Discovering Sainte-Lucie Island

Begin your cycling adventure in the heart of Narbonne, founded by the Romans in 118 BCE. Take a moment to admire the towering Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur Cathedral, a Gothic marvel built in the 13th century, then cross the Pont des Marchands—one of the last inhabited bridges in France.

Ride out of the city along the Canal de la Robine, a coastal offshoot of the Canal du Midi and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peaceful towpath gently leads you toward the Narbonnais marshlands—a rich wetland habitat home to egrets, herons, storks, and a vibrant Mediterranean flora.

As you ride, the lagoons begin to widen: on your right, the étang de Bages-Sigean stretches out like an inland sea. Soon after comes the étang de l’Ayrolle, continuing the wild, open scenery. The path narrows, seemingly floating between water and sky. It’s a surreal experience—surrounded by silence, light, and water.

Then, Sainte-Lucie Island appears ahead, framed by the turquoise shimmer of the Mediterranean beyond. Cross the lock to reach the island, now managed by the Coastal Conservatory. Once a bustling trading port, it is now entirely car-free and dedicated to nature. Garrigue, limestone cliffs, abandoned salt flats, a wild beach, and open sea views make this island a haven of biodiversity.

After soaking in this timeless escape, begin your return ride to Narbonne, passing through the village of Bages. Along the way, settle beneath the pines by the lagoon for a quiet picnic or reflective pause.

Before ending your loop, treat yourself to one last stop under the glass canopy of Narbonne’s Halles—a vibrant hub of southern flavors and the perfect place to toast your day of cycling, where history, nature, and freedom meet.