N°8 The Verzolet valley
A wide trail to cycle up along the Verzolet stream allows a gentle warm up. On the way back, everyone has his own method to ford the stream, either one stays on the bike and runs the risk of getting his feet wet, especially in case of a high water level, or one performs a careful balancing act, walking from stone to stone. You’ll be cycling your way back mostly on singletrack paths with three ascending parts, some nice downhills and beautiful scenic viewpoints.
2 points of interest
Village de Versols - Xavier Waerzeggers 
History and heritageVillage of Versols
The village of Versols has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Its fortified settlement, built on a slight ridge at the junction of two valleys, succeeded an earlier Gallo-Roman site and once overlooked the major medieval route to Lodève.
Today, the village still preserves many traces of its defensive past, including a fortified gate, a tower, sections of ramparts, and elegant mullioned windows. Its main street and postern gate reflect the medieval layout of the settlement.
Versols is also home to the Church of Saint Thomas, while nearby stand the former Priory of Our Lady of Cayla and the Château de Montalègre, built in the 13th century.
Château de Versols - Xavier Waerzeggers History and heritageCastle and Fortification Remains
For nearly eight centuries, from 1250 to 1810, the castle was home to the Roquefeuil family. After leaving the family’s ownership, it passed through several hands, and part of the complex was converted into a farm. The estate was eventually repurchased by the Roquefeuil family in 1962.
The castle was part of a larger medieval castrum that enclosed the former village, perched on a spur between the Sorgues and Verzolet rivers. Originally a small fortress built in the 11th century, it was expanded during the 13th and 14th centuries to strengthen the site's defenses during periods of conflict, particularly the Hundred Years’ War.
Description
Start your ride from the village of Versols. Cycle up the trail alongside the Verzolet stream passing a fish breeding farm on the way, until you reach its source in the catchment area.
- Ford the brook so that you are on the opposite side and take to your right a path which is lined with box trees and overlooks the left bank of the brook. You can now ride back downstream to the village of Versols.
Versols: this ancient fortified village still has its original gateway and some remains of the old battlements at the center of which is the castle. The building was remodeled during the 15th and 16th centuries and holds a carved stone bearing the family Roquefeuil’s coat of arms.
A 17th century painting, depicting Saint-Thomas putting his finger in Jesus’ wound, can be seen in the 16th century church.
- Departure : Versols
- Arrival : Versols
- Towns crossed : Versols-et-Lapeyre
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
In case of flooding, do not try to ford the Verzolet.
Box tree moths are active from May to October. During the caterpillar phase, they feed on the leaves of box trees. They crawl down trees and move on long silken threads, although these threads are annoying when hiking they do not pose any health risk.
Information desks
Saint-Affrique Tourist Office
Boulevard Aristide Briand, 12400 Saint-Affrique
OPENING TIMES:
The Tourism Office is open all year round, the opening hours are:
·July and august:
From Monday to Saturday: 9h – 13h & 15h – 19h
Sunday: 9h – 13h
·From September to June:
From Tuesday to Saturday: 9h – 13h & 14h – 17h
Closed: Sundays, Mondays and bank holidays
From November to April, the office is also closed on Saturday afternoon.
Transport
Travel by bus or train: http://www.mobimipy.fr/
Carpooling : BlaBlaCar, Rézo Pouce, Covoiturage-libre, Idvroom, LaRoueVerte, Roulez malin
Access and parking
Situated 9 km from Saint-Affrique towards Cornus via the D7 road.
More information
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