The best road cycling routes around Riols

Located in the Jaur valley, in the heart of the Hauts cantons of the Hérault, Riols is a vast rural village typical of the Haut-Languedoc. The village is intimately linked to the history of the abbey of Saint-Pons-de-Thomières, founded in the 10th century, on which it long depended. From the Middle Ages onwards, Riols was part of a network of monastic possessions. Even today, the old center retains its valley setting, crossed by the Jaur, around which the main routes and activities developed. The Pont-Vieux and several structures on the river bear witness to this close relationship between the village and its watercourse.

One of the 3 magnificent lakes in the South-East of Tarn. Although artificial, it catches the eye with its wild appearance. Worth seeing on sunny days or to escape the heatwave

This wide turn reveals a superb panorama of the mountain. In the foreground, the D14 winds up the slope with beautifully drawn switchbacks. Further on, several characteristic reliefs of the Haut-Languedoc stand out, succeeding each other to the horizon. One of the most beautiful panoramas of the ascent!

peaceful but beautiful slopes

The lake region, the Black Mountain, an unmissable playground

The village of Riols, a small industrial center specializing in draperies and woolens in the 19th century, is located on the "Passa Païs" greenway. Points of interest include the Banasse bridge over the Jaur river, the Church of Saint Peter and Paul, and its main thoroughfare, Rue Basse.

This tiny village is located on the Santiago trail. Besides the peaceful setting, you might encounter a few pilgrims.

The town of Riols is located between Saint Pons de Thomières and Olargues, on the Passa Païs greenway. On either side of the Jaur valley, from Lake Vesoles to the former 19th-century Ardouane Abbey, this very large town has many hiking trails leading to the Monts du Somail. The magnificent Banasse bridge over the Jaur, as well as the Saint-Pierre-et-Paul church and the layout of Rue Basse, the main artery, bear witness to the prosperity of the textile industry, particularly drapery, from the 16th century. From the village, a small road leads to the Cabarétou pass, a real challenge for sporty cyclists. The Passa Païs Greenway invites fans of gentle journeys to daydream... The Notre-Dame-de-Trédos chapel, as emblematic as it is majestic, is worth the hike or bike ride leading to its doors. Our tips for starting your bike, walking, trail rides... in Riols: - The Place du Foirail car park is ideal if you are using your vehicle to get to the start. It is located on the right bank of the Jaur, south of the village. - Riols is served by LIO / Hérault Transport bus lines 682 and 685: https://plan.lio-occitanie.fr/fr/horaires/Riols/arret/RIOLS%20-%20CENTRE/LIO:1002511 - During the summer, from the beginning of July to the end of September, between Saint Pons de Thomières and Bédarieux, the buses on line 682 are equipped with racks allowing the transport of 6 bikes. A telephone reservation service is set up (09 72 57 44 45). A little bit of history: The history of Riols is linked to that of Saint-Pons-de-Thomières: in 936, the founding act of the abbey mentions the donation made to the monastery by Raymond Pons, Count of Toulouse, of the lands of Tarbouriech, Coumayres, Condades, Cassillac and Rieulets. In 940, the Archbishop of Narbonne gave the churches of Saint-Pierre-de-Riols and Notre-Dame-de-Tredos to the Abbot of Saint-Pons. In 1318, when the diocese of Saint-Pons was created, the Abbot became bishop and the monks formed the chapter of the cathedral. The income of the abbey was then separated: in Riols, the chapter retained the seigneurial rights over the lands of Garrigues, while the bishop retained the rest of the seigneury. During the Revolution, the rare possessions of the clergy and emigrants were sold. In the 19th century, Riols, with more than 2,000 inhabitants, became a small industrial center, with more than a dozen clothiers and wool mills.