Southern France Canal du Midi Bike Tour
France Bike Tours
Cycling from Toulouse to the Mediterranean
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8–10 days
- Prices from€1178 Rates
Overview
The Canal du Midi is undoubtedly the most stunning canal in Europe, and this cycling tour in France allows you to experience it in all its beauty.
This calm and restful waterway is lined on both sides by thousands of century-old trees. Along the 160 miles of waterway, you will come across authentic and varied landscapes, as well as exceptional towns of cultural and historical interest, such as the starting city of Toulouse and the medieval walled village of Carcassonne.
Highlights
- Agde with its fortified Romanesque cathedral
- Béziers with its 2000-year-old Roman bridge, cathedral, and Canal Bridge
- Narbonne and its stunning gothic cathedral, archbishop’s palace, and Roman underground warehouses
- Sete where the Canal flows into the Mediterranean Sea
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Itinerary
Day 1: Individual arrival to Toulouse
Day 2: Toulouse - Castelnaudary, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 3: Castelnaudary - Mirepoix, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Mirepoix - Carcassonne, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 5: Roundtrip to Montolieu, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Carcassonne - Olonzac/surrounding, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Olonzac/surrounding - Narbonne, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Narbonne - Beziers, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 9: Beziers - Séte, 40 mi. (65 km)
Day 10: Departure or extension of stay in Sete.All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, therefore the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork or repair work on locks and the towpath. In this case please follow the directions posted on site which may lead onto secondary roads, etc.
Day 1: Individual arrival to Toulouse
After arriving in Toulouse, check in to your hotel, settle in, and relax. In the evening, a welcome meeting is scheduled with the distribution of the rental bikes. Toulouse is sometimes called, “ville rose”, or the pink town because of its buildings made of reddish stone. Following the welcome meeting, take a walk to see the important sacred buildings of Toulouse, one of which is the basilica St-Sernin de Toulouse, one of the most beautiful Romanesque sacred buildings in South France. Toulouse is an attractive mixture of architectural styles with lordly Renaissance houses and former industrial buildings, which were masterfully rebuilt into culture temples. Overnight in Toulouse.Day 2: Toulouse - Castelnaudary, 37 mi. (60 km)
Castelnaudary is the destination of today’s bike tour. The Moulin de Cagurel from the 17th century can be seen on the pestilence hill. Splendid manors, built in the 17th century and beautiful half-timbered houses make this town an architectural jewel. A popular culinary delicacy in Castelnaudary is the savory bean stew, Cassoulet, which became popular during the Hundred Years' War. Overnight in Castelnaudary.Day 3: Castelnaudary - Mirepoix, 31 mi. (50 km)
Follow the newly remodeled Canal du Midi cycle path to Bram. You'll cycle along an old railway line converted for cyclists, and head toweards the Pyrenees. The climb is moderate as yyou roll through railway tunnels, over viaducts and bridges to today's destination, Mirepoix, an enchanting bastide from the Middle Ages.Day 4: Mirepoix - Carcassonne, 37 mi. (60 km)
