Canal Du Midi

Independent tour and guided group tour - 7 days/6 nights, approx. 210km.

The Canal du Midi in the South of France is undoubtedly the most beautiful canal in Europe. This canal, with its 64 locks, winds its way through the delightful landscapes and villages for approximately 260 km. Even today, time seems to stand still there. There is no sign of cars or industry.

The bike tour follows the ‘the old tow path’ along the canal, beneath poplars and centuries-old plane trees, then through vineyards, wheat fields and dreamy villages. Lovers of culture and architecture are in for a treat. It starts from the lively harbour and fishing town of Sète with its’ fortified Romanesque church made from basalt rocks. Béziers has a stunning cathedral, old town and Roman bridge. Carcassonne was one of the most powerful medieval fortresses in Europe and its’ battlements loom above the waterway.

Your biking tour will also be a culinary journey to discover the varied and excellent cuisine of the South of France. With over 300 sunny days a year, it is ideal for biking most of the year.

Day 1 Journey -Arrive Sète. 

Day 2 Sète - Agde/Cap d’Agde approx. 40 km Cycle along the promenade then along country lanes to Cap d'Agede.

Day 3 Cap d’Agde - Béziers approx. 40 km  Cycle on side roadsand along the Canal du Midi.  Visit to the Madelaine Church as well as the old city in Beziers and enjoy wonderful views of the River Orb and surrounding areas.

Day 4 Béziers - Narbonne approx. 45 km  The journey takes you across the River Orb past locks in Fonseranes, Enserune and Capestang and through vineyards to Narbonne

Day 5 Narbonne - Homps approx. 45 km  In Narbonne, visit the Palace fo the Archbishop, the Gothis catherdral and subterranean Roman storage instalations, along the canal to Homps.

Day 6 Homps - Carcassonne approx. 45 km  Cycle along the Canal and side roads to the medieval city of Carcasoone with it's spectacularly sited castle.

Day 7 Carcassonne. Arrangements terminate

Extension 4 days / 3 nights CARCASSONNE TO TOULOUSE 150 km

Day 7 Carcassonne to Castelnaudary – 50 km
Continue along the Canal Du Midi discovering new villages until you reach Castelnaudary, “Capital of Cassoulet”. Visit the museum that relates the history of the French Resistance in WWll.

Day 8 Castelnaudary to St. Ferréol Lake to Castelnaudary – 60 km
Ride through lanes to the St. Ferréol Lake in the Black Mountains. Return to Castelnaudary.

Day 9 Castelnaudary to Toulouse – 60 km
Follow the Canal Du Midi along its’ shady banks to the pretty town of Toulouse

Day 10 Arrangements end after breakfast

Flat, low endurance, suitable for everyone. The pathway is only partly asphalted, otherwise it is sand and gravel. Cycling is also on seldom-used roads and through vineyard

Breakfast and dinner daily.