The Canal du Midi by Bike
€890.00
From the Pink City to the Thau Archipelago, via the city of Carcassonne, come and discover the Canal du Midi and its 63 locks for a week of serenity.
Prices are starting indications, per person, based on two people sharing a twin room, and do not include bike hire. Please make a booking enquiry for a confirmed price based on your chosen dates and exact requirements.
Description
The Canal du Midi by bike, renowned both in France and internationally, has everything to seduce: shady banks lined with plane trees, flower-filled bridges and picturesque villages line the canal, and the tranquil atmosphere of the barges cruising along the river brings a touch of the exotic and a definite air of vacation! Enjoy a stroll along the water’s edge while appreciating the ingenuity of the locks, all in a peaceful atmosphere and sunny climate. And of course, take the time to discover the local gastronomy: cassoulet is king here!
Itinerary
Example itinerary:
D1 Arrival in Toulouse
You arrive at your hotel in Toulouse at the end of the day. Take time to visit the pink city and its 200 years of history.
Dinner and overnight in a 3* hotel.
D2 Cycling from Toulouse to Castelnaudary
65 km – Duration about 4h30
On your first day on a bike, you’ll wind your way along the canals, admiring the barges swaying to the rhythm of the current. These 1st pedal strokes allow you to tame your mount on the towpaths, in the shade of centuries-old plane trees. From lock to lock, you arrive in Castelnaudary, the capital of Cassoulet, via its outer harbor and large basin.
Dinner and overnight in a 3* hotel with swimming pool.
D3 Cycling from Castelnaudary to Carcassonne
53 km – Duration about 3h30
Continue your cycling trip on the Canal du Midi, towards Carcassonne. Still well shaded, this part of the tour is a real pleasure. Take time to enjoy the scenery and soak up the atmosphere. The few bridges on your route seem barely big enough for barges to pass over, yet the pleasure boaters, accustomed to this waterway, steer their boats masterfully without fear.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse or 3* hotel within walking distance of the walled town.
D4 Cycling from Carcassonne to Ginestas
63 km – Duration about 4h15
As you leave the medieval town, the path becomes less stable and you soon find yourself in a wilderness atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. This stage will allow you to discover the charms of the region, between the Minervois vineyards and the small villages typical of the Occitan landscape.
Dinner and overnight stay in a charming guesthouse in the heart of the village.
D5 Cycling from Ginestas to Béziers
43 km – Duration about 3h
The landscape becomes even wilder, and you’ll sometimes find yourself on narrow dirt roads. On this part of the tour, you’ll feel like you’re alone in the world, surrounded by reeds and vineyards. The picturesque villages you pass through give you the opportunity to stop for an ice cream or a refreshing drink. The atmosphere is one of pétanque and reading in the shade of the trees: a rejuvenating stage! The arrival in Béziers via the 9 locks is sure to leave a lasting impression!
Dinner and overnight stay in a charming 3* hotel.
D6 Cycling from Béziers to Sète
50 km – Duration about 3h15
A change of scenery for this last day of cycling. As you move away from Béziers, you get closer to the sea, and it’s only a matter of time before the sea air tickles your nose! The terrain becomes steadier again, and after a final straight stretch along the beach, you’re at your final stop.
Dinner and overnight stay in a historic 3* hotel in Sète.
D7 Breakfast and transfer to Toulouse
After breakfast, leave your rental bikes at the hotel and head to Sète station for a train to Toulouse to pick up your vehicle.
If you arrive by public transport, we can adapt this service to your needs.
Your Bike
The hire bikes for our France tours are of good quality and come equipped with bags, bottle clips, and of course safety helmets. Children’s full- and half-bikes, kid-trailers and baby-seats are also available. The actual make of your cycle varies from one region to another.
