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Canal du Midi by bike
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Duration?
Canal du Midi cycling tour
style :
Level :
Duration :
7 days
Comfort :
period:
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Code:
FRSB660
Family Cycling E-Bikes
price in double room from: € 705
Canal du Midi cycling tour

Canal du Midi cycling tour

From Toulouse to Sète

  • Follow the footsteps of the famous French "Canal architect" Paul Riquet
  • Antique boats and dozens of oval shaped locks
  • Age old villages
  • Gastronomic surprises 
  • Beautiful towns like Carcassonne
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Map Canal du Midi cycling route
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Route

Start: Toulouse             Finish: Sète

Day 1: Arrival in Toulouse
Day 2: From Toulouse to Castelnaudary (64 km / 40 mi)
Day 3: From Castelnaudary to Carcassonne (43 km / 26,5 mi)
Day 4: From Carcassonne to Homps or Olonzac (42 km / 26 mi)
Day 5: From Homps or Olonzac to Béziers (62 km / 38,5 mi)
Day 6: From Béziers to Sète (50 km / 31 mi)
Day 7: Departure from Sète

Day 1:    Arrival in Toulouse

You individually travel to the ‘pink’ Toulouse, cosmopolitan and cultural town where red bricks are a characteristic feature. Visit the lively centre with its many fine restaurants. Discover monumental treasures, like the Place du Capitol, St. Sernin’s Cathedral and the Couvent des Jacobins, a beautiful 13th century Dominican Monastery.

Day 2:    From Toulouse to Castelnaudary (64 km / 40 mi)

Leave town via the Paul Riquet bridge and cycle along the Canal du Midi with its characteristic barges. You enter the pastel coloured country of Lauragais. Take a break in Avignonet, the centre of the battles during the Albegenic crusades with lots of medieval remains, statues of crusaders and enormous churches. At the foot of the Montagne Noir you find the highest point in the canal. This is the Narouze watershed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. You go down to Castelnaudary, maybe to have a real authentic cassoulet later on.

Challenge: 64km / 40 mi, 100m ascent

Day 3:    From Castelnaudary to Carcassonne (43 km / 26,5 mi)

Surrounded by the Montagne Noir in the east and the Pyrenees in the south west you cycle , via an original, thousand- year-old tow path to the river harbour of Bram. Bricks make way for stones, cornfields turn into vineyards. You pass age old villages and waterworks like Béteil and the Lalande lock  that show Paul Riquet’s ingenuity. Also stop at the Cugarel mill, the Villepinte dam and the Rebenty aqueduct. Finally you reach Carcassonne, consisting of a medieval upper town and the Bastide St. Jean situated lower.

Challenge: 43km / 26,5 mi, 50m ascent

Day 4:    From Carcassonne to Homps or Olonzac (42 km / 26 mi)

After fabulous Carcassonne go back to the peaceful quiet of the ‘Canal’ surrounded by imposing planes. Admire the bridge at Orbiel, the overflow of canal water at Argendouble and the 12th century church in the port of Trèbes. The very doors of this church, supported by 320 oak consoles, are worth a visit. If possible stop in the Gallic village near Marseillette and take a walk to Capendu with its Roman chapel. Through undulating vineyards you reach your destination.

Challenge: 42km / 26 mi, 25m ascent

Day 5:    From Homps or Olonzac to Béziers (62 km / 38,5 mi)

After the lock of Argens you follow the winding path along the hillside to Le Somail. Take a break here in the old library. After that you cycle along the Canal de la Robine to Capestang with its collegiate church, already visible from afar. From the tower you see the sea and the 14th century castle nearby . ‘En route’ again you pass the Gallo-Roman remains: the village Poilhes la Romaine and the Oppidum d’Ensérune. Also admire the Malpas tunnel and the 9 locks of Foncérannes. They are evidence of the brilliance of the architect Paul Riquet, whose native village, the historic Béziers, is your destination today.

Challenge: 62km / 38,5mi, 75m ascent

Day 6:    From Béziers to Sète (50 km / 31 mi)

Although the sea isn’t visible yet you can smell it. The landscape gets flatter and forms a mosaic of dunes, swamps and wide lagoons. It’s the habitat of the egrets that strut among horses and cattle. In this coastal region, looking like the Camargue, you pass the unique ‘Pont Bache du Libron’ and the round lock of Agde. In Agde with its ‘dark cathedral’ you cross the Hérault in the direction of the Thau lagoon. At the lighthouse in Onglous the Canal du Midi ends. In Marseillan you finally cycle along the beach to Sète and maybe you get a glimpse of the traditional water joust  ‘Les Joutes.’

