LOOP CYCLO N°18 - LA SOURCE DU LEZ

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At the foot of the Pic Saint Loup, the area around Les Matelles forms a link between the coastal plain and the Cevennes mountains. The town boasts a fine historical heritage, with medieval streets, numerous porches and ramparts standing out as the most visible traces of a fortified village. The old village is built on the left bank of the Lirou, sheltered by 15th-century ramparts. Behind them, the narrow streets, sometimes linked by covered passageways, provide a change of scenery; the facades are adorned with beautiful exterior staircases and interesting architectural details. The parish church, built into the outer ramparts, was rebuilt in the 18th century. One of these houses houses the Maison des Consuls (listed as a French museum). Focusing on prehistory, it houses local archaeological artefacts dating from the Palaeolithic to the Iron Age. It's the perfect complement to the dolmens, tumuli, menhirs and villages (Cambous, Rocher du Causse) that dot the surrounding garrigues. From Les Matelles, follow the D102 towards Saint-Gely-du-Fesc.

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After just under 4 km on the road, you arrive at Saint-Gély-du-Fesc. Take the cycle path on your left at the D145. You'll pass the Parc de Coulondres Philippe Eldridge. This was once a large agricultural estate based on agro-sylvo-pastoralism: sheep grazed and men tended the garrigues. Following the decline in agricultural activity, the commune acquired the 18-hectare site in 1988, in order to enhance its value, protect it from fire and open it to the public. Today, the park is a popular place for family walks. You can plan a free visit (check opening days in advance) to meet the fallow deer, sika, Girgentana goats and mouflons who look after the park. This visit can be complemented by a botanical trail.

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After the park, the trail continues for around 4 km to the D112 traffic circle before Prades-le-Lez, where you turn off onto the route de la source du Lez towards Les Matelles.

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The little-traveled road up to the source of the Lez is superb. You're on a cycle lane and skirting the stream, which you approach completely after 1.5 km.

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The source appears a little further on. This is a very quiet area, ideal for a picnic break. Respect the calm of the area, and its flora and fauna: the site is protected under Natura 2000, and is home to the Lez sculpin, a small fish endemic to this river, discovered in 1964 and threatened with extinction.You then cross a landscape of vineyards and garrigue, and at the old Roman bridge over the Lirou, continue westwards to reach Les Matelles via the old mill path.

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