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  • South West 
  • Pyrenees 

The Canal du Midi by bike, from Toulouse to Agde

Selection

ref RN09

From
730€/person

Presentation of your trip

This cycle ride follows the famous Canal du Midi, listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, from Toulouse, the capital city of the Midi-Pyrénées region, to Agde, a beautiful Roman city. Built by Paul Riquet, the canal used to be a waterway for all kinds of merchandise. This picturesque journey downstream will allow you to discover southern cities such as Toulouse, Castelnaudary and Carcassonne, with its walled town, by bike. Finish your trip by taking a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.

  • DestinationSouth West, Pyrenees
  • TypeFree
  • Length of trip6 days and 5 nights
  • ActivitiesCycling/All Terrain Biking
  • Physical level

Possible periods for this trip

  • Jan.
  • Feb.
  • March
  • Apr.
  • May
  • June
  • Jul.
  • August
  • Sep.
  • Oct.
  • Nov.
  • Dec.

DescriptionProgramPratical informationDates and priceContact

Trip details

Highlights

  • A 240 km long historical route
  • The tranquillity of landscapes on the edge of water
  • The arrival at the Mediterranean!

Complementary informations

  • 6 days 5 nights - 5 biking days
  • In three-star hotels or B&Bs

Program

  • Day 1

    Arrival in Toulouse

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

    • Day 2

      From Toulouse to Castelnaudary

      • Distance : 63 km

      Point of departure : Paul Riquet’s bridge. 
      Discover the “art of living” Toulouse style : its lilting accent, history and many hidden alleyways. 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.


       

    • Day 3

      From Castelnaudary to Carcassonne

      • Distance : 40 km

      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.


       

    • Day 4

      From Carcassonne to Homps

      • Distance : 42 km

      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.


       

    • Day 5

      From Homps to Beziers

      • Distance : 64 km

      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 Foncérannes, and then onto Béziers, Riquet’s birthplace. The city shows you lots of examples of his talent. 


       

    • Day 6

      From Beziers to Agde

      • Distance : 25 km

      For this last stage, cycle to Agde where the Herault River and Canal du Midi flow into the Mediterranean. The maritime’s 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.
      End of your trip.


       

    • End of trip

    Feel free to adapt your stay with these options:

    • 7 days 6 nights, 5 days of biking: Free day in Carcassonne
      Free day at Carcassonne, a city of history and culture or ride towards the Black Mountains to discover vineyards and Cathar castles. Extra night in Carcassonne.
    • 7 days 6 nights, 5 days of biking : Finish the trip to Sète + 25 km
      Go to the port at Sète along Thau Basin. This city has a strong local culture, Sète can not help but seduce you on your arrival. With a bit of luck, you maybe see a local sport played since 1666 : nautical battles. Extra night in Sète.
    • 8 days, 7 nights, 5 days of biking: Free day in Carcassonne and finish the trip to Sète + 25 km
      Free day at Carcassonne, a city of history and culture OR ride towards the Black Mountains to discover vineyards and Cathar castles. Extra night in Carcassonne. 
      Go to the port at Sète along Thau Basin. This city has a strong local culture, Sète can not help but seduce you on your arrival. With a bit of luck, you maybe see a local sport played since 1666 : nautical battles. Extra night in Sète.

    Pratical information

    • Luggage

      Carrying is limited to business of the day and picnic. Luggage is carried by vehicle. Please allow 1 bag per person, maximum 15kg/bag.

    • Formalities

      • A valid official ID
      • We recommend travel insurance with repatriation included
    • DEPARTURE AND MEETING POINT

      Departure from Toulouse.

      How to get there:
      By car: Highway of the south of France.
      By train: Toulouse SNCF train station.
      By plane: Toulouse airport then shuttle to the city center.

