Canal du Midi Via Carcassonne to the Med

This cycling holiday takes you to so many fascinating places in such a short time, and with no challenging hills or distances. You'll discover and taste the real France - its rich history, unspoilt villages, vineyards, wines and traditional cuisine. Plus the enormous satisfaction of having cycled to the Mediterranean.

A summary of your journey

You begin in the vibrant Pink City of Toulouse before gently cycling along the banks of the Canal du Midi discovering villages and churches, castles and vineyards as you go. One highlight will undoubtedly be the marvellously preserved walled city of Caracassonne, but you may well enjoy other, lesser known places just as much. You will cycle along the Mediterranean coast to complete your journey in the historic fishing port of Sète. A truly memorable short break that will appeal to those who already love cycling as well as those who may not be quite so sure !
This program is suitable for a hybrid or mountain bike. Electric bike is possible but normally not necessary.

Les points forts

So many highlights in one short break

Discover the real France - its villages, vineyards and restaurants

24/7 English speaking customer service if you need it

Le programme

Day 1

Arrival at Toulouse

Standard option: You make your own way to your first night's hotel in Toulouse.

With extra airport pick-up: We can pick you up from Toulouse airport or train station and take you to your first hotel.

Toulouse is known as The Pink City - a wonderfully vibrant, artistic and historic city that is a joy to wander around. Your bikes will be waiting for you at the hotel. Electric bikes are a pre-book option (see price list), but we feel that they are not really necessary on this almost entirely flat journey.

You stay at the three star Hôtel Grand Orléans, superbly located off the Capitole with well equipped, quiet rooms, on a bed and breakfast basis, leaving you free to choose the restaurant that most appeals to your tastes.

Transfer time : 20 min from the airport.

Day 2

Toulouse - Castelnaudary
You start from Paul Riquet bridge named after the man who supervised the canal's construction when it began in 1666, and soon you are rolling along right beside the canal through delightful open country accompanied by numerous péniches, the ubiquitous boats of the Canal du Midi. Your first stop is Avignonet made famous by Cathar tragedies, and today renowned for its medieval houses, sculptures and huge churches that make it well worth an hour or so's visit. You pass close to several villages along the way, but the next significant location, at the foot of the Black Mountains, is the Seuil de Narouze, which is the highest point of the whole Deux Mers (two seas) canal at 600 feet, and is the point that divides waters flowing into the Atlantic one way and the Mediterranean the other, so it is downhill all the way from here - literally! - and certainly to your destination for the day, Castelnaudary, famous for its cassoulet.

You stay at the comfortable, modern three star Hôtel Clos Fleuri in Castelnaudary with its pleasant outdoor terrace, very welcome swimming pool, smart restaurant (dinner included), and all a stroll from the town itself.

Distance: 65km.

Day 3

Castelnaudary - Carcassonne
Today is truly a journey through, and to, history. You pass several two thousand year old villages, but the jewel is undoubtedly Bram, founded in the 2nd century BC and once named Eboromagnus when it became an important trading city, but today it is best known as being the best preserved circular town in Europe. Then there are 17th century places relating to the canal itself, including the fascinating double lock at Lalande, the windmill at Cugarel, the grand basin at Villepinte, and the 4 way aquaduct at Rebenty. Finally, Carcassonne itself, probably the best preserved large scale walled city in Europe and, of course, a UNESCO world heritage site. A medieval city like no other, and there is no better way to discover it than by staying right beside the walls.

The three star Hôtel Aragon is a very comfortable, well appointed hotel with swimming pool, and, just as importantly, is 50 yards from the main gate into the city - the best of both worlds. You stay on a bed and breakfast basis leaving you free to choose a restaurant inside the great walls of the city.

Distance: 40km.

Day 4

Carcassonne - Olonzac
You leave the city alongside the canal, and appreciate the shade from those plane trees that so characteristically line the route. You can choose to visit what most interests you whether it be the 12th century church at Trebes guarded by 320 crows carved in oak, Marseillette, an ancient Gaul village, or Capendu with its Romanesque chapel. Alternatively, you can sit and read in village cafes, and picnic tranquilly on the banks of the canal. You are in the heart of southern France, and the ambiance is almost tangible. Just being here is a huge pleasure, and on a bike you can reach the parts most tourists never reach. The nearer to your destination in Olonzac you get, the more fields of grapes dominate the landscape and the economy of the region. If nothing else, it promises interesting local wines tonight.