Back through the Ariège countryside, a quiet and meditative agricultural landscape with rolling hills, to Carcassonne. There, the imposing Cité, the largest fortified city in Europe, awaits you; you are in the heart of the Cathars.Day 5: Roundtrip to Montolieu, 25 mi. (40 km)
Montolieu, located at the edge of the Montagnes Noires, is sometimes referred to as "the City of Books". There are 15 book stores containing over 200,000 books that will delight the avid reader. Many artists live and work in Montolieu. The former royal textile manufacturing was declared a National Monument in 2004. After a visit to this lovely village, cycle back to Carcassonne.Day 6: Carcassonne - Olonzac, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today's route will lead along the waterways through villages, wine-growing estates, and vineyards. The day ends in Olonzac where you will have the chance to taste some good quality wines from the region.Day 7: Olonzac/surroundings - Narbonne, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today's destination is Narbonne, which is surrounded by beautiful vineyards. It was also the former capital of the Romanesque antiquity and the first Roman colony outside of Italy. Sights like the relics of the street "Via Domitia" or the historic bridge, "Pont des Marchands", which serves as a foundation for rowhouses and shops are evidence of Narbonne's rich historical past. Later centuries have also left their marks on the town, such as the archbishop's palace or the Gothic cathedral. Overnight in Narbonne.Day 8: Narbonne - Béziers, 28 mi. (45 km)
The route today leads past the Canal Tunnel en route to Beziers. The history of Beziers goes back 2,700 years and is the birthplace of the father of the Canal du Midi, Pierre-Paul Riquet. The alley Paul-Riquet in the center of the town is dedicated to him. Beziers is located in a scenic winegrowing region, where the climate is perfect for growing grapes. Be sure to enjoy a glass of local wine! Overnight in Beziers.Day 9: Béziers - Séte, 25 mi. (65 km)
The cycle path leads directly along the sea towards Sète, the largest French fishing town on the Mediterranean. It's many canals have given it the name, "Little Venice of the Languedoc" Enjoy a good meal followed by an evening stroll. Overnight stay in Sète.Day 10: Departure or extension of stay in Sete
The tour ends after breakfast. Individual departure or extension of your stay.Day 1: Individual arrival in Toulouse
Day 2: Toulouse - Castelnaudary, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 3: Castelnaudary - Carcassonne, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Carcassonne - Olonzac, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Olonzac/surroundings - Narbonne, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 6: Narbonne - Béziers, 25 mi. (65 km)
Day 7: Béziers - Sète, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: SeteSee our showcase of bicycle tours, features, and news.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
Standard: Accommodations in 2- to 3-star hotels and charming guesthouses.
Deluxe: Accommodations in 3- to 4-star hotels and charming guesthouses.Bicycles
Touring bike
7- and 21-gear-bike
- Model: Own production on basis of Velo de Ville or KTM
- Aluminum unisex or gents frame
- Aluminium rigid fork
- Shimano 7-gear Nexus hub gear with pedal brake / Schimano 21/24- gear Acera derailleur gear
- Shiman V-Brakes front and rear
- Selle Royal Comfort saddle
- 28" puncture-proof tires with automatic valve