Challenge: 50km / 31mi, 25m ascent

Day 7:    Departure from Sète

Breakfast marks the end of your trip in the pleasant town of Sète, the biggest French fishing port, also well known for its beautiful beaches. This authentic town, full of pastel coloured houses with wrought iron balconies, is crossed by several connecting canals and the Thau Basin. In the harbour you find an abundance of fish restaurants. Everything as fresh as can be! A visit to the large covered market is really worth-wile. Here you can buy anything that has to do with food and drink and the products are displayed wonderfully. 

'standard' hotels

All accommodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. 

We choose comfortable 2*/3* hotels or B&Bs where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom and every morning breakfast are included. 

For more comfort, when it's possible we can upgrade the hotels with 3/4 * category (supplement applied).

Hôtel Royal Wilson** (Toulouse)  'comfort'
Hôtel Royal Wilson** (Toulouse)

Located in the centre of Toulouse, only a short walk from the Wilson and Capitole squares,  Royal Wilson hotel provides services which will delight you in an elegant building behind a typical Toulouse facade.

Beautifully appointed interiors combine traditional and contemporary styles around the unique interior courtyard … an amazing architectural feature in the city centre.

www.hotelroyalwilson-toulouse.com

Hôtel du Canal** - Castelnaudary
Hôtel du Canal** (Castelnaudary)

Located on the Canal du Midi with terrace overlooking the water. Soundproofed rooms, with private bathroom, overlooking garden or canal. Free WIFI. Continental breakfast, with yoghurt, cheeses and French pastries. Restaurants can be found within 200 meters. Bicycle storage available, and for a surcharge, use of secure garage.

www.hotelducanal.com

Hôtel du Pont Vieux** - Carcassonne
Hôtel du Pont Vieux*** (Carcassonne)

Ideally located at the foot of the fortified city of Carcassonne and located in an 18th century building. It offers rooms with views of the city towers or the garden. On sunny days, the continental breakfast is served on the terrace. Packed lunches can also be prepared for you. Very friendly staff.

www.hotelpontvieux.com

B&B Le jardin d'Homps (Homps)
B&B Le jardin d'Homps (Homps)

This accommodation has 5 spacious de-luxe rooms, all with a view on our lush garden. All rooms have extra long beds (2.10 mtrs) and can be booked as double (one large bed) or twin 

www.jardinhomps.fr

Hôtel des Poètes** - Béziers
Hôtel des Poètes** (Béziers)

In the middle of the old center of Béziers looking over the Parc des Poètes with its ponds, swans and statues. Located 1 km from the cathedral and only 200 meters from the train station. Rooms are decorated in a contemporary style. Free WIFI. In the morning continental breakfast and free bicycle rack.

www.hoteldespoetes.net

Hôtel L'Orque Bleue*** - Sète
Hôtel L'Orque Bleue*** (Sète) 'comfort plus'

A 19th century building in typical Hausmann style with a very convenient location along the Royal Canal. Near the city center. A combination of historic charm and a range of facilities. Comfortable rooms with private bathroom, some with king size bed. Bar available.

www.hotel-orquebleue-sete.com

'Select' hotels
Privilège Hôtel Mermoz**** (Toulouse)
Privilège Hôtel Mermoz**** (Toulouse)

The 4-star Hotel Mermoz offers a delightful environment inspired by Art Deco, conveniently located right in the centre of Toulouse, just a short walk from Matabiau mainline station, "Canal du Midi" and near Capitole Square.

www.mermoz.privilegetoulouse.com

Hôtel le Clos Fleuri ***(Castelnaudary)
Hôtel le Clos Fleuri ***(Castelnaudary)

Le Clos Fleuri is a place where you can feel right at home! The warm welcome, friendliness and peace and quiet ensure that you will enjoy your stay at the heart of the Pays Cathare. Come and stay in this charming hotel with a pool, ideally located in the Lauragais region between Toulouse and Carcassonne.

www.leclosfleuri.fr

Hôtel Aragon*** (Carcassonne)
Hôtel Aragon*** (Carcassonne)

The comfort and services of a ***3-star hotel, a swimming pool, a full buffet breakfast. L'Aragon Hotel welcomes people looking for tranquillity and quality all the year round!

www.hotelaragon.fr

Cdh les Palmiers (Homps)
Cdh les Palmiers (Homps)

Set on the banks of the Canal du Midi, La Maison des Palmiers is a manor house built by the Saint Exupery family in the 1860’s. Conveniently placed in the centre of Homps between a waterside bar and restaurant, it has an idyllic Mediterranean garden to get away from the hustle and bustle of the quay. La Maison has five rooms for bed and breakfast to welcome you.

www.maisonpalmiers.com

Hôtel Impérator*** (Béziers)
Hôtel Impérator*** (Béziers)

The Imperator Hotel has been completely redesigned to bring its spaces back to life. The mixture of Haussmannian charm and contemporary decoration gives a new lease of life to this historic place on the Allées Paul-Riquet in Béziers.

www.hotel-imperator.fr

Hôtel l'Orque Bleue*** (Sete)
Hôtel l'Orque Bleue*** (Sete)

On the edge of the Royal Canal, this charming boutique hotel is your ideal destination for unforgettable holidays. Whether you opt for a view of Mont Saint-Clair or the calm of the rooms on the patio side, let yourself be charmed by the atmosphere of this superb building, which combines charm, comfort, calm and modernity. The rooms are carefully decorated in a unique style.

www.orquebleue.fr

practical info

You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between May and October.

