For many, cycling in France embodies a profound dream. Chris Selden, whose life revolves around two wheels, has transformed his deep affection for the country into a tangible experience for others. After years of admiring the Tour de France and later exploring the Hérault Valley, Selden meticulously restored ‘Hidden House,’ a gîte in the South of France. This charming retreat serves as an ideal base for cyclists, offering access to serene roads, picturesque vineyards, challenging climbs, and genuine village life, all within a short distance of the Mediterranean.
It’s often said that falling in love is easy, but letting go is hard – a sentiment Chris Selden deeply understands regarding his enduring affection for France. His initial fascination sparked by televised Tour de France coverage eventually led him to live and race there for two seasons. Though his racing career concluded, his connection to France deepened. His eventual marriage to a French woman solidified his ties, and while he explored numerous regions on his bike, the Hérault Valley in the South of France ultimately became his personal cycling haven.
Chris enjoying his paradise in the Hérault Valley.
Inspired by the Hérault Valley’s exceptional cycling attributes — its quiet roads, diverse and challenging terrain, stunning landscapes, charming villages, and welcoming locals — Chris envisioned sharing this paradise. He dreamed of opening a gîte for cyclists worldwide. That dream culminated in the realization of ‘Maison Cachée,’ or ‘Hidden House.’ Finding the ideal property in or near his village of Saint André de Sangonis was a significant challenge. He eventually discovered a dilapidated but promising house with great potential: a prime location, a private courtyard, and a dedicated bike garage. What followed was an intensive six-month renovation, transforming the outdated structure into a modern, bright, and airy two-bedroom gîte. Its name, ‘Hidden House,’ perfectly describes its secluded position behind a row of houses, offering guests complete privacy within its own courtyard.
The Renovation of Hidden House
The kitchen needed extensive work…
As did the entire house!
The potential was evident, with its private courtyard and authentic French charm.
The Finished Gîte
The new look: an open-plan living/dining room and redesigned stairs.
Looking out onto the courtyard and the dedicated bike garage.
Custom cycling art, courtesy of Chris’s artist mother-in-law, adds a unique touch to the decor.
Hidden House is now a modern two-bedroom retreat, private, bright, and airy.
Riding in the Hérault Region
The Hérault region offers an exceptionally diverse cycling landscape. It boasts everything from gentle rolling hills dotted with vineyards to flatter routes near the Mediterranean coast, and from demanding ascents to truly challenging mountainous terrain. While its peaks may not reach the towering heights of the Alps, the climbs here are formidable, allowing for epic days in the saddle. A notable highlight for both cyclists and hikers is the breathtaking Cirque de Navacelles – a massive, cratered landscape featuring isolated roads winding through tiny, seemingly lost villages. Cyclists can tackle climbs approaching 1000 meters in altitude or descend to sea level to enjoy the Mediterranean beaches. From Saint André de Sangonis, countless routes await, inviting riders to explore in any direction, often leading to the discovery of secluded, picturesque roads that connect charming, ancient villages.
A quick pause at the top of the Cirque before descending down one side.
Group photo at the top of Navacelles amidst an epic Sunday morning winter’s ride with the local club.
The Hérault Valley frequently features in the discussions around the Tour de France. Positioned strategically between the Alps and the Pyrenees, the region has often hosted various stages, from sprint finishes in Montpellier to challenging transition stages that utilize its smaller hills and mountains. Historic team time trials have also passed close by. The region’s challenging terrain, like the tough climb of the Pic de Noire, has made it a memorable part of past Tours, leading riders towards iconic destinations such as the ancient castle city of Carcassonne.
The vision behind ‘Hidden House’ is to share this exceptional region with cyclists globally. It offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the authentic Southern French lifestyle, residing like a local in the heart of a vibrant village. Accommodating between one and six guests, ‘Hidden House’ provides a private and comfortable base to discover the cycling wonders of the Hérault Valley.
The village boasts four delightful boulangeries for daily baguettes and croissants, a supermarket, various restaurants, and a weekly farmers’ market offering fresh local produce, olives, cheese, meat, and wine directly from producers. Throughout the year, there are also numerous cultural festivals, cyclosportives, triathlons, and MTB races to experience. Furthermore, other famous cycling locations, like Mont Ventoux, are just a short drive away, adding to the region’s appeal for cycling enthusiasts.