Overview

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Montpellier-Sud de France train station at 10:00 AM to begin your trip. A 20-minute private shuttle brings you to Alphonsia Maria – La Peniche, a beautifully restored barge moored along the Canal du Rhône à Sète. After enjoying a French early lunch inspired by the chef’s innovative culinary creations and a brief round of introductions, your guides will outline the trip and fit you to your Trek bike. Today’s ride offers a perfect introduction to the gravel terrain ahead, tracing the canal along the seawall, crossing Vic Pond, and winding through fragrant pine forests rich with coastal aroma. A gentle climb reveals sweeping views of the mountains and sea before you descend to tonight’s hotel. This evening, we’ll gather for cocktails and dinner to toast the journey ahead on this cycling adventure between France and Spain.

Overview

Rise and shine! After a hearty hotel breakfast, we’ll set off on our first big ride through the countryside of southern France. Today’s route climbs into the hills above Montpellier, offering expansive views of the sea. Some unpaved sections are technically challenging—including a steep, chunky gravel descent—but the remote terrain and sound of gravel under your wheels make it all worthwhile. Your guides will have fresh sandwiches from a local bakery ready whenever you’re feeling hungry for lunch. Later, ride to Lac du Salagou, a reservoir framed by iron-rich red soil that contrasts strikingly with the deep blue water to create a truly unique landscape. Tonight’s stay is in the Cirque de Mourèze, a surreal setting of weathered dolomite rock formations shaped by millions of years of erosion. We’ll come together for dinner in the tranquil setting of the hotel grounds to reflect on the day.

Overview

Today’s ride will immerse you in the laid-back rhythm of southern France. This morning, you’ll pedal through rolling, rocky hills and pass through timeless villages. Stop at a local café to sip a coffee and soak in the ambiance. Then, descend into Béziers—famous for its Roman heritage and its striking cathedral perched above the city. Lunch will be served at a beloved family-run restaurant with a legacy of boules players, set alongside the historic Canal du Midi. This afternoon, a scenic gravel path follows the canal for approximately nine miles (15 km), offering a serene ride. The day ends with a final spin through sun-soaked vineyards before reaching our one-of-a-kind floating hotel located right on the marina. Tonight, explore Gruissan and choose from its many excellent restaurants for dinner.

Overview

Today, savor the seaside one last time before we head into the heart of the Pyrenees. This morning’s gentle ride follows a flat gravel path between the calm Mediterranean and the Canal de la Robine, eventually transitioning to a sandy track that hugs the coastline all the way to Leucate. From there, the day’s first climb winds along a narrow road through the villages of Fitou and Opoul. After a well-earned stop for a bakery lunch, you’ll tackle the ascent to Bélesta—a challenging but rewarding stretch. As you climb, catch your first glimpse of the majestic Pyrenees, passing the Agly Dam and the quiet village of Cassagnes along the way. This evening, enjoy a well-deserved dinner at the hotel’s bistronomic restaurant, celebrating a day rich in coastal beauty and mountain promise.

Overview

Enjoy a well-earned rest day today—your chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of mountain life. Unwind in Bélesta, a quiet village tucked in the hills, known for its calm atmosphere and natural charm. Visit the hotel’s spa to soothe tired muscles or treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage. Prefer an active recovery? Take a scenic stroll through the village, explore nearby hiking trails, or hop in a taxi to visit the dramatic Gorges de Galamus. Wine lovers may also enjoy a guided tour of the local vineyards. (Please note: Some activities require advance reservations and are not included in the trip price. For details, contact a Trip Consultant or the hotel directly.) This evening, join an optional wine tasting in the cellar, then enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Overview

Get ready to dive into a day full of discovery as you ride through one of the most captivating corners of the Pyrenees. Your adventure begins in Bélesta, leading to Ille-sur-Têt via a gently rolling gravel road. From there, your guides will take you to the Orgues d’Ille—an awe-inspiring natural wonder where erosion has sculpted towering rock formations that resemble organ pipes. You’ll then climb back into the mountains, riding on forest roads carefully maintained by the Fire Defense Organization, with wide-open views rewarding your efforts. Afterward, descend into the village of Oms for a well-earned lunch at a cozy local restaurant. The final stretch of today’s ride takes you through a magical forest before arriving at your hotel. Spend the afternoon unwinding by the pool, then join your group for a short shuttle to dinner—an inspired, seasonal meal that blends regional tradition with innovative flair.

Overview

This morning you’ll say au revoir to France and hola to Spain as you climb through the stunning Pyrenees. Begin by tracing the Tech River to Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, a fortified medieval village that marks the start of the trip’s most challenging ascent! After a short gravel section, tackle nearly seven miles (11 km) of paved switchbacks at an average grade of 7.4%. As you summit Ares pass at nearly 5,000 feet (1,513 m), take in the vast mountain scenery. Congratulations—you made it to Spain! Descend at your own pace into Mollo for lunch, then begin your second climb through Collada Fonda National Park at the base of Costabona mountain. Soak in the scenery before descending into Llanars, a peaceful mountain town known for its stone buildings and slower pace of life. Settle into your hotel before heading out—your guides will share their favorite local spots for your first Spanish dinner.

Overview

Today’s gravel ride promises a rewarding finale to your cross-border adventure. After a hearty breakfast, saddle up for a long but gentler ride compared to previous days. You'll head toward Olot, a town nestled among dormant volcanic cones and craters, then connect with the historic Via Verde—a converted railway path that winds through the beautiful Garrotxa region. Along the way, enjoy an authentic Catalan lunch at a local restaurant. From there, continue on toward Girona, your final destination on this incredible experience. Tonight, we’ll gather for a special farewell dinner at the hotel’s exquisite restaurant—an opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and toast to an epic gravel journey from France to Spain.

Overview

Endings can be so bittersweet! This last morning is yours to do as you please. Opt for a last farewell ride along the river Riu Ter, take time to enjoy the dynamic town of Girona, or simply sleep in and savor the morning at your leisure. You will say farewell to your guides at 11:30 AM at the hotel before shuttling to the Girona Train Station to continue on your next adventure.