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€988 Rates
- Book This Trip
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
Please browse all our bike tours in France or our many bicycle tours in Europe.
Itinerary
Day 1: Individual arrival to Toulouse
Day 2: Toulouse - Castelnaudary, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 3: Castelnaudary - Carcassonne, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Roundtrip to Montolieu, 25 mi. (40 km)*
*If you book the 8-day cycle tour the roundtrip Montolieu is not applicable. You cycle on Day 4 from Carcassonne to Olonzac.
Day 5: Carcassonne - Olonzac, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 6: Olonzac - Narbonne, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Narbonne - Beziers, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Beziers - Cap d' Agde, 25 mi. (40 km)*
*If you book the 8-day cycle tour you cycle directly to Sete. No overnight in Cap d'Agde.
Day 9: Cap d'Agde- Sete, 22 mi. (35 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.Accommodations:
Standard: Royal Wilson
Deluxe: Hotel de BrienneDay 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.Accommodations:
Standard: Le Clos Fleuri
Deluxe: Domaine de la CapelleDay 3: Castelnaudary - Carcassonne, 25 mi. (40 km)
Carcassonne is one of the best-preserved fortress towns in Europe and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1997. The largest building of the town and one of the biggest fortresses in Europe is the fortress Cite Medievale of Carcassonne with its impressive 52 towers. Enjoy the lively downtown and the popular bastion Saint Louis. Overnight in Carcassonne.Accommodations:
Standard: Hotel Aragon
Deluxe: Best Western Hotel Le DonjonDay 4: 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.Accommodations:
Standard: Hotel l'Aragon
Deluxe: Best Western Le DonjonIf you book the 8-day cycle tour the roundtrip Montolieu is not applicable. You cycle on Day 4 from Carcassonne to Olonzac.
Day 5: 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.Accommodations:
Standard: Eloi Merles
Deluxe: Le Jardin d'HompsDay 6: Olonzac - 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.Accommodations:
Standard: Clarions Suites - Moulin de Gua
Deluxe: Clarions Suites - Moulin de GuaDay 7: Narbonne - Beziers, 28 mi. (45 km)
The history of Beziers goes back 2,700 years. This town 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.Accommodations:
Standard: Imperator
Deluxe: Insitu HotelDay 8: Beziers - Cap d' Agde, 25 mi. (40 km)
Cycling along the Canal du Midi leads you past masterpieces of engineering like the lock of Agde. It is the only round lock of the Canal du Midi and was built using volcanic rock. Cap d'Agde, at the Mediterranean Sea, is your destination today. The largest European marina is located here and is a paradise for divers, surfers, and sailors. It's also a perfect beach for relaxing and swimming. Overnight in Cap d' Agde.Accommodations:
Standard: Les Grenadines
Hotel Mercure Golfe Cap d'AgdeIf you book the 8-day cycle tour you cycle directly to Sete. No overnight in Cap d'Agde.
Day 9: Cap d'Agde - Sete, 22 mi. (35 km)
In Sete, the Canal du Midi flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The town is surrounded by water and its surname is "Venice des Languedoc". It is named this because beneath the Canal du Midi countless additional waterways cross the town. Overnight in Sete.Accommodations:
Standard: L'Orque Bleue
Deluxe: Le Grand Hotel de SeteDay 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, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Carcassonne - Olonzac, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Olonzac - Narbonne, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 6: Narbonne - Beziers, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Beziers - Sète, 25 mi. (65 km)
Day 8: SeteSee our showcase of bicycle tours, features, and news.
Hotels & Bikes
In the day-to-day itinerary details below, a hotel list is provided. Please note that the hotels indicated are the preferred hotels and based on availability. Upon confirmation, you will be offered an alternative of equal standard should the preferred hotel be unavailable.
