Anybody who is reasonably active should be able to take part and enjoy our holidays, the secret is to choose the level of rides that suit you. Our range varies from gentle 20 km rides on flat terrain for families and inexperienced cyclists to hilly 200km excursions aimed at enthusiastic cyclists who might want to bring their own road bikes. No ride is a race and there is no time limit - and on the standard package there is always the backup vehicle if things get too difficult
We would nevertheless recommend that anyone who has not taken any regular exercise for some time consult his or her doctor before considering any activity based holiday.
On standard package holidays we pick up and drop off from the nearest airports and TGV/railway station to Capestang. We are also conveniently located for the European Bike Bus that operates from the UK. This gives everyone the option of making their way by the most economical or convenient means. The major options are:
Bike
For the more dedicated cyclist, there is only one way… Follow the signs to Capestang!!
Flying from the UK
Ryanair flies into three local airports and often offers the most economical alternative:
Flying from Northern Europe :
Ryanair flies into the following destinations:
Rail
The TGV is another possibility for visitors. The EurostarSNCF (French National Railways) TGV websites may be useful. As a guide from the UK, London Waterloo to Montpellier via TGV takes approximately 8˝ hours.
Bike Bus from the UK :
The European Bike Bus may be a good choice if you decide to bring your own bicycle from the UK, with various pick-up points throughout the East of England from Stokesley down to Dover. Take the Mediterranean route, leaving the bus at stop M09, Narbonne Est. Capestang is a short and easy ride from the dropping-off point, or we can pick-up and drop-off if you prefer.
However you choose to travel, we are very happy to help you sort out your itinerary.
We are happy for guests to bring their own bikes. The budget airlines charge around £15 each way and will insist on a certain style of packing.
The most important garment to consider in the clothes department is your shorts. These should ideally be purpose-made cycling shorts, either in lycra or normal cotton shorts with a padded inside. T-shirts or cycling shirts are ideal for the top half, with maybe one long sleeved garment to wear for cooler early morning starts. A light waterproof jacket may prove prudent for the odd shower that may pass by.
Purpose made stiff-soled cycling shoes are ideal, but for shorter distance rides then a sturdy pair of trainers will be fine.
Evening meals will often be taken al fresco or in local restaurants, so bring something more casual to wear for these occasions. We will not be dining formally, so leave your dinner jackets and ball gowns behind.
As well as being an active holiday, tasting the best that Languedoc has to offer, our holidays are also an opportunity to meet people and make new friends with common interests and outlooks. Our groups are limited to a maximum of 16, which is the largest number that we can give our personal service to, and we place our minimum level at four people. If numbers drop below this level for a particular week then we will contact you at least five weeks beforehand to advise you of cancellation.
From May onwards the weather in the Languedoc is settled and pleasant. July and August are usually too hot for comfortable cycling and so we do not usually run cycling holidays during this period. From September through to November we are once again into the season of milder cycling weather. Rainy days may always occur, but should be rare enough.
There is no specific upper age limit — the only constraint is a reasonable level of fitness. Children over ten will normally be able to manage the shorter distance holidays, younger children are always welcome as part of a family group but would usually spend their holiday at the Domaine while older members of the family are away cycling. For cycling keen parents with younger children, it may be possible to arrange childcare during the daytime. Please contact us if you are interested in this service.
All EU citizens from outside France will require an EHIC for medical cover, enquire at you local Post Office for details. Other nationalities should arrange for their own medical insurance cover independently. We will require confirmation of your arrangements before your stay with us.
We strongly advise that you have travel insurance to cover any unforeseen eventuality on your trip between home and the Languedoc. We will provide secure locked storage for bikes overnight but you should also ensure that you have insurance against any loss of personal property that may occur during your holidays. Your home contents insurance may well provide this type of cover, but please check before your departure.
No, towels, linen and soap are provided for you.
Bring a small amount of Euros with you, but French cash machines will generally accept overseas credit cards. There is a cash machine available in Capestang.
Please read our terms and conditions