The Salagou - Mourèze Grand Site is prime mountain biking country. From La Bergerie du Mas Delon, tracks lead straight to Lake Salagou, the red ruffes, the village of Celles and the ridges overlooking the lake. Routes for every level, through truly unique landscapes.
La Bergerie du Mas Delon is perfectly placed for setting off by mountain bike without loading the bikes into the car. From the estate, farm tracks and trails lead straight to the shores of Lake Salagou (4 km), cross the red ruffes and climb towards the village of Octon (8 km) or the ridges overlooking the lake.
The Salagou terrain is wonderfully varied: flat ground along the lakeshore, moderate climbs through the ruffes, steeper ascents up to the ridges. The garrigue tracks offer constant views over the lake, the hills and the Hérault hinterland.
A large network of waymarked mountain-bike trails around the Salagou — 260 km in total — from Lodève to Clermont-l'Hérault via Lavalette, Le Puech, Celles, Octon, Liausson, Mérifons, Villeneuvette, Nébian and Cabrières. Our gîtes sit right on circuit no. 9.
Away from the lake, the extravagant red rock never stops surprising you. Built entirely of sandstone, the village of Le Puech enjoys an underground supply of warm water. Most of the route takes you through a succession of canyons where intermittent streams — wadis — flow along the bottom. Ride out from the gîtes plus 4 km to join the circuit.
A loop around the most beautiful lake in the South of France! Welcome to the arid red flanks of a valley flooded over 700 hectares. This long circuit serves up dry, luminous Mediterranean landscapes that contrast with the ever-present water — dark lava flows, the village of Celles, the dam. Our gîtes are right on this circuit.
From La Bergerie, ride down to the lakeshore (4 km) then follow the ruffes to the village of Celles (5 km from the gîtes). Varied terrain, views over the lake and the red formations. Doable as a family by mountain bike.
From the gîtes, ride to Octon along the garrigue tracks (8 km, ~200 m of climbing). The Octon viewpoint offers one of the finest views over Lake Salagou. Descend by a different trail to make a loop.
From La Bergerie, ride to the Cirque de Mourèze (17 km, ~300 m of climbing) along the hinterland tracks. The dolomite cirque is even more impressive when you have earned it in the saddle. Return via the D908.
Combine a morning of mountain biking around the lake with an afternoon swim at the Salagou beaches. Then head back to the gîtes for the heated pool and a barbecue on the terrace. One of the classic perfect days at the Salagou.
Away from Lake Salagou, the extravagant red rock never stops surprising you. Built entirely of sandstone, the colourful village of Le Puech also enjoys an underground supply of warm water, put to use by local farms.
Most of the MTB route takes you through a succession of canyons where unusual, intermittent streams flow along the bottom: the wadis. The centre of Le Puech, wild open views.
A loop around the most beautiful lake in the South of France will not disappoint! Welcome to the arid, fantastically red flanks of a valley flooded over more than 700 hectares with clean, fish-filled water.
This long 30 km circuit gives you views, again and again, over dry, luminous Mediterranean landscapes that contrast with the ever-present water. Dark lava flows, an extraordinary lakeside village, the dam. Our gîtes sit right on this circuit.
Handy to know: a water point for washing down your bike is 10 metres from the estate reception.
You can download the map of the MTB circuits around the gîtes below.
For bike hire, RDV Cycles & Connect is at the Leclerc shopping centre, 5 minutes from the gîtes. It offers good-value packages and electric mountain bike hire, with delivery to the gîtes from 3 bikes hired.
Another option is Ozone VTT Cycles, the local bike specialist: shop, repair workshop and hire of mountain bikes, e-MTBs and kids' bikes. The shop is at 1 avenue du Lac du Salagou in Clermont-l'Hérault, and a rental base opens on the lakeshore in the warmer months, right at the start of the circuits.
Book on +33 6 31 76 84 57 (hire) or +33 4 67 96 27 17 (shop) — vtt-salagou.com.
Yes, the Salagou - Mourèze Grand Site has plenty of paths and trails suited to mountain biking. The tracks through the red ruffes, around the lake and towards the Cirque de Mourèze are all rideable by MTB. From La Bergerie du Mas Delon, you ride out straight from the gîtes.
Yes, there are two hire outlets close by. RDV Cycles & Connect, at the Leclerc shopping centre 5 minutes from the gîtes, offers electric mountain bikes with delivery to the estate from 3 bikes hired (€40 to €55 for a half day or full day, €205 for a week). Ozone VTT Cycles, the bike specialist in Clermont-l'Hérault, hires mountain bikes, e-MTBs and kids' bikes and opens a base on the lakeshore in season — +33 6 31 76 84 57, vtt-salagou.com.
Yes, the lake area suits all levels. The paths around the lake and through the lower ruffes are accessible to beginners and families. The climbs towards Octon or Mont Liausson call for more fitness.
La Bergerie du Mas Delon: direct access to the Salagou MTB trails, a heated pool for recovery and air-conditioned gîtes for a holiday that is both active and restful.
