Southern France Canal du Midi Bike Tour

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: Sete