Plage des Chalets - Île Saint-Martin

The start is on the seafront. You can either stay in one of the beachfront chalets or park your car in one of the many free car parks on the beach.

(S/E) Follow the cycle path along the Canal du Grazel and continue to the end, at the fish market. With the wind in your face, you'll feel the burn in your calves!

(1) Pass this, then turn left onto the Canal du Grazel bridge towards Les Salins. At the small roundabout, turn left again and you will soon reach a three-way junction.

(2) Keep left on Rue de la Vieille Nouvelle and go around the campsite on the left. Continue along the road, following the salt marshes, until you reach a three-way junction.Look out for a few colonies of flamingos on your left.

(3) Turn right towards the centre of the island and the Pierre Richard wine estate (for wine and comedy lovers). The road begins to wind its way through the island's vineyards. At the archaeological site (which can be visited), the road is blocked. Drive around the site on the right-hand side and you will soon reach a crossroads with a path.

(4) Turn right onto this road, then take the road on the left and continue to the next crossroads. Magnificent landscapes of rocks and vineyards. A small hill at the beginning, then a very gentle climb. Be careful if you are on roller skis, as there are a few patches of gravel in the centre of the road.

(5) Turn left and head towards the Garbirou pine forest. The road passes through a beautiful forest, is very fast and offers superb views of the Barberousse Tower.

(6) At the crossroads, continue left (D32). This is the least interesting part of the route. Follow thisfairly busy road for about 500 m with caution, keeping well to the right as cars travel quite fast! Take the^first track on the right.

(7) Take it, cross the footbridge over the canal and continue straight ahead on the path around the lake. There are some beautiful views for taking photos of the lake and the Barberousse Tower. If the Clape massif is not closed (high risk of fire in summer), there are some very nice variations possible from here, for mountain bikes only.

(8) At the roundabout, continue on the Tour de l'Étang cycle path, then continue towards Gruissan village.

(9) At the roundabout, take the second exit on the left towards the town centre and follow the Cours de la Croix Blanche to the end.

(10) Continue right onto Grande Rue (pedestrian street). Begin discovering the charms of the old town.

(11) At Place du Maréchal Joffre, turn left and continue straight ahead on Rue Jules Ferry until you reach the town hall.

(12) Immediately after, first turn right then left and walk alongside the primary school on your left. Continue straight ahead until you reach the Canal du Grazel cycle path.

(1) Turn left and continue to the Plage des Chalets. With the wind at your back, it's a delightful way to finish the route! ( S/E)

(11) Café de la Paix, where you can stop for a refreshing break and lose yourself in the narrow streets of the old town (park your bike if passing during busy times, especially on Monday and Wednesday mornings, which are market days).

For enthusiasts, this route is also perfect for roller skiing.

A pleasant route for a leisurely first exploration of the area or a quick training ride for the more athletic.

The route mainly follows cycle paths and quiet tarmac roads (except for a 500 m section with some traffic).

There are few difficulties, except for the occasional headwind when going up the Canal du Grazel! A good warm-up to get you started and a guaranteed tailwind on the way back.

Bring water, especially in hot weather. A picnic is a good idea, and there are plenty of tables along the route.

Discover the salt marshes, go bird watching, enjoy wine tasting at Domaine Pierre-Richard, picnic and take a nap under the pine trees or along the lake, and have a coffee in old Gruissan.