Cycling by the sea | Archipel de Thau

Cycling along the Mediterranean

On the coast, the Thau Archipelago is perfect for exploring by bike. The cycle paths follow the Mediterranean coastline and, as you pedal along, take you past sandy beaches, coves and wide-open views of the sea. Suitable for all abilities and interests, this coastal part of the region has some lovely surprises in store, whether you’re out for a leisurely family ride or looking for a more challenging day out. Find our seaside routes here, along with the Accueil Vélo-certified businesses dotted along the way. And for lovers of the Thau basin, the ‘Cycling around the lagoon’ page awaits you.

Cycling along the lagoon

the Lido Greenway

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Starting in Sète, this 12.8 km greenway sets off from Port des Quilles along a wide seafront promenade, at the foot of the dunes, far from the hustle and bustle of civilisation. A very easy route, accessible to all, which runs all the way to Marseillan-Plage, with the option of a lovely extension to the Pointe des Onglous, where the Canal du Midi meets the Thau lagoon.

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Cycling around the Mediterranean

A major cycle route linking the shores of the Mediterranean from east to west, the Méditerranée à Vélo crosses the Thau Archipelago in two memorable stages: stage 5 between Béziers and Sète, followed by stage 6 between Sète and Le Grau-du-Roi. A journey in its own right, taking in lagoons, beaches, fishing ports and landscapes opening out onto the Mediterranean.

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Béziers – Sète

Sète – Grau-du-Roi

The Viarhôna

A major cycle route linking Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, the ViaRhôna comes to a spectacular conclusion in the Thau Archipelago with its 23rd stage, between Palavas-les-Flots and Sète. A spectacular finish, amidst sparkling lagoons, sandy beaches and the first hints of the unique island’s charm.

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From the Viarhôna to the Canal du Midi

From Marseillan to Vic-la-Gardiole, this route follows the Mediterranean coastline and takes in the full diversity of the Thau Archipelago: the beaches of the Lido, lagoons, salt marshes, fishing ports and historic town centres all come into view as you pedal along. An accessible ride that invites you to stop as often as you like, from the Pointe des Onglous to the shores of Sète and the charming villages of Frontignan and Vic-la-Gardiole.

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The Two Seas Canal

A legendary route linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, following the Canal du Midi and then the Canal de la Robine, the Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo cycle route comes to a spectacular conclusion with stage 29, between Agde and Sète. A final stretch that crosses the lagoon landscapes of the Thau Archipelago before reaching the unique island and the waters of the Mediterranean.

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GO FURTHER

In the Thau Archipelago, art isn’t confined to museums: it’s woven into the landscapes, villages, harbours and everyday streets. With the Mediterranean Art Walks, contemporary artworks interact with heritage, nature and local history to offer a different way of exploring the region. To see the Thau Archipelago in a new light, follow these routes where each artwork offers a fresh perspective on your surroundings.

Plan your cycling holiday

Bicycle hire

Activities: Cycling

Bicycle parking facilities

Cycle-friendly accommodation

Cycle-friendly restaurants

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bike parks with your feet in the sand

In recent years, the town of Sète has installed bicycle parking facilities along the promenade and the Lido cycle path. In response to beachgoers’ desire to have their bikes even closer at hand, an initiative was launched in 2023 by a restaurant owner to develop a scheme for cycle racks directly on the sand.

The scheme, which involves installing posts on the beach fitted with rings to which cyclists can secure their bikes, has received very positive feedback from users. The City of Sète has therefore decided to take inspiration from this and will, from this summer (2024), provide seven parking areas, each with a capacity of six to eight spaces, installed at the pedestrian access points to the following beaches: