The best gravel rides in Réserve Naturelle De Roque-Haute

The Étang de Thau is the largest lagoon in Occitania and a species-rich inland sea, separated from the Mediterranean by a narrow sandbank. The waters are the center of South French oyster farming, whose hanging mussel beds shape the landscape. As a nautical hub, the lagoon also connects the famous Canal du Midi with the Canal du Rhône à Sète. Along the shore, charming towns line up, such as the fishing town of Sète, the vermouth town of Marseillan, and the oyster towns of Bouzigues and Mèze, which can be perfectly explored via the 53-kilometer-long cycling route around the basin.

This superb strip of compact earth, by the water, makes for very fast and rolling gravel terrain for trail running, and is very pleasant for walking. Stop by the water to observe the little birds hiding in the shore bushes.

This remarkable structure composed of mobile aqueducts allows boats navigating the Canal du Midi to cross the small river Libron. Created in 1855 by Urbain Maguès, an engineer also responsible for the bridge-canal of Béziers.

The Grande Maïre educational trail allows you to enjoy this vast wetland. You will see flamingos and other wading birds, which come to take advantage of the richness of the soil to feed.

🌉 Pont des Trois Yeux – the bridge with the three eyes This unusual old stone bridge stands directly on the Canal du Midi. Its actual name is Pont Saint-Joseph, but it is best known as the “Pont des Trois Yeux” – Bridge of the Three Eyes. 🇫🇷 The name is immediately explained upon closer inspection: the bridge has three arches. The large central arch allowed boats to pass, while the two smaller openings served the water or the towing path at the time. The history of towing is particularly interesting: Before motorboats navigated the canal, the barges were primarily pulled by horses from the bank. 🐴 At many bridges, the tow rope had to be detached and reattached on the other side – such structures today still beautifully illustrate how shipping on the Canal du Midi worked in the past. Another special feature are the overflows on both sides of the bridge, through which excess water could be drained. Not a huge sight, but exactly one of those small historical structures that make a bike tour along the Canal du Midi so interesting. 🚲👌🏼 Greetings Marcus ✌🏼

⛲ Fountain in Sérignan-sur-l’Orb In the middle of Sérignan-sur-l’Orb, you'll find this beautiful, multi-tiered fountain, framed by large, shade-providing trees. 🌳⛲ The small square around it feels pleasantly quiet and is perfect for a short break on hot days. Benches, plenty of shade, and the splashing of water create a typical southern French ambiance. 🇫🇷☀️ Not a large, spectacular structure, but exactly one of those little places you discover when cycling through and are happy to stop for a moment. 🚲👌🏼 Greetings, Marcus ✌🏼

🌿 View of historic Portiragnes From the Canal du Midi, you have a really beautiful view of Portiragnes with the distinctive Église Saint-Félix, which towers over the rooftops of the old town center. 🇫🇷 And the small town has surprisingly much history to offer: The area around Portiragnes was already settled in the Neolithic period, around 7,700 years ago. Later, the Romans also left their mark before the present-day town center developed in the Middle Ages. The Église Saint-Félix is particularly worth seeing. Its origins probably date back to the 12th century, with essential parts of the current church building dating from the 14th century. Since 1932, it has been protected as a historic monument (Monument historique). A beautiful photo stop on the Canal du Midi – with reeds and water in the foreground and a village in the background whose history dates back several millennia. 📸🚲 Greetings Marcus ✌🏼

🌿 View of Portiragnes on the Canal du Midi A beautiful view from the Canal du Midi of Portiragnes. 🇫🇷 In the background, the church towers over the roofs of the town, while in front, reeds, water, and the typical landscape along the canal stretch out. The cycle path leads here relaxed directly along the Canal du Midi and repeatedly offers beautiful perspectives of Portiragnes – a quiet section where a short photo stop is definitely worthwhile. 📸🚲 Greetings Marcus ✌🏼