Saint-Pons-de-Thomières / Bédarieux
This second stage of the PassaPaïs cycle route follows the trail of the Jaur River and then the Orb. The Monts du Somail and Massif du Caroux mountains dominate all along the way. Olargues, a member of the association of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, rising on its rocky promontory, provides a remarkable stop. Then, from the iron bridge nicknamed the Pont Eiffel, take in the wild valley with its steep bracken moors and array of boulders. For the most adventurous among you, tackle the detour via the Gorges d’Héric, with a village perched on high and enchanting natural pools to enjoy, along with the splendid views. After meandering along via many bridges and tunnels, you’ll appreciate the gentle end to this stage, arriving at Bédarieux riding along on the banks of the Orb River.
PassaPaïs from Saint-Pons-de-Thomières to Bédarieux
You leave Saint-Pons-de-Thomières via the D907, but after just 600m on this road shared with motorized traffic, you get back to the greenway, its start signposted.
Once back on the greenway, the route is very safe, reserved for cyclists.
Just before crossing Prémian, you may find a temporary barrier barring the way, but you can get around it by dismounting to walk around it.
At the entrance to Nissergues, you cycle on a tarmacked road, the D35E35, for 1.5km. Although this stretch is shared with motorized traffic, it isn’t busy. Then join the Orb’s quays before arriving at Bédarieux town centre.
The surface is firm, mainly on compacted sand.
