2023
Cycling Holiday at Canal du Midi

Cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi

Along the magnificent canal to the Mediterranean

 Toulouse – Carcassonne – Sète

  • Fortifications in Carcassonne
  • Fonserannes Locks
  • The Narbonne diocese town
  • Daily routes ●●●○○
  • Altitude profile ●●●○○

days
10

km / day avg.
45

On your cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi you pedal along one of Europe's most beautiful canals. It winds its way through beautiful countryside today just as it always has done. Trees line the banks, throwing shade on to the little streets and paths, making cycling a very pleasant activity. You start your tour of culture and enjoyment in Toulouse. Discover places where time seems to stand still, Roman cathedrals and medieval buildings. It's not just culture that has tradition here, the local cuisine is also excellent. Have you tried cassoulet, garbure or aligot? No? These dishes are cooked today according to the same handed-down recipes and they taste sumptuous. As do the great local wines! No meal should be without one. If you're starting to feel curious about all these different local riches, then it's time to set off on your cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi.

Itinerary

  • Booking code
    FR-TS9
  • Start / Destination
    Toulouse / Sète
  • Duration
    10 days / 9 nights
  • Length
    approx. 350 km
    Daily routes ●●●○○
    between 35 and 60 km, Ø 45 km
    Altitude profile ●●●○○
Cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi

Day 1: Individual arrival in Toulouse

If you arrive early in Toulouse, you will have the time to explore this busy ville rose. Toulouse was given this name because of the many buildings here made of red brick. For example St-Sernin Basilica, which is one of the most beautiful Roman churches in the south of France. There is an informational meeting in the meeting, where you also pick up your hire bikes, ready for your cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi.

Day 2: Toulouse – Castelnaudary, approx. 60 km  

Pedal out of the busy town and into beautiful countryside. Enjoy the peace and quiet and the wonderful views of the canal and the passing boats. You get to Lauragais, fertile levels which are also known as the pays de Cocagne, which literally means land of milk and honey! You cycle through villages very typical of the south of France to Castelnaudary. In what used to be a town of mills you will discover the moulin de Cugarel, which is still intact today.

Day 3: Castelnaudary – Carcassonne, approx. 40 km    

Impressive medieval towns will be on your route today. There is a museum in Bram which exhibits archaeological findings from the area. Carcassonne and its Cité, impressive fortifications, will whisk you away to days gone by. Up to 4000 people lived here during the Middle Ages, behind the city wall, which was some three kilometres in length. Wander down the narrow streets and enjoy watching the hustle and bustle from one of the many cafes and restaurants, after you've visited the museum and walked around the wall.

Day 4: Trip to Montolieu, approx. 40 km   

At the edge of Montagnes Noires is the small town of Montolieu, situated on a rocky projection. Its nickname is the town of books as there are 15 antiquarian book shops here which accommodate 200,000 books. Michel Braibant museum tells the history of the book, from the first writings to book printing. Not just book worms, but wine lovers will also like this town. Full-bodied red wines are produced here from the Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Day 5: Carcassonne – Olonzac region, approx. 45 km

On your cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi you will be cycling through one of France's oldest wine-growing regions. The cycle paths in Minervois take your through beautiful countryside, usually up high and with lovely views down onto the vineyards. You cycle through old villages with Roman churches. Make sure you don't miss out on trying a glass of good wine. Match that with a good meal of fish or seafood, which you'll find in the many restaurants in Olonzac.

Day 6: Olonzac region – Narbonne, approx. 45 km

After just a short trip on your bike, it's worth taking a break after a few kilometres. The picturesque village of Homps, right on the Canal du Midi, has the third biggest harbour along the canal. You continue cycling until you get to the diocese town of Narbonne. In addition to the wonderful cathedral, visit the many Roman buildings and artefacts that you'll find in the town's streets.

Day 7: Narbonne – Béziers, approx. 45 km

First you cycle to Capestang. Climb the 43 metre high church tower of the foundation church Saint-Étienne and admire the unique view of the surrounding vineyards. Back down on the ground, you pedal on along the canal until you discover a historic building just before today's destination of Béziers. The lock steps at Fonserannes raise and lower boats a height of some 14 metres as they go through the nine locks. This is definitely quite an experience on your cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi.

Day 8: Béziers – Cap d´Agde, approx. 40 km

Along lonely roads and paths you cycle at a leisurely pace through shady pine forests. The further you cycle the saltier the air becomes. A sign that the sea is not far. Do you fancy a dip in the cool wet? Or would you prefer to simply relax? You can do either on the long beaches in Cap d'Agde. The town also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. Try the fresh specialities such as olives, goat cheese and mussels from one of the many markets.

