Le Canal des Deux Mers à Vélo day 8 - 19 km from Narbonne to Gruissan

When I was planning the route, I was in the mood to get from Narbonne to the coast as quickly as possible and follow the coast to Béziers. In my research I discovered that the move Betty Blue (37.2 degrés le matin) had been filmed at Gruissan. I remembered the seemingly idyllic setting on the beach with wooden houses on stilts and decided that I should stay there.

This leg was very short - it’s less than 20km, following a canal. Flat all the way, but it’s not part of the official Canal des Deux Mers route, and therefore is not maintained to be lovely and smooth for cyclists. This was a very bouncy path, which my undercarriage was not too happy with.

But the end of it is the perfect end to the main goal of reaching the Mediterranean. The route comes out into the marshes near Gruissan, passing the town with its ruined fort on a hill, and following a route taken by many boats to the shore at Gruissan Plage. It’s a beautiful beach, the wooden houses on stilts give it a unique relaxed look, and there are some very chilled bars and restaurants by the beach.

I took a few photos, ate a delicious fish stew, and enjoyed a chilled glass of rosé. All accompanied by a deep satisfaction at reaching the Mediterranean coast.

Given the type of buildings on the beach here, you’re not going to find a luxury hotel. However, the Sunrise Beach Hotel was comfortable and had the most wonderful terrace outside to enjoy a drink, some good food, and the most beautiful view for breakfast the following morning.