You stay and dine at the characterfully homely Maison d'hôtes Eloi Merle - a real taste of France, but there is a heated swimming pool, jacuzzi and plenty of space to lounge peacefully.

Distance: 42km.

Day 5

Olonzac - Béziers
You pass the Argens lock, then follow the canal as it snakes towards a major four way canal crossorads. You take the Canal de la Robine en route to the Mediterranean and Beziers, but do stop at the wonderful 12th to 15th century Capestang Cathedral that dominates the landscape. as you can best see by climbing the bell tower. There are many remains of Roman occupation - a lost 5,000 feet long Roman bridge over the marshes, the Gallo-Roman village of Poilhes la Romaine, and the oppidum (hill town) of Ensérune, which was continuously occupied from the 6th century BC to the 1st century AD. Then there are canal related discoveries: the 500 foot 17th century Malpas tunnel - secretly dug in 8 days against government wishes, and the first canal tunnel in Europe - and the 9 technologically advanced locks at Foncérannes. All unfolding before you arrive in Beziers to explore its historic streets, its cathedral, and its Pont-Vieux - all too often ignored, it's others' loss and your gain.

The three star Hôtel Imperator occupies a magnificent building right in the heart of historic Beziers with atmospheric public and bed rooms as well as a lovely private terrace. The best place to stay in Beziers where you are free to discover the restaurant that suits you best - there are plenty to choose from.

Distance: 64km.

Day 6

Béziers - Sète
In Beziers you feel you are within touching distance of the Mediterranean - and indeed you almost are as you set out on this final morning seeing a mosaic of sand dunes, wetlands and salt lagoons. It is a landscape almost indistinguishable from the nearby Camargue, not least with its egrets, wild horses and bulls, but you stay true to the canal passing the impressive round lock at Agde before cycling through the city - do visit the cathedral and historic quarter - and rejoining the canal soon which runs beside the huge Thau etang (lake or, in this case, lagoon), then the Bagnas etang before finally arriving right beside the Mediterranean beaches of Marseillan. You now cycle beside the sea all the way into the historic port of Sete. A truly memorable journey!

You stay for your final night at the rightly named three star Grand Hôtel, superbly located in the town centre overlooking the harbour, and retaining all its original 19th elegance, while delivering all the contemporary comforts of the 21st century. Dinner is included in its stylish restaurant, but, unfortunately, not the bubbly you might be celebrating with!

Distance: 50km.

Day 7

End of stay

Standard option: After breakfast, you leave your bikes here and make your own way onwards.

With extra airport pick-up: After breakfast, you leave your bikes here before being picked up for a transfer to Montpellier airport or train station.

Détails Pratiques
Equipement
Formalités et Santé

PROGRAMME OF DEPARTURES

1 April to 30 October.

MEETING POINT

Standard option: You make your own way to your first night's hotel in Toulouse. The Grand Hôtel d'Orléan is near the train station where the shuttle ends up.
With extra airport pick-up: We can pick you up from Toulouse airport or train station and take you to your first hotel.

END OF STAY

Standard option: After breakfast, you leave your bikes here and make your own way onwards.

With extra airport pick-up: After breakfast, you leave your bikes here before being picked up for a transfer to Montpellier airport or train station.

LEVEL

This is an easy cyling holiday almost entirely on the flat. Electric bikes are available for a supplement, but we don't think they add much to this particular holiday.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURE FROM (PERS)

LUGGAGE TRANSFERS

Your luggage is transported daily to the next hotel, so all you need is a day sack.

SUPERVISION

This is an independent, self-guided holiday, although we provide comprehensive itinerary information.

ACCOMMODATION

You stay in five 3 star hotels, and quality one maison d'hotes. Three nights are on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis (nights 2, 4, 6), and 3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

TRANSFERS

Usually transfers are in people carriers, mini-buses, cars or taxis. Often they will be exclusively for you.

POUR FAIRE LE BON CHOIX

Accédez à nos explications détaillées sur le type de randonnée, le niveau les hébergements, ou la notion de portage... Comment choisir son séjour ?

