727 (Sete to Sete)

Every year since 2021, we’ve set off as a group for a 727—a bikepacking adventure on gravel or mountain bikes around and through the Hérault department. The 727s are not races but rides where camaraderie, kindness, and cooperation are welcome. Joining a Grand Départ is a chance to meet other bikepackers, share unforgettable moments, find motivation, and get started for those new to the discipline (almost all of us began this way).

Register for the 2026 727 on HelloAsso (€35) >>> (99 spots available…)

Why ride a 727 in May? Because it’s the most beautiful season to feast your eyes on wild, ever-changing landscapes far from big cities, with some of France’s most stunning villages and unforgettable trails. Hérault is more than just beaches.

The sixth edition will start from the village of Poussan on May 8, 2026, at 8:00 AM. Poussan is located near exit 33 on the A9 highway, 11 km from Sète’s SNCF train station and 26 km from Montpellier’s station. Free parking is available at the sports center.

Registration costs just €35 because the 727 rides are organized by ECP (Entente Cycliste Poussannaise), a club affiliated with the FFVélo. This flat fee covers insurance to protect the ECP and provides all the services of high-end events—and even more:

Accommodation to unroll your sleeping mat and bag the night before the Grand Départ (usually in the gymnasium).
Pre-ride gathering the evening before at Grand Café Beau Séjour (21 Boulevard Riverain). It’s always a great time to meet fellow riders. When registering, you can reserve a pizza or a hearty pasta dish at the neighboring restaurant (payment directly to the restaurant).
Pre-ride snack on departure day at the Grand Café, served between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM.
Post-ride drink at the Grand Café (open 7:00 AM–8:00 PM, closed Mondays and Sunday afternoons).
Luggage storage at the Grand Café during the ride for those arriving by train.
Live tracking and illustrated route history via Geogram.
Showers in the stadium or gymnasium locker rooms upon arrival.
Eco-conscious approach: We avoid goodies and trinkets.
A meticulously crafted route, packed with points of interest, especially water sources.
Since the 727s are not races and don’t require checkpoints with strict time limits, groups naturally form based on affinity and pace. This is one of the event’s defining features—it fosters camaraderie through its very organization. Of course, you’re free to ride solo at your own rhythm.

Once registered, you’ll receive detailed information and a link to a Telegram group where we’ll share updates before and during the ride (we prefer Telegram Messenger over WhatsApp because it’s open-source and supports Geogram).