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Duration
7 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 6 nights hotels
Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts

Price

$1390USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: CDM

Trip highlights


  • Travelling from Toulouse to Sète by bike
  • Experiencing the outstanding scenery and small villages enroute
  • Exploring Carcassonne and discovering the legends of the Cathars
  • Enjoying the regional culinary specialties
  • Delighting in the warm hospitality of the hotel owners

The Canal du Midi was built by Pierre Paul Riquet in the 17th century, overcoming great obstacles to connect the Mediterranean with the Atlantic through the Garonne Canal. The best way to appreciate all facets of the canal is by bike. Stretching 240km from Toulouse to Sète, the canal travels through a landscape rich in architectural and cultural treasures. Discover the legends of the Cathars as you cycle to Carcassonne, one of Europe's most impressive medieval cities. Immerse yourself in the pretty tree lined canal scenery and the culinary delights of small villages. At day's end your luggage awaits you in a range of specially chosen family run hotels and with the relaxed pace of the cycling there will be time for sightseeing or soaking up the atmosphere in a local café.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

On arrival in Toulouse, make your way to the joining hotel. Toulouse is France’s fourth largest city and has a rich heritage. Known for its ultra modern aerospace industry, it also has a charming centre, distinctive for its rose-red brick buildings. Take time to visit some of the city's great sites including St Sernin church, the largest Romanesque church in France, ‘Capitole’ square, and numerous other examples of fine architecture. Overnight in Toulouse.

Meals:  Nil

Toulouse is where the ‘Canal du Midi’ begins. Leaving town via the Paul Riquet bridge and cycling along the canal, you'll enter the pastel-coloured country of Lauragais. Take a break in Avignonet, the centre of the battles during the Albigensian crusades with lots of medieval remains, statues of crusaders and enormous churches. The highest point of the canal is at the foot of the Montagne Noire - this is the Seuil de Naurouze (watershed), the strategic point of the Canal du Midi that separates the Atlantic and Mediterranean basins. You then drop down to Castelnaudary. This region is particularly famous for its gastronomy, especially Cassoulet. Overnight in Castelnaudary. (Monday is market day here.) 467m/4532ft ascent, 433m/1420ft descent

Meals:  B

Today's cycle takes you through the heart of Cathar country along original, thousand year old tow paths to the river harbour of Bram. The landscape changes from cornfields to vineyards. You'll pass old villages and the Béteille and Lalande locks. Carcassonne and its impressive medieval citadel is a highlight of the tour. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you should plan to spend some time exploring this beautiful fortification. The towpath along this stage is quite uneven. From Bram to Carcassonne the route is not specifically laid out for cyclists, but the hardened earth track is fairly easy to cycle along. 258m/846ft ascent, 294m/964ft descent

Meals:  B

After visiting Carcassonne you go back to the peace and quiet of the Canal. Along the cycle path today you can admire the bridge at Orbiel, the overflow of canal water at Argendouble and the church Saint Etienne at Trebes. Take a rest in the Gallic village of Marseillette and walk over to Capendu (just over 2km) to view the remains of the 13th century Roman chapel. Continue through undulating vineyards to your destination of Homps. This stretch is fairly easy to cycle along with no particular difficulties however from Marseillette to Homps the cycle route is quite rough, going along a stretch of towpath that has not been laid out specifically for cyclists. 247m/810ft ascent, 336m/1102ft descent

Meals:  B

From the lock at Argens you'll follow a winding path along the hillside to the hamlet of Le Somail, where you can take a break and visit the old library. Continue along the Canal de la Robine to Capestang with its collegiate church, visible from afar. From the tower there are views of the sea and a nearby 14th century castle. As you cycle once again you will pass some Gallo-Roman remains, the village of Poilhes la Romaine and ancient hill town of Oppidum d'Ensérune. You can also admire the Malpas tunnel and the nine locks of Foncerannes en route to your destination, the township of Béziers, known particularly for wine and bullfighting. You can enjoy great views from the cathedral. There are a few short stretches on roads with traffic today that require you to cycle with care, between Roubia to beyond Ventenac before you reach Le Somail. The towpath track you take between Samail and Capestang is of uneven quality. The track along the towpath between Capestang and Béziers is not specially laid out for cyclists and is rough in patches. 508m/1666ft ascent, 494m/1620ft descent

Meals:  B

Although the sea is not yet visible, you can sense it. The landscape becomes flatter and you will encounter dunes, swamps and lagoons. In this coastal region you will pass the unique Pont Bache du Libron and the round lock of Agde. At Agde you cross the Herault river and head towards the Thau Lagoon. The Canal du Midi ends at the lighthouse in Onglous. From Marseillan you cycle along the beach to Sete, the last stop on your cycle trip. Sete is a major fishing port and is well know for its beaches. We recommend visiting the large covered market, and there are many seafood restaurants near the harbour. The first part of the stage makes for easy cycling on the towpath to the Roque Haute bridge. Later, between Agde and neighbouring Marseillan-Plage the route is not specially laid out for cyclists and care is needed. 302m/990ft ascent, 364m/1194ft descent

Meals:  B

Your trip concludes in Sète after breakfast. If you'd like to stay an extra night, please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 6 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices.
  • 6 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3 and 4 star Comfort hotels - supplement applies)
  • Hybrid rental bike, equipped with panniers, pump, helmet, anti-theft device & repair kit (electric bike available on request - supplement applies)
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
  • Tourist tax
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Toulouse and from Sète
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • E-bike rental, supplement applies
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess Luggage
  • Printed documents are available - additional cost applies. Must be requested and will be provided locally at the joining hotel. Please ask our consultants for details.
  • Handlebar phone holder – we recommend bringing your own to follow the route more easily using the app
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

moderate  

GRADE 3 The cycling is moderate grade with daily stages of around 42 to 64km. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a reasonable level of cycling fitness to participate fully in this adventure. The route is along gradually undulating to flat bicycle paths (approx 75%), tow paths (narrow), side roads and country roads. There are a few short sections on streets with heavy traffic. It is important to be aware that some sections are unpaved and at times are uneven, with tree roots and rocks, and can be slippery after / during rain, which requires more care and cycling skills. The cycling is not currently recommended for young children or tag-along bikes. Sections of the route are affected by the tree replacement program with detours in place. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1390USD

Options & Supplements*
  • E-Bike supplementUSD$110
  • Upgrade hotel supplementUSD$240
  • Single Supplement - Standard hotelsUSD$430
  • Solo traveller supplement - Standard hotelsUSD$460
  • Single Supplement - Upgrade hotelsUSD$550
  • Solo traveller supplement - Upgrade hotelsUSD$590
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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