Cycling to Lac Montbel

Summer has arrived in Spring in Languedoc. Set off from our cyclist friendly B&B this afternoon to Lac Montbel, 2 hrs round trip from Chez Maison Bleue, via Leran, along tracks and quiet roads, 1 car passed us in 2 hrs. The mighty, snow capped Pyrenees provide the backdrop.

Cycling in the foothills of the Pyrenees

Sandy beaches, sailing, swimming, Lac Montbel is a site exceptionnel, you can take the VTT  (mountain bike) route of 16km around its banks.

Sandy beaches of Lac Montbel

A walk before lunch

Drove this morning to Ste-Colmbe sur l’Hers, an ancient bastide town so typical of the Languedoc that stand in testament to past conflicts. We often cycle here so it’s not far from the house. An easy walk along the valley floor to la Bastide sur l’Hers, the barrage thunderous due to the swollen river Hers. A short stop at le Peyrat to admire the church of many bells (I made up the name). A steep climb from la Bastide along the GR7b brings you to Mireval; you have lovely views of Lac Montbel by now, though beware the eye squintingly strawberry pink villa that will never, ever mellow. Like a summer’s day on the ridge, fluorescent lime green and lemon butterflies dancing on the breeze as though it were July. Picked bay leaves from the path which are making their way into the lamb stew this evening.  You could extend this walk in any direction, previously we have dropped down to the shores of the lake. Today we came down from the ridge via en Sarrat, a short but very satisfying ramble which would have you back to your holiday cottage and on your terrace in time for lunch.