CYCLE LOOP No. 13 - THE COL DU PERTHUS AND THE LABEIL CIRQUE FROM LODÈVE

1

Before starting, appreciate the rich heritage of Lodève, including the majestic Saint-Fulcran cathedral, of southern Gothic style and built in the 12th and 14th centuries, unavoidable as it dominates the town. The nearby park is also pleasant. Its war memorial symbolizes the pain of families following the loss of a loved one during World War I. To leave Lodève, take the D902 toward Les Plans. No time to warm up, the ascent of the Col du Perthus begins as soon as you leave the town! You are set for about 11 km of climbing and 630 m of elevation gain. This ascent is pure bliss. The surface is in good condition, the climb steady, and automobile traffic light. And what about the landscapes… You gradually overlook on your left Les Plans and the Soulondres valley. From the upper parts, looking back, you can enjoy views as far as Lake Salagou, and in good weather, you may even spot the sails of boats on the Mediterranean Sea. Locals will tell you it’s one of the most beautiful and pleasant climbs in the area…

2

The pass is located at the junction of the D902 and the D142, which you follow to the right. The pass is located at the junction of the D902 and the D142, which you follow to the right.

3

The approximately 8 km section taking you to Les Rives from the Col du Perthus runs on a more traveled and wider road. You are on the Hérault part of the Larzac plateau, with its characteristic rocky landscapes, but also on one of its least hostile parts, with trees, ferns, and wheat fields.

4

By the way, you can make a very short detour to the Lérab Ling temple in Roqueredonde, located on the left side of the road. It is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Europe, inaugurated in 2008 in the presence of the Dalai Lama. You can see the roofs of the building, but to avoid disturbing the worship and retreats, visits are only allowed on Sundays. Check ahead.

5

You then reach Les Rives, a quiet small village on the Larzac plateau. Refill your bottles at one of the few water points in the area, the cemetery. From there, take the peaceful D151, which you follow for 5 km among farms and pastures.

6

After this gentle section, you arrive at the edge of the causse, and a sign indicates a 12% downhill slope... The road that follows is stunning. You literally plunge into the Labeil cirque via a dizzying and narrow road. This dolomitic cirque, located at 700 m altitude in the Escandorgue forest, offers a succession of incredible viewpoints on the Lodévois landscapes.

7

You pass in front of the Labeil cave, whose natural entrance is a former Roquefort cheese cellar that allows direct access to the underground river where the sound of illuminated waters offers a unique spectacle. Worth a visit. A little after the cave, a very small path on the right leads to a remarkable panorama. Continue your long descent. The slopes gradually lessen as you go. remarkable. Continue your long descent. The slopes gradually lessen as you go.

8

You finally arrive at Lauroux, a friendly village marking the exit of the cirque. Continue like this until the foot of the village of Poujols. At this point, the D151 turns right to return to Lodève via a narrow road, the old Poujols path, with degraded pavement. If you like smooth roads, skip it and take the D149 a little further on. Otherwise, you benefit from a quiet and shady return by following the Lergue river to Lodève.

Parking nearby

"Hérault à Vélo" road signs

+33 4 67 88 86 44

Lodévois and Larzac Tourist Office

Hérault Vélo