Cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi

Your cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi begins in Toulouse. If you arrive early enough, you will have the opportunity to get to know the lively la ville rose extensively. The city was given this name due to the numerous buildings made of red bricks. This includes the Saint-Sernin Basilica, which is one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in the south of France. In the afternoon, there will be an information meeting and bike handover.

Hop on your bike and cycle out of the hustle and bustle of the city and into the beautiful countryside along the canal. Enjoy the peace and quiet and the view of the passing boats as you approach your destination for the day, Castelnaudary. The town has the largest port on the Canal du Midi. One of Castelnaudary's specialties is cassoulet. This stew with white beans and meat probably dates back to the Middle Ages. Enjoy!

Follow the canal to the village of Bram. Take a short break and explore the circular medieval center. Cycle along a converted old railroad line towards the Pyrenees. Follow this special bike path through railroad tunnels, over viaducts and bridges to reach Mirepoix. In this small bastide town dating back to the 13th century, take a stroll through the arcades of the old town, visit the late Gothic church and enjoy a coffee on the market square.

Your cycling holiday along the Canal du midi takes you back to the Canal today. You cycle through peaceful countryside and over gentle hills to Carcassonne. The town takes you back in time with its Cité, an impressive fortress. In the Middle Ages, up to 4,000 people lived behind the three-kilometre ring wall. Stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy the hustle and bustle in one of the numerous cafés and restaurants after visiting the museum and walking over the castle wall.

The small village of Montolieu, situated on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the Cabardès wine-growing region, is the destination of today's excursion. It has more than earned its nickname as a book village - there are many second-hand bookshops here that will make the heart of any book lover beat faster. Not only bookworms, but also wine lovers will go into raptures. Full-bodied red wines are produced from the Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties. You spend the night in Carcassonne again.

Your cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi takes you through one of the oldest wine-growing regions in France. The cycle paths through the Minervois are very scenic, mostly at high altitudes with wonderful views of the vineyards. Wine was already being grown here in ancient times and in Roman times. Don't miss the opportunity to sample a glass of good wine along the way. You will spend the night in Olonzac or in Homps.

Today's stage of your cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi takes you closer to the Mediterranean, kilometer by kilometer. The day's destination is Narbonne on the Canal de la Robine. Visit the cathedral, which can be seen from afar and is an architectural masterpiece. Remnants of the Romans are also still visible in many corners of the city. You can learn more about this period in the Narbo Via museum. Or how about a walk across the Pont des Marchands, a bridge of houses?

First you reach Capestang. Climb the 43-metre-high church tower of the collegiate church of Saint-Étienne and marvel at the unique view of the surrounding vineyards. Back down again, continue cycling along the canal until you discover a historic structure shortly before your destination for the day, Béziers. The Fonseranes lock staircase raises and lowers ships by almost 14 meters in six consecutive chambers. Certainly a special experience on your cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi.

You cycle leisurely along lonely roads and paths through shady pine forests. The further you cycle, the saltier the air becomes. A sign that the sea is not far away. Do you fancy a refreshing dip in the cool water? Or do you just want to relax? Both options are possible on the long beaches in Cap d'Agde. Continue on to the port city of Sète. Take a stroll through the town and you will see why Sète is also known as the Venice of the Languedoc. You can enjoy a beautiful view of the houses, the harbor and the sea from Mont Saint-Clair.

After breakfast, your cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi comes to an end. We are happy to extend your stay in Sète or Toulouse with an extra night.