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Medieval fortress of Carcassonne with stone walls and towers on a hill, surrounded by green grass and trees. Residential buildings in foreground.

Canal du Midi

Enjoyment, precious buildings, Mediterranean Sea and Pyrenees

Insider Tip
8 Days / 7 Nights
Medium
Medieval fortress of Carcassonne with stone walls and towers on a hill, surrounded by green grass and trees. Residential buildings in foreground.

The essentials at a glance

Cycle along the historic Canal du Midi from Toulouse to Sète through Mediterranean landscapes. The route passes through Castelnaudary, the medieval fortress city of Carcassonne, wine regions of Minervois and Olonzac, Narbonne with its unfinished cathedral, and Béziers with its famous Nine Locks. Daily distances average 40-65 km on sandy, gravel, and partly asphalted towpaths. The tour ends in Sète, the largest French fishing town on the Mediterranean, known as 'Little Venice of the Languedoc'.

In the 17th century, the Canal du Midi was constructed as an artificial waterway to connect the Garonne River with the Mediterranean Sea. Once a masterpiece of engineering and an important trade route, today it is primarily dedicated to leisure activities, whether through boating or cycling. Over eight days, you will cycle from the beautiful city of Toulouse toward the sea, ending in the picturesque port town of Sète. Along the way, you'll pass historical monuments and buildings, as well as Mediterranean landscapes and charming vineyards. A dream cycling tour - see for yourself!

Aerial view of Toulouse with the Donjon du Capitole tower prominently featured. Red-tiled rooftops and historic buildings under a cloudy sky.
Three cyclists riding on a gravel path along Canal du Midi, surrounded by green fields and tall trees under a cloudy sky.
A small boat moored on the calm Canal du Midi, lined with tall green trees on both sides. A cycling path runs parallel to the waterway.
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Elena Ferri
Elena Ferri
+43 6219 60866 127
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This cycling tour promises pure delight right from the start in Toulouse, where the colors seem more vibrant, the scents more intense, and the architecture more majestic. Following the canal, you'll first reach the charming port town of Castelnaudary and then Carcassonne, which leaves a lasting impression with its imposing fortress. The route takes you to Olonzac, where the vineyards will catch your eye long before you arrive in town. Once you reach your destination, you’ll have truly earned a well-deserved wine tasting.

Take your time to stop frequently and soak in the atmosphere along the canal as you head toward your next destination, Narbonne. After visiting the beautiful market hall, your journey continues to Béziers, where the proximity to the sea is already noticeable, yet the vineyards still dominate the landscape. In Sète, the numerous canals are reminiscent of the lagoon city of Venice. End your holiday with a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean and a plate of the finest seafood, leaving you relaxed and full of fond memories.

  • Culture and cuisine in Toulouse: Also known as "La Ville Rose," the city enchants visitors with its distinctive brick buildings, the picturesque Place du Capitole, and the majestic Saint-Sernin Basilica. The charming banks of the Garonne beckon for leisurely strolls, while the diverse museums and vibrant culinary scene offer a rich cultural experience.
  • Wine and history in the heart of southern France: Narbonne enchants with its Roman history and the splendid Palais des Archevêques. The romantic Canal de la Robine exudes pure charm, while the impressive Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur Cathedral and Les Halles market hall offer culinary and cultural highlights. A paradise for those who appreciate the finer things in life!
  • Savoir-vivre on the French Mediterranean coast: Sète invites you with its vibrant harbor, picturesque canals, and delicious fresh fish served in countless variations at charming local restaurants. Enjoy the stunning sea views from Mont Saint-Clair and unwind on the endless, sandy beaches.

The canal is renowned for its picturesque promenades, locks, and historic bridges and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. Cycling along it is both pleasant and scenic, with 45 to 65 kilometers of cycling stages that will keep you thoroughly engaged. The well-maintained paths and trails seamlessly blend into the natural surroundings.

The French have perfected the art of living well—experience a slice of it on a cycling tour in France. Explore picturesque towns, stroll through vibrant markets, and savor freshly baked baguettes and croissants—it's pure enjoyment of life!

Aerial view of Toulouse with the Donjon du Capitole tower prominently featured. Red-tiled rooftops and historic buildings under a cloudy sky.
Three cyclists riding on a gravel path along Canal du Midi, surrounded by green fields and tall trees under a cloudy sky.
A small boat moored on the calm Canal du Midi, lined with tall green trees on both sides. A cycling path runs parallel to the waterway.

Itinerary at a glance

Olonzac, Béziers, and Sète: Along the Canal du Midi, you'll pass through not only beautiful cities but also Mediterranean landscapes and cultural landmarks. Among cathedrals and castles, fine wine is produced, which you can enjoy with culinary delights.