- 27,2 mm patented seat post
30-gear plus bike
- Model: Own production on basis of Velo de Ville
- Shimano 30-gear Deore/XT derailleur gear
- Suspension fork RST 60 mm suspension travel
- Shimano T6000 hydraulic disc brake
- High-quality saddle
- Aluminium hydroformed trapezoidal frame
- 28" puncture-proof tires with automatic valve
- 27,2 mm Ergotec Seatpost with suspension
E-bike
- Model: Own production on basis of Velo de Ville or KTM
- Shimano 8-gear Nexus hub gear with pedal brake
- Panasonic or Bosch middle motor 36 Volt
- Battery with a minimum of 500 Wh
- Aluminum rigid or RST suspension fork
- Shimano V-Brakes front and rear of Magura HS 11
- Selle Royal Comfort saddle
- Aluminum unisex with middle motor frame
- 28" puncture-proof tires with automatic valve
- 27,2 mm patented seat post with suspension
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Hotel accommodations for 7 or 9 nights in selected category
- Breakfast buffets
- 21 gear unisex (men’s frames on request) city touring bicycle
- Bike insurance
- Personal welcome meeting and tour briefing in both German and English
- Detailed travel information with maps (one set per room)
- Navigation app and GPS tracks
- Luggage transfer
- 7-day service hotline
What’s Not Included
- Arrival to/from the start/finish
- Remaining meals
- City tax and parking
- City maps
- Optional sightseeing tours
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Arrival every Saturday from April 13 to October 24, 2024
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
Season 1: April 13 to April 26 | September 24 to October 7
Season 2: April 27 to June 14 | September 15 to September 21
Season 3: June 15 to September 1410 day tour Standard Deluxe Season 1 $ 2383 £ 1243 $ 2,122 € 1419 kr 217250 ₪ 5852 ¥ 240468 Mex$ 26460 NZ$ 2609 NOK 17025 zł 6275 S$ 2109 kr 16858 $ 1,549 $ 2887 £ 1506 $ 2,571 € 1719 kr 263180 ₪ 7089 ¥ 291307 Mex$ 32054 NZ$ 3160 NOK 20624 zł 7602 S$ 2554 kr 20422 $ 1,876 Season 2 $ 2551 £ 1331 $ 2,272 € 1519 kr 232560 ₪ 6265 ¥ 257414 Mex$ 28324 NZ$ 2793 NOK 18225 zł 6718 S$ 2257 kr 18046 $ 1,658 $ 3038 £ 1585 $ 2,706 € 1809 kr 276959 ₪ 7461 ¥ 306559 Mex$ 33732 NZ$ 3326 NOK 21704 zł 8000 S$ 2688 kr 21492 $ 1,974 Season 3 $ 2652 £ 1383 $ 2,362 € 1579 kr 241746 ₪ 6512 ¥ 267582 Mex$ 29443 NZ$ 2903 NOK 18945 zł 6983 S$ 2346 kr 18759 $ 1,723 $ 3173 £ 1655 $ 2,825 € 1889 kr 289207 ₪ 7791 ¥ 320116 Mex$ 35224 NZ$ 3473 NOK 22664 zł 8354 S$ 2807 kr 22442 $ 2,062 Single supplement (all seasons) $ 569 £ 297 $ 507 € 339 kr 51901 ₪ 1398 ¥ 57448 Mex$ 6321 NZ$ 623 NOK 4067 zł 1499 S$ 504 kr 4027 $ 370 $ 670 £ 350 $ 597 € 399 kr 61087 ₪ 1646 ¥ 67616 Mex$ 7440 NZ$ 734 NOK 4787 zł 1765 S$ 593 kr 4740 $ 435 8 day tour Standard Deluxe Season 1 $ 1979 £ 1032 $ 1,762 € 1178 kr 180353 ₪ 4858 ¥ 199627 Mex$ 21966 NZ$ 2166 NOK 14133 zł 5210 S$ 1750 kr 13995 $ 1,286 $ 2231 £ 1163 $ 1,986 € 1328 kr 203318 ₪ 5477 ¥ 225047 Mex$ 24763 NZ$ 2442 NOK 15933 zł 5873 S$ 1973 kr 15777 $ 1,449 Season 2 $ 2147 £ 1119 $ 1,911 € 1278 kr 195663 ₪ 5271 ¥ 216574 Mex$ 23830 NZ$ 2350 NOK 15333 zł 5652 S$ 1899 kr 15183 $ 1,395 $ 2365 £ 1233 $ 2,106 € 1408 kr 215566 ₪ 5807 ¥ 238604 Mex$ 26255 NZ$ 2589 NOK 16893 zł 6227 S$ 2092 kr 16728 $ 1,537 Season 3 $ 2231 £ 1163 $ 1,986 € 1328 kr 203318 ₪ 5477 ¥ 225047 Mex$ 24763 NZ$ 2442 NOK 15933 zł 5873 S$ 1973 kr 15777 $ 1,449 $ 2449 £ 1277 $ 2,181 € 1458 kr 223221 ₪ 6013 ¥ 247077 Mex$ 27187 NZ$ 2681 NOK 17493 zł 6448 S$ 2167 kr 17322 $ 1,591 Single supplement (all seasons) $ 452 £ 236 $ 402 € 269 kr 41184 ₪ 1109 ¥ 45586 Mex$ 5016 NZ$ 495 NOK 3227 zł 1190 S$ 400 kr 3196 $ 294 $ 603 £ 314 $ 537 € 359 kr 54963 ₪ 1481 ¥ 60837 Mex$ 6694 NZ$ 660 NOK 4307 zł 1588 S$ 533 kr 4265 $ 392 Extra Options
