The Canal du Midi by bike – Balanced version

Arrival in a Toulouse hotel. Free evening in the « Pink City », take time to discover its rich cultural heritage.

Departure from Paul Riquet’s bridge. Discover Toulouse way of life : its lilting accent, history and many hidden alleyways. Take your time to stroll and to discover its architectural richness : The Capitole square place, the Basilique St Sernin, les Jacobins… Once overpassed the south port of Ramonville St Agne, with its turnstile footbridge, the barges are lined up along the bank. Pass under the brick bridges and discover many canal locks. In Montgiscard, its little port and old washing place invite you to have a break. The very high village of Montesquieu Lauragais waits for you. It was a stronghold during Middle Ages and it is now croosed by numerous pilgrims on way to Santiago de Compostela.

Head out to Castelnaudary along the Canal du Midi, with a first stop in Avignonet, in the heart of the Lauragais, land of the Pastel flower, place of a battle against the Cathars. Pass over the highest point of the trip (190m high) and find several ancient canal locks such as the Lock of Sanglier, as well as many aqueducts, before reaching Castelnaudary. Castelnaudary is the city of cassoulet (a delicious local meat and bean stew) but perhaps this does not get your taste buds going so, as dinners are not included, feel free to choose another dish.

After a good night’s rest, ride along the Canal du Midi, through a delight of many different villages and landscapes. Make your way to Saint Papoul’s abbey, created in the 8th century, to discover the church in the middle of wheat fields. Then ride on until Bram passing quiet villages before heading for Carcassonne. Its architecture and the warmth of its narrow streets are waiting for you. You can enjoy the medieval walled town, which is also now listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Once you have drunk in enough of the secrets of Carcassonne, continue your trip and storm along to Homps and its port. Take your time to admire the buildings along the canal, a wonderful example being the Moulin de Trèbes. You can have a stop in Marseillette, an old Gallic village and in Capendu as well, to see its Romanesque church. Then continue on to arrive in Homps.

From Homps’ port, you ride along the Pech and Laurier canal lock, just before reaching Argens-Minervois chateau. You ride between vineyard and cypresses and cross the village of Ventenac-en-Minervois (ideal stop for a wine-tasting). You also meet 2 canals crossroads : Canal du Midi and Canal de la Robine. Then, you can have a stop under the shade of superb stone pine trees before passing the Aqueduct of Quarante.

Let’s go to Béziers ! This typical south-east town, in love with wine, rugby and festivities, will open its arms to you. Cross the tunnel de Malpas and discover the oppidum of Ensérune (apart from Canal), to arrive by the spectacular 9 canal locks of Fonseranes, and then onto Béziers, Riquet’s birthplace. The city shows you lots of examples of his talent. Then, cycle to Agde where the Herault River and Canal du Midi flow into the Mediterranean Sea. The maritime influences are important and the landscape is different. The volcanic black stone of Agde, the wild black bulls and white horses are typical of this region.

Go to the port at Sète along Thau Basin. This city has a strong local culture, Sète cannot help but seduce you on your arrival. With a bit of luck, you maybe see a local sport played since 1666 : nautical battles. End of the trip in Sète.