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]()
![Touring bike saddle]()
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]()
![30-gear plus bike]()
![30-gear plus bike saddle]()
![30-gear plus bike handlebars]()
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]()
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
- Detailed travel information (route description, route cards, sight-seeing info, telephone numbers)
- Luggage transfer
- 7-day service hotline
- GPS tracks on request
What’s Not Included
- Arrival to/from the start/finish
- Remaining meals (dinners can be included for a supplement)
- City tax and parking
- City maps
- Optional sightseeing tours
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Arrival every Saturday from March 26 to October 1, 2022
Season 1: March 26 to April 8 & September 25 to October 1, 2022
Season 2: April 9 to June 4 & August 28 to September 24, 2022
Season 3: June 25 to August 27, 2022Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
10-day tour Standard Deluxe Season 1 $ 1952 £ 1026 $ 1,750 € 1208 ₪ 4388 NZ$ 2086 kr 12898 $ 1,373 $ 2469 £ 1297 $ 2,214 € 1528 ₪ 5551 NZ$ 2638 kr 16314 $ 1,737 Season 2 $ 2049 £ 1077 $ 1,837 € 1268 ₪ 4606 NZ$ 2189 kr 13538 $ 1,441 $ 2631 £ 1382 $ 2,359 € 1628 ₪ 5914 NZ$ 2811 kr 17382 $ 1,851 Season 3 $ 2113 £ 1111 $ 1,895 € 1308 ₪ 4752 NZ$ 2258 kr 13965 $ 1,487 $ 2711 £ 1425 $ 2,431 € 1678 ₪ 6096 NZ$ 2897 kr 17916 $ 1,907 Single supplement (all seasons) $ 420 £ 221 $ 377 € 260 ₪ 945 NZ$ 449 kr 2776 $ 296 $ 533 £ 280 $ 478 € 330 ₪ 1199 NZ$ 570 kr 3523 $ 375 Dinners included $ 404 £ 212 $ 362 € 250 ₪ 908 NZ$ 432 kr 2669 $ 284 $ 606 £ 318 $ 543 € 375 ₪ 1362 NZ$ 647 kr 4004 $ 426 8-day tour Standard Deluxe Season 1 $ 1596 £ 839 $ 1,432 € 988 ₪ 3589 NZ$ 1706 kr 10549 $ 1,123 $ 1839 £ 966 $ 1,649 € 1138 ₪ 4134 NZ$ 1965 kr 12150 $ 1,294 Season 2 $ 1758 £ 924 $ 1,577 € 1088 ₪ 3952 NZ$ 1879 kr 11616 $ 1,237 $ 1952 £ 1026 $ 1,750 € 1208 ₪ 4388 NZ$ 2086 kr 12898 $ 1,373 Season 3 $ 1790 £ 941 $ 1,606 € 1108 ₪ 4025 NZ$ 1913 kr 11830 $ 1,260 $ 1984 £ 1043 $ 1,779 € 1228 ₪ 4461 NZ$ 2120 kr 13111 $ 1,396 Single supplement (all seasons) $ 339 £ 178 $ 304 € 210 ₪ 763 NZ$ 363 kr 2242 $ 239 $ 452 £ 238 $ 406 € 280 ₪ 1017 NZ$ 483 kr 2989 $ 318 Dinners included $ 307 £ 161 $ 275 € 190 ₪ 690 NZ$ 328 kr 2029 $ 216 $ 420 £ 221 $ 377 € 260 ₪ 945 NZ$ 449 kr 2776 $ 296 Extra Options
10-day tour:
Bike upgrade (30-speed Velo de Ville prototype with Aluminium hydroformed trapezoidal frame): $ 81 £ 42 $ 72 € 50 ₪ 182 NZ$ 86 kr 534 $ 57
Electric bike rental: $ 210 £ 110 $ 188 € 130 ₪ 472 NZ$ 224 kr 1388 $ 148
8-day tour:
Bike upgrade (30-speed Velo de Ville prototype with Aluminium hydroformed trapezoidal frame): $ 81 £ 42 $ 72 € 50 ₪ 182 NZ$ 86 kr 534 $ 57
Electric bicycle rental: $ 178 £ 93 $ 159 € 110 ₪ 400 NZ$ 190 kr 1174 $ 125
Extra nights:
All seasons
Sète:
Standard: $ 116 £ 61 $ 104 € 72 ₪ 262 NZ$ 124 kr 769 $ 82
Single supplement: $ 60 £ 31 $ 54 € 37 ₪ 134 NZ$ 64 kr 395 $ 42
Deluxe: $ 173 £ 91 $ 155 € 107 ₪ 389 NZ$ 185 kr 1142 $ 122
Single supplement: $ 141 £ 74 $ 126 € 87 ₪ 316 NZ$ 150 kr 929 $ 99
Toulouse:
Standard: $ 116 £ 61 $ 104 € 72 ₪ 262 NZ$ 124 kr 769 $ 82
Single supplement: $ 60 £ 31 $ 54 € 37 ₪ 134 NZ$ 64 kr 395 $ 42
Deluxe: $ 129 £ 68 $ 116 € 80 ₪ 291 NZ$ 138 kr 854 $ 91
Single supplement: $ 65 £ 34 $ 58 € 40 ₪ 145 NZ$ 69 kr 427 $ 45
Transfers back to Toulouse at end of tour*: $ 121 £ 64 $ 109 € 75 ₪ 272 NZ$ 129 kr 801 $ 85
* Only possible on Saturdays and Mondays.