Day 9: Cap d´Agde – Sète, approx. 35 km

Cap d`Agde and Sète are connected by a 15 km long sand bank. Surrounded on all sides by water and interspersed by canals, go on a wander through the town. You'll see why the charming harbour town of Sète is also known as Venice of the Languedoc. A breath-taking view of the houses, harbour and sea can be had from Mont Saint-Clair.

Day 10: Individual departure or extended stay

After breakfast, your cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi unfortunately comes to an end. You get back to Toulouse either by train or transfer.

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Dates / prices / services

Season times and prices 2023

Arrival on Saturdays from 25.03.2023 to 07.10.2023

Bookable dates are shown in the booking form. The season is dictated by the arrival date.

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Category B

Season A
25.03. - 31.03.
24.09. - 07.10.
from1199 €
Season B
01.04. - 16.06.
03.09. - 23.09.
from1299 €
Season C
17.06. - 02.09.

from1359 €

Category A

Season A
25.03. - 31.03.
24.09. - 07.10.
from1549 €
Season B
01.04. - 16.06.
03.09. - 23.09.
from1649 €
Season C
17.06. - 02.09.

from1729 €

All prices per person in a double room.

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Services

  • 9 nights incl. breakfast, national 2* / 3* level, category B (FR-TS9b)
  • 9 nights incl. breakfast, national 3* / 4* level, category A (FR-TS9a)
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel to Sète, no limit on the number of pieces, max. 20 kg / piece
  • Welcome meeting
  • GPS-Tracks available on request
  • Cycle route description with maps (1 x per room)
  • Service-Hotline (7 days, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
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Child reduction on basic price

discount-icon discount-icon-baby

From 0 to 5 years

-100%

discount-icon discount-icon-lego

From 6 to 11 years

-50%

discount-icon discount-icon-football

From 12 to 14 years

-25%

discount-icon discount-icon-joystick

From 15 to 17 years

-10%

Applies for accommodation in rooms with 2 full-paying guests.

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Additional Services

Additional bookable services

Category B
Category A

Additional fee single room

329 €

379 €

Return transfer excl. own bike (minimum 2 persons), Sète – Toulouse

119 €

Return transfer incl. own bike (minimum 2 persons), Sète – Toulouse

149 €

All prices are per person

Additional nights

Room
Breakfast
Category B
Category A
Sète
 DBL

79 €

115 €

 SGL

139 €

205 €

Toulouse
 DBL

79 €

85 €

 SGL

119 €

129 €

All prices are per person

Rental Bikes

Rental Bikes

Rental Bike
Rental Bike
119 €
E-Bike
E-Bike
279 €

Types of rental bikes

  • 7-gear unisex bike, hub gears with back-pedal brakes (men's frame from 185 cm)
  • 21-gear unisex bike, derailleur gears with free-wheel (men's frame from 185 cm)
  • E-bike
Fittings

Pannier, handlebar bag, milometer, pump, repair kit

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Rental Bikes

7- or 21-gear rental bike

119 €

E-bike

279 €

  • Booking code
    FR-TS9
  • Start / Destination
    Toulouse / Sète
  • Duration
    10 days / 9 nights
  • Length
    approx. 350 km
    Daily routes ●●●○○
    between 35 and 60 km, Ø 45 km
    Altitude profile ●●●○○
  • Route condition
    You cycle along sandy and gravel paths right next to the canal; also along quiet side roads.
  • Parking information
    There is parking in a car park close to the hotel at the start of your holiday, approx. EUR 16 / day.
    No reservation possible through Radweg-Reisen.
  • Return trip to Toulouse
    Optionally by bus on Mondays or Saturdays from Sète (min. 4 people; max. 6 people); please specify when booking.
    If you do not want to continue your journey directly after the transfer, you can book additional nights in Toulouse.
    You can also book the transfer from Sète to Toulouse before the bike tour. So you can continue your tour from Sète right after the tour. Please write your booking request in the online booking form in the free text field.
    Alternatively you can arrange your own transport by train. There are several direct connections every day.
  • Note
    In France bicycle helmets are mandatory for children under 12 years of age. However, for safety reasons we generally recommend wearing a helmet..
  • Tour operated by
    Local cooperation partner
  • Mobility note
    This holiday is suitable to only a limited extent for people with restricted mobility.
    Please contact us if you have individual requirements.
Cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi

days
10

km / day avg.
45