    • Accommodation

      We offer nights in double rooms in hotels with three stars and in guest rooms, with bed and breakfast included. We have selected our accommodation for its welcoming atmosphere and comfort. You will sleep in comfortable double rooms in hotels or guest rooms. Sheets and towels are provided. A bathroom is reserved for you.

    • Food

      No need to diet during your stay! It's the perfect opportunity to savor the local cuisine. 
      During your stay, you'll enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast. The price does not include picnics, drinks and dinners (unless otherwise mentioned in the program).

    • Attendees

      From 2 people.

    • Difficulty level

      You have a good physical condition and practice fairly regularly cycling or other sports activity. Steps of 25 to 64km per day, no elevation gain. Path sometimes bumpy (holes, roots and potholes), narrow and in medium condition.

    • Options

      • Bike and/or e-bike rental, fully equipped for touring, one-way (delivery in Toulouse and drop-off in Sète)
      • Dinners
      • Accommodation in higher-category hotels
      • Tailor-made trip (duration, stages, itinerary, etc.)
    • Accompanying

      Free Ride:
      Equipped with the orientation material we give you: maps with highlighted route and detailed topoguide, you go alone to discover circuits designed by our team. You are guided by carefully prepared directions, for maximum precision.

    Dates and price

    Information

    Free departure dates: you choose your own departure dates according to your availability.

    Free departure from

    Price TTC per person

    6 days, 5 nights, 5 days bike tour - hotel double room
    Registration at 2 people790
    Registration at 4 people750
    Registration at 6 people730

    Options

    Additional night in a 3-star hotel in Carcassonne, breakfast included

    • In a double room or twin room: €70 per person
    • In a single room: €130 per person
      Enjoy a free day to stroll at your leisure through the medieval city of Carcassonne. The more athletic can set off by bike to explore the Montagne Noire and its vineyards and Cathar castles.

    Additional night in a guest house in Agde, breakfast included

    • In a double room or twin room: €75 per person.
    • In a single room: €125 per person.

    Accommodation in single rooms in hotels and guesthouses for the entire stay: €265 per person

    Departures in July and August, high season supplement: €50 per person

    Dinners

    • In Toulouse: full dinner (starter, main course and dessert) Hotel-Restaurant: €32 per person
    • In Castelnaudary: full dinner (starter, main course and dessert) at your Hotel-Restaurant: €34 per person

    Option: Arrival in Sète Stage: Béziers – Sète (50 km, night in Sète)
    From Béziers, continue your adventure along the banks of the Étang de Thau lagoon towards the lively port of Sète. Let yourself be charmed by this unique town with its vibrant local culture: fish markets, colourful alleyways and Mediterranean atmosphere. With a bit of luck, you may be able to watch the famous water jousting, a traditional sport practised here since 1666, which transforms the port into a veritable floating arena.

    The price includes

    • Accommodation in bed and breakfast formula,
    • The transport of luggage,
    • Delivery of rental bikes on the morning of day 2.

    The price does not include

    • Dinners and lunches/ picnics,
    • The high season supplement: in July & August,
    • Accommodation on return to Toulouse,
    • Drinks,
    • Personal expenses,
    • Personal bike equipment (helmets, gloves),
    • Bicycles,
    • Transportation to the meeting point,
    • The return to Toulouse by train with your luggage,
    • The repatriation of rental bikes at the starting point,
    • Insurance,
    • The parking lot.

    Request for quote or information

    The destination

    • South West

      LaRébenne invites you to discover the south-west of France in different ways. Hike on the mythical paths of Santiago de Compostela or cycle the Canal du Midi, 240 km of walks by the water. It connects the Garonne to the Mediterranean from Toulouse to Sète via Carcassonne and its medieval city and Castelnaudary. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a technical feat that is appreciated as an authentic masterpiece.

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    • Pyrenees

      The Pyrenees! To summarize their beauty and diversity in a few lines would be vain ... From the green mountains of the Basque Country, to the wild lands of Ariège to the Catalan mountains with the scent of the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees are an invitation to travel.

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