Toulouse is also called the "ville rose" because of the reddish stone of many buildings. There is plenty to see: the Basilica of St Sernin, the Place du Capitole and the Augustin Museum.

Castelnaudary is the largest harbour on the Canal du Midi; even the largest wine freighters could turn around here. The French travel long distances to pay their culinary respects to the town of the savoury bean stew "Cassoulet".

You cycle to water reservoir St. Férról. The clear water and sandy beaches as well as paddleboats, canoes and catamarans are inviting you to a wonderful day at the beach.

Olonzac is the centre of the winegrowers in the Minervois, Homps was the shipping port. Vines everywhere, the Montagne Noire and the Corbière in sight, here you can practise doing nothing by the canal.

Today's destination is Narbonne, you change to the canal and travel along the Canal de la Robine towards the Mediterranean. Major medieval buildings include the unfinished cathedral and the archbishops' palace. Another highlight is the market hall "Les Halles", which has been honoured as the most beautiful in France.

You drive to Capestang and on to Béziers. The city is the centre of winegrowing und birthplace of Paul Riquet, the builder of Canal du Midi. The Archbishop's Palace watches over the city, the attraction on the canal are the Neuf Écluses, the Nine Locks.

The further you cycle, the saltier the air becomes. The cycle path leads directly along the sea towards Sète, the largest French fishing town on the Mediterranean, also known as the "Little Venice of the Languedoc" due to its many canals. Here, an evening stroll can be perfectly combined with a good meal, as the origins of the town are Italian - as is the cuisine.

Day
08

Departure or extension

Other variants of this tour

Canal du Midi
10 Days
Blue pedestrian bridge crossing Canal du Midi in Homps, with traditional French houses and a moored boat along the waterfront under clear blue sky.
Cyclist riding on tree-lined Canal du Midi bike path under blue sky. Lush green vegetation and flowering bushes frame the paved trail.
Historic town hall square in Narbonne with stone tower and Gothic facade. People sit at outdoor cafe tables on cobblestone plaza under blue sky.
Canal du Midi near Béziers with a historic tower surrounded by lush green trees. A boat is visible on the calm water under a blue sky.
Stone bridge with arches crossing calm river in Béziers, with Cathedral Saint-Nazaire on hilltop above colorful houses under clear blue sky.
Canal lined with historic buildings and fishing boats in Sète. Blue water reflects clear sky, people walk along waterfront promenades.

Difficulty level

Medium

You will cycle on sandy and gravel paths, partly asphalted towpaths, as well as on little frenqueted side roads.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Our Rental Bikes

The different types of rental bikes at a glance

Unisex Rental Bike - Symbol photo
Unisex bike

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Available gear options can be found in the price table

Men's Rental Bike - Symbol photo
Men's bike

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Available gear options can be found in the price table

Renatl bike PLUS - Symbol photo
Rental Bike PLUS

Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with men's or unisex frame

Available gear options can be found in the price table

 

E-Bike rental bike - Symbol photo
Unisex Electro bike

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in category A in 3***- and 4****- hotels (french classification) as well as in charming accommodations and in category B in mainly 3***- hotels (french classification) and chambre d'hôtes
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Printed route book, per room EUR 20
  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance
  • Return transfer to Toulouse (minimum 2 persons, maximum 6 persons) every Saturday and Monday, costs EUR 135 per person, extra EUR 45 for your own bike, reservation is necessary, payable in advance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Arrival by Train to Toulouse or Sète
  • Toulouse, Montpellier or Béziers/Cap d´Agde airport
  • Category A: Hotel car park, cost approx. €21 per day, Category B: Hotel car park, cost approx. €12 per day, Matabiau public car park.
  • Return journey by train from Sète to Toulouse.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in category A in 3***- and 4****- hotels (french classification) as well as in charming accommodations and in category B in mainly 3***- hotels (french classification) and chambre d'hôtes
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Best developed route
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance
  • Return transfer to Toulouse (minimum 2 persons, maximum 6 persons) every Saturday and Monday, costs EUR 130 per person, extra EUR 39 for your own bike, reservation is necessary, payable in advance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Toulouse or train station
  • Toulouse, Montpellier or Béziers/Cap d´Agde airport
  • Category. A: hotel parking spaces, costs approx. EUR 19 per day
  • Category. B: hotel parking spaces, costs approx. EUR 10 per day, paid public parking garage
  • Good train connection from Sète to Toulouse

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of EUR 20 per room.

Elena Ferri

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Elena Ferri
Travel Specialist
One call to vacation bliss
+43 6219 60866 127
Monday - Thursday: 9.00 AM - 6.00 PM
Friday: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
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