* Reservations necessary at the time of booking. Max. 6 people. Payable on-site.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 7 could be used as a day of rest.
Important to know
Travel documents
Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) 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.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
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?
Photos
![Carcassonne is the largest walled city in Europe. Part of the Canal du Midi tour in France. CC:Chensiyuan]()
![Great seafood in southern France! Flickr:NwongPR]()
![Bike to beach in Cap d'Agde, France. Flickr:Pepe Martin]()
![Wine-making is a local source of income. Flickr:Will Bakker]()
![Rosé Wine in the Languedoc! Flickr:Susanne Nilsoon]()
![Spices for sale in Narbonne, France. Flickr:Isabell Schulz]()
![Canal in Sete, France. Flickr:Christian Ferrer]()
![Notre-Dame de la Dalbade in Toulouse, France. Flickr:Jamie]()
![View of the Languedoc region from the Chateau in Béziers, France. Flickr:quinet]()
![Tour de Serta Tower in Toulouse, France. Wikimedia Commons:Didier Descouens]()
![Souvenirs in Castelnaudary, France. Flickr:Kathleen Conklin]()
![In Béziers, the Canal du Midi has an aqueduct over the Orb River in province Languedoc, France. Flickr:guillenperez]()
![Cycling the Canal du Midi in France. Flickr:Brian Scott]()
![Harbor in Sète, France. Flickr:Christian Ferrer]()
![Touring the famous City Hall (Le Capitole) in Toulouse, France. Flickr:Pistolero31]()
![Orb River as viewed from Béziers, France. CC:RudolfSimon]()
![Goodies shop in Carcassonne, France. Flickr:Deborah]()
![Château de Carcassonne in Carcassonne, France. CC:Julie.Dz]()
![Macarons are a favorite in France! Flickr:Marc Kjerland]()
![Cathedral of Beziers in Béziers, France. Flickr:UltraViewAdmin]()
![Bike rest in Carcassonne, France. Flickr:Bastian Greshake Tzovaras]()
![Biking along the tow path and the Canal du Midi in France. Flickr:Andrew Gustar]()
![French desserts to help fuel the bike rides! Flickr:Pug Girl]()
![Place Gabriel Péri in Béziers, France. CC:Demeester]()
![Great Boulangeries in France! Flickr:alainlm]()
![Vineyards in Carassonne, France. Flickr:bawpcwpn]()
![Magnificent 18th century Le Capitole (City Hall) in Toulouse, France. Wikimedia Commons:Ben Hlieusong]()
![Tasty treats await on this Canal du Midi tour in France. Flickr:Dr Bob Hall]()
![Overlooking Béziers, Occitanie region of southern France. CC:Chensiyuan]()
![Tow path along the Canal du Midi in France. Flickr:Andy Wright]()
![Harbor in Sète, France. Flickr:Christian Ferrer]()
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