The closest airports to the Canal du Midi are Toulouse (TLS) and Béziers (BZR).

Arrival in Toulouse

  • Flying to Toulouse ariport (TLS): From Toulouse airport there is an Airport shuttlebus (every 20 min) to the city center. 
  • Flying to Béziers airport (BZR): If you're flying to Béziers, you can connect to Toulouse by train (several direct services a day).

Departure from Sète

At the end of your trip you can get the train from Sète, back to Toulouse or Béziers.

NOTE: If you're travelling with your own bicycle, you can take your bike on the train for free, but reservations are necessary on certain trains (www.scnf.com).

If you're travelling by car, it's advisable to park in Toulouse or Sète and take the train back. Ask us for parking facilities.

You will cycle some sections on dirt paths. For families with small children, we recommend to cycle the Canal du Garonne.

TREKKING BIKES 

  • Bike model:  Winora Domingo trekking bikes: 27 spd, Shimano gears, disc brakes
  • Bike Type: Trekking
  • Speeds:27
  • Gears: Shimano
  • Frame:  aluminium 6061, hydroformed
  • Fork:SR Suntour NEX DS-HLO Lockout, steel spring, Travel: 63mm, steel steerer tube 1 1/8", quick release
  • Front derailleur: Shimano Alivio T4000
  • Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore XT M771, 27 speed
  • Brakes:  Disc Brakes
  • Tyres:  Michelin Protek, 42-622, Reflective stripes
  • Weight:  16.9kg

                    

 

The rental includes: repair kit, lock, pump, front/back panniers and map carrier.

TANDEM

  • Frame:   TANDEM TOURING Alloy 7005 Hydroformed
  • Fork:   LAPIERRE CROMO TANDEM
  • Headset:  PRESTINE PT-1808S 1''1/8
  • Bottom bracket:   SHIMANO BBES25C13
  • Crankset:   SHIMANO LX Tandem FCM571 26x36x48 170mm (Arrière-Rear) - 175mm (Avant-Front)
  • Stem:   EASTON EA70 17° Ø: 31.8mm E: 100mm - LAPIERRE TANDEM BLACK
  • Seatpost:  SATORI SOLO L: 350mm Ø: 27.2mm
  • Handlebar:   EASTON EA30 LO W: 685mm R: 20mm Ø: 31.8mm - LAPIERRE STRAIGHT W: 580mm Ø: 25.4mm
  • Front derailleur:   SHIMANO XT FDM771M6 31.6mm
  • Rear derailleur:   SHIMANO XT RDM772GS
  • Brakes:   FORMULA RX - FORMULA 203mm 6 BOLT TYPE
  • Shifters:  SHIMANO XT SLM770 9 SPEED
  • Saddle:   SELLE ROYAL VIPER
  • Wheel:   MACH1 MX DISC 26'' 36H
  • Sprocket:  SHIMANO HG509132 9 SPEED 11-32T
  • Tires:   SCHWALBE MARATHON GREENGUARD 26x2.00
  • Weight:   19 kg

             TANDEM TOURING Alloy 7005 Hydroformed

 

E-BIKES 

  • Bike model:  Winora Sinus Tria 8 
  • Bike Type:  Electric Bike
  • Speeds:  24
  • Frame:  Aluminio 6061, Tapered head tube
  • Fork:SR Suntour NEX E25,
  • Motor:  Bosch Performance Cruise, 250W, 60Nm, 25km/h
  • Battery: Bosch PowerPack 400Wh
  • Display: Bosch Purion
  • Weight:  24,5 kg
  • Authonomy: Up tp 120km per charge, depending on terrain and rider demand 

           

GPS tracks are available on request.

included

Included

  • 6 nights accommodation with breakfasts
  • Luggage transfers
  • Tourist city taxes
  • Digital detailed route notes and maps in English
  • Access to the trip in GUIBO, the digital guidebook and navigation
  • App24-hour telephone assistance

Not included

  • Travel insurance
  • Transport to first and from last accommodation
  • Trains, busses or any transport wherever necessary
  • Other Lunches & Dinners
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, additional transfers, etc
  • Hybrid bike rental 

Extras

  • Single Room Supplement
  • Solo Traveller Supplement
  • Upgrade Supplement hotels 3/4
  • Additional nights 
  • Transfer from the train station to your hotel
  • Transfer back from your last accommodation
  • Hybrid bike rental 
  • E-bike supplement 
  • Shipment of printed documents to the first accommodation
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