727, bikepacking en Hérault

On the French Mediterranean coast, the Hérault department is unique, due to its geology, biodiversity, and topography. Taking a mountain bike tour of Hérault will guarantee constantly changing landscapes and beautiful sights. Between beaches and mountains, lagoons and lakes, garrigues and forests, the route traverses the Haut Languedoc and Grands Causses regional parks, the southern edge of the Cévennes and Larzac, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Two loops compose the x727, the external is the 727 (600 km/370 mi), the internal the i727 (470 km/300 mi). If you like ultra-long distances, you can start with a 727 and continue with the i727. If you prefer gravel, go for the g727 (727 km/450 mi).

A grand depart takes place the first weekend of April.

The 727 plays with the border of the Hérault department, mostly staying within the department, sometimes crossing the border of the neighboring departments (Aude, Tarn, Aveyron, Gard). The i727 is shorter but harder. Both loops minimize asphalt, favor singletracks and double track forest roads, cross picturesque villages, and offer breathtaking views.

On the x727, you will discover historical sites and grandiose panoramas. Traditional patisseries, bakeries, restaurants and cafes are hidden in almost all the villages crossed. Campsites and wild areas punctuate the route, as well as hotels and guest houses. During the warm days, it is often possible to swim in the sea, lagoons, lakes and rivers. Less than a day away from bustling French cities you will feel like an explorer in the middle of nowhere.

The x727 route is distributed under a free license by Thierry Crouzet. He maintains the route for the pleasure of bikepacking in his native region with his friends and to share his love for Hérault, one of the most picturesque departments in France.

Note: The route is called 727, or 7 to 7, because it originally started and looped back to Sète, a city whose name sounds exactly like the number 7 in French. The start and finish were moved a short distance away, to Poussan, a medieval village, which is more convenient for parking and offers many singletracks on its outskirts. In any case, you can see Sète floating above the Thau Lagoon, both at the start and at the finish. The city worth a visit.