Overview

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Montpellier-Sud de France train station on the first day of your trip. After a 15-minute private shuttle, you'll arrive at Anse Sauvage, a charming restaurant nestled in a pristine natural sanctuary along the banks of l'Etang de Méjan. After enjoying a French brunch 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 bike. Today's ride offers a splendid introduction to the gravel you'll encounter throughout this exciting tour. Our adventure begins with a ride through a protected reserve, where you can observe serene flamingos resting in the ponds. We'll then guide you along the seawall, across the Vic Pond, and into the fragrant pine forests, which emit a captivating aroma. A gradual ascent will reward you with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sea before we descend to our first hotel. This evening, we'll gather for cocktails and dinner to discuss what's to come during this cycling adventure between France and Spain.

Overview

Rise and shine, and get excited! After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we'll gather for our first big ride through the countryside in South of France. Today, our route will take you to the heights of Montpellier, where you'll be treated to an unspoiled panorama of the Mediterranean Sea. Some segments of today's unpaved route are technically challenging, including a steep descent with chunky gravel, but we think you'll agree there's nothing quite like the sound of gravel beneath your wheels as you traverse these remote areas. Your guides will be prepared with delicious sandwiches from the local boulangerie for whenever you'd like to have lunch. Continuing on, your route will lead you to the shores of Lac du Salagou, a reservoir created in 1968 by the construction of a dam. One of the most distinctive features of Lac du Salagou is the surrounding reddish soil, a result of the iron-rich earth in the region. The contrast between the deep blue water and the red earth creates a visually stunning and unique landscape. Tonight's accommodation will be situated in the heart of the Cirque de Mourèze, a "chaos" of dolomite rocks sculpted by erosion over millions of years. As the day winds down, we'll come together for a group dinner on the relaxing hotel grounds, where we can share and reflect upon our experiences of the day.

Overview

Today, we'll take you on a ride that will endear you to the relaxed lifestyle of the South of France. In the morning, you'll traverse gently undulating, rocky hills that lead you through picturesque villages. Pause at a local cafe to savor a cup of coffee and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere. You'll then descend to the town of Béziers, renowned for its rich historical heritage dating back to Roman times, as well as for its magnificent cathedral. Lunch will be at a local restaurant, a treasured family establishment with a legacy of boules players, situated alongside the historic Canal du Midi. This afternoon, a scenic gravel route will lead you along the canal for approximately nine miles (15 km), offering a truly delightful experience. The day will conclude with a charming ride through vineyards. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner at the hotel's restaurant, housed in a traditional building typical of this region of France.

Overview

Today, we invite you to savor the seaside one last time before our journey deep into the Pyrenees mountains begins. In the morning, you'll leisurely pedal between the tranquil Mediterranean Sea and the picturesque Canal de la Robine on a gentle and flat gravel path, eventually transitioning to a sandy road that follows the coastline all the way to Leucate. Our day's first ascent will take you along a charming, narrow road that winds through the villages of Fitou and Opoul. Following a well-deserved bakery lunch, you'll take on the ascent to Bélesta, which will be challenging but incredibly rewarding. As you climb, you'll catch your first glimpse of the stunning Pyrenees mountains, passing by the Agly Dam and the quaint village of Cassagnes. Tonight, a delicious dinner awaits you at the hotel's bistronomic restaurant, where you can relish the satisfaction of a day well spent.

Overview

It's a rest day today - an opportunity to relax, recuperate, and recharge your batteries for the rest of the trip. Relax in Bélesta, a small village up in the mountains that offers calm and serenity. Visit the hotel's spa to soak away some aches and pains or indulge in a massage to work out any kinks. For those inclined toward an active rest day, Bélesta offers plenty of options. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, explore the surrounding hiking trails, or perhaps take a taxi to discover the impressive Gorges de Galamus. Wine enthusiasts can explore the vineyards during guided tours. (Please note that some of these extra activities require advance reservations and are not included in the trip price. You can contact one of our Trip Consultants or the hotel Domaine Riberach directly for more information.) Tonight, enjoy an optional wine tasting in the cellar, followed by dinner at your leisure.

Overview

Dive into the day and explore the many sights on your ride through this intriguing and unique region of the Pyrenees. Today's adventure begins with a ride through Bélesta, leading you to Ille-sur-Têt along a picturesque, undulating gravel road. Your guides will then take you to the awe-inspiring Orgues d'Ille, a mesmerizing display of rock formations that bear a striking resemblance to organ pipes, crafted over millions of years through the forces of erosion. You’ll then ascend to the mountainous terrain once more, traversing roads meticulously maintained by the Forest Fire Defense Organization. Here, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views before descending to our designated lunch spot in Oms. Recharge your energy at a cozy, local restaurant in the heart of this charming village. The swift descent to our next hotel will take you through a spellbinding forest. Afterwards, take some time to unwind by the hotel's pool before we shuttle to our dinner destination. There, you'll savor delectable seasonal market cuisine, thoughtfully blending tradition with innovation, and featuring flavors from both the region and beyond.

Overview

Today you'll say au revoir to France and hola to Spain as you climb to the border through the stunning Pyrenees! You will first pass through Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda, renowned for its therapeutic thermal baths and steeped in a rich history dating back to Roman times. You'll then continue with a gentle ascent along the Tech Valley, tracing the course of the river that shares its name. Today's lunch will be in Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, surrounded by medieval fortifications that preserve its historic center. The imposing Fort Lagarde, a 17th-century fortress, once stood as a stalwart defender of the city during various conflicts. You'll have some time to explore the town and find some food to fuel your body before starting the most challenging climb of the trip to Ares Pass. After a short gravel section, you'll climb nearly seven miles (11 km) at an average grade of 7.4% along a narrow, winding paved road, tackling switchback after switchback. Watch the breathtaking view unfold before your eyes as you reach the summit at almost 5,000 feet (1,513 m). Congratulations - you made it to Spain! You will finally descend to Camprodon, a lovely village typical of northern Spain, where we'll spend the night. After a warm shower at the hotel, follow your guides' recommendations to find the best spot in town for your first Spanish meal.

Overview

Your gravel adventure today will be a ride that won't disappoint! Begin the day with a hearty breakfast and saddle up for a long, yet relatively easy journey compared to the previous days. Today, you will ride towards Olot, a town nestled among dormant volcanic cones and craters. From Olot, you'll move onto the Via Verde, following the historic railway line that once linked Olot and Girona, meandering through the picturesque Garrotxa region. Along this path, we'll make a stop at a local restaurant to savor a truly authentic Catalan experience. Leaving the Via Verde behind, we'll make our way into Girona, our final destination on this remarkable trip. Tonight, we'll reconvene for a special dinner together at the hotel's exquisite restaurant, providing the perfect opportunity to relive the enchanting moments and share stories from this epic gravel adventure spanning 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.