LUGGAGE

You should bring:

1 travel bag per person (or suitcase with wheels). Make sure they are not too big in order to avoid logistical problems (taking up too much room in transfer vehicles, for example). On holidays where you move from one hotel to another during your stay, try to keep the weight down to 10-12kg (the extra weight can make it difficult to get all the suitcases to certain hotels that are difficult to get to). Be certain not to leave any fragile or valuable objects in your main luggage.
1 rucksack (around 30-40 litres) with integrated water-bag (e.g. Camel-Back). These bags are more practical than carrying bottles. The rucksack should also have a waist belt and allow your back to be well ventilated for extra comfort. Keep the total weight of your rucksack plus belongings down to a maximum of 10kg.

CLOTHING

1 set of cycling clothes: cycling shorts, breathable T-shirt (long-sleeved or short-sleeved depending on the time of year)
1 other pair of shorts or trousers for cycling (padding essential)
cycling shoes
comfortable clothes and shoes for the evenings
underwear
spare long-sleeved breathable T-shirts (1 for every 2_3 days) and 1 or 2 short-sleeved T-shirts
1 warmer layer (a fleece or water-resistant "softshell"jacket). Or a "primaloft" jacket (warm and easily compacted down to fit into rucksacks).
1 breathable, windproof and waterproof out layer (e.g. Gore-Tex) with a hood

EQUIPMENT TO BRING

1 large plastic bag to be used as a rucksack liner for protecting your belongings from the rain and/or 1 waterproof rucksack cover
1 waterproof bag containing: travel insurance contract, ID or passport, health card, and all other documents mentioned in the "formalities" section.
1 pair of good quality sunglasses (protection factor 3) plus high-factor sun cream and sunscreen for your lips (should always be carried in your rucksack) • 1 folding pen-knife (Swiss Army knife or similar)
For lunches: cutlery and 1 plastic/tupperwear container (0.5 litres minimum). You may end up not using it but it is important to have it just in case
washbag and 1 quick-drying towel (try to bring only essential items that don't take up too much space, biological soap...)
1 swimming costume / pair of swimming trunks
ear plugs (to protect you from snoring neighbours or other annoying noises)
1 sleeping-bag liner if spending a night (or nights) in dormitory accommodation (hostels or refuge huts)
handkerchiefs
toilet paper
1 cigarette lighter (be careful not to provoke a fire - always use responsibly and not unless you have to)
1 torch or head-torch plus a survival blanket: always put this in your rucksack as set-backs due to accidents are always possible, even on easy rides
spare glasses (if you wear glasses)
camera, binoculars, paint brushes and canvas... (optional)

Depending on the characteristics of the holiday you are going on (if bike hire is included or not, or if you have indicated that you wish to bring your own bike anyway), it may be a good idea to bring some (or all) of the following cycling kit (please also check in the"bicycle hire"section to see what kit is already provided on the holiday you have chosen):

cycling gloves (normal or fingerless depending on the time of year)
1 bike helmet (legal requirement in most countries)
1 or 2 cycling bottles or a hydration system such as a Camel-Back (1.5 litres), whichever you prefer
2 inner-tubes
a few spare spokes (especially on mountain-bike tours)
1 spare derailleur
1 set of spare brake pads
1 spare cable for derailleurs or brakes
1 spare chain
any other kit that you deem to be necessary...

You should try to be self-sufficient for all minor cycling breakdowns typical of these kinds of cycling tours (tyre-lever, puncture repair kit, multi-tool, quick-fix chain link...). If you have disk-brakes or high-tech bikes, be sure to bring the necessary kit for repairs.

FORMALITIES

You are advised to carry your passport with you at all times.

THE PRICE INCLUDES

Three nights dinner, bed and breakfast (nights 2, 4, 6), and 3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis; transport of your luggage each day; your bike (non-electric); comprehensive itinerary information and directions including all the maps you will need; 24/7 English speaking customer service.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Transfers to your first night's hotel or back from your last night's (unless specified in the option you have chosen), hotel; drinks with dinners; entry fees; additional transfers; electric bikes; picnics (buy locally or ask the hotel the night before - pay locally); dinners on the first, third and fifth nights; personal insurance.