there regularly in the following years. Today, the castle hosts guest rooms and receptions, while preserving the main architectural elements that have shaped its identity.

This 18th-century residence hosted a vineyard, a silkworm farm, and an alcohol distillery before becoming a bed and breakfast and reception venue today. You can admire its beautiful Florentine facade from the outside, the building having been built inspired by Italian Renaissance castles.

This Benedictine abbey has its roots in the 8th century. Around 770, a monastery is said to have been founded here by Attilio, a disciple of Benoît d’Aniane, near the tombs attributed to three Christian martyrs: Thibéry, Modeste, and Florence. The site then became an important place of pilgrimage. The abbey occupies an even older site: it is located at the foot of the ancient oppidum and on the presumed site of the ancient town of Cessero. Beneath the parvis of the abbey church lies the "Gleizette", a small primitive underground chapel traditionally dated to the 9th century. The current abbey church, largely marked by Gothic architecture, bears witness to the numerous transformations of the abbey during the Middle Ages and the following centuries. In 1639, the abbey joined the Congregation of Saint Maur and received the title of royal abbey from Louis XIII. The Maurists then undertook a major reorganization of the monastery, the conventual buildings of which still retain elements.

Pézenas is not just about Molière, even though the playwright stayed there several times between 1650 and 1656 under the protection of the prince de Conti. The city was for a long time one of the most influential in Languedoc: the States of Languedoc met there regularly, and Louis XIII, Richelieu, or the prince de Conti stayed there. While strolling through the narrow streets, keep your eyes open: many doors still retain their original knockers and ironwork, testaments to the skill of Pézenas artisans. A tradition that is perpetuated today by the Musée de la Porte et de la Ferronnerie, unique in France. Finally, one last curiosity: the famous Maison de Molière should not be misleading. Despite its name, there is nothing to confirm that the playwright lived there. Local tradition rather holds that he liked to settle in the barber Gély's shop, where he observed the inhabitants and their foibles, a source of inspiration that is said to have fueled several of his future characters.

Beach area of Marseillan, here mainly surfers and walkers mingle, sharing the area with cyclists. Lovely view of the Étang de Thau.

It is difficult to imagine that waterways cross here like at a crossroads. Built in 1676 by engineer Pierre-Paul Riquet, the round lock of Agde is unique on the Canal du Midi: its circular shape and its three gates allow boats to choose between three different directions. Depending on their course, they head back towards Béziers, towards Agde, or towards the Étang de Thau. An ingenious river junction at the entrance to the town.