Bike rental options
10 day tour
Bike upgrade
- 30-speed Velo de Ville protype with Aluminum hyroformed trapezoidal frame
$ 124 £ 65 $ 111 € 74 kr 11329 ₪ 305 ¥ 12540 Mex$ 1380 NZ$ 136 NOK 888 zł 327 S$ 110 kr 879 $ 81 Electric bike $ 317 £ 166 $ 283 € 189 kr 28936 ₪ 779 ¥ 32029 Mex$ 3524 NZ$ 347 NOK 2268 zł 836 S$ 281 kr 2245 $ 206 8 day tour
Bike upgrade
- 30-speed Velo de Ville protype with Aluminum hyroformed trapezoidal frame
$ 124 £ 65 $ 111 € 74 kr 11329 ₪ 305 ¥ 12540 Mex$ 1380 NZ$ 136 NOK 888 zł 327 S$ 110 kr 879 $ 81 Electric bike $ 282 £ 147 $ 251 € 168 kr 25721 ₪ 693 ¥ 28470 Mex$ 3133 NZ$ 309 NOK 2016 zł 743 S$ 250 kr 1996 $ 183 Extra nights
Sète
Standard Deluxe Twin/double $ 133 £ 69 $ 118 € 79 kr 12095 ₪ 326 ¥ 13388 Mex$ 1473 NZ$ 145 NOK 948 zł 349 S$ 117 kr 939 $ 86 $ 198 £ 103 $ 176 € 118 kr 18066 ₪ 487 ¥ 19997 Mex$ 2200 NZ$ 217 NOK 1416 zł 522 S$ 175 kr 1402 $ 129 Single supplement $ 106 £ 55 $ 94 € 63 kr 9645 ₪ 260 ¥ 10676 Mex$ 1175 NZ$ 116 NOK 756 zł 279 S$ 94 kr 748 $ 69 $ 175 £ 91 $ 156 € 104 kr 15922 ₪ 429 ¥ 17624 Mex$ 1939 NZ$ 191 NOK 1248 zł 460 S$ 155 kr 1236 $ 114 Toulouse
Standard Deluxe Twin/double $ 138 £ 72 $ 123 € 82 kr 12554 ₪ 338 ¥ 13896 Mex$ 1529 NZ$ 151 NOK 984 zł 363 S$ 122 kr 974 $ 89 $ 148 £ 77 $ 132 € 88 kr 13473 ₪ 363 ¥ 14913 Mex$ 1641 NZ$ 162 NOK 1056 zł 389 S$ 131 kr 1045 $ 96 Single supplement $ 101 £ 53 $ 90 € 60 kr 9186 ₪ 247 ¥ 10168 Mex$ 1119 NZ$ 110 NOK 720 zł 265 S$ 89 kr 713 $ 65 $ 126 £ 66 $ 112 € 75 kr 11483 ₪ 309 ¥ 12710 Mex$ 1399 NZ$ 138 NOK 900 zł 332 S$ 111 kr 891 $ 82 Return transfers
Saturday or Monday (guaranteed from 2 people) $ 210 £ 109 $ 187 € 125 kr 19138 ₪ 516 ¥ 21183 Mex$ 2331 NZ$ 230 NOK 1500 zł 553 S$ 186 kr 1485 $ 136 Transfer of bike (if you bring your own) $ 66 £ 34 $ 58 € 39 kr 5971 ₪ 161 ¥ 6609 Mex$ 727 NZ$ 72 NOK 468 zł 172 S$ 58 kr 463 $ 43 Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
This self-guided tour is rated moderate with undulating terrain with rolling hills. The route is partially paved but as much as possible follows the canal on sandy trails. Weather greatly affects the quality of the paths.
Airport Info
The closest international airport to your tour start is Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS).
Local Travel
There is an airport shuttle bus with a stop at the ground floor gate C2, arrival levels. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes. Departures begin at 5:40 am and ending just after midnight. The shuttle goes from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport to Toulouse Matabiau station every 20 minutes. It stops at the Pierre Baudis Conference Centre (Company Caffarelli station), the center of Toulouse, Jeanne d’Arc station (line B), Jean Jaurès station (lines A and B), Matabiau Station (train, metro, bus, coach). At the end of your tour, you can return to Toulouse by train. Travel time is 2-3 hours and costs approx. €41
Climate
Please check local conditions before arrival. Average high/low temperatures in degrees F for the region are: March 59º/41º, April 64º/46º, May 70º/51º, June, 78º/57º, July 83º/61º, August 82º/61º, September 76º/57º, and October 68º/49º.
Day of Rest
Day 5 could be used as a day of rest.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by Rückenwind Reisen.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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