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
- 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
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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 $ 2400 £ 1237 $ 2,130 € 1419 kr 215531 ₪ 5748 ¥ 234733 Mex$ 26492 NZ$ 2588 NOK 16759 kr 16416 $ 1,574 $ 2907 £ 1498 $ 2,581 € 1719 kr 261098 ₪ 6963 ¥ 284360 Mex$ 32093 NZ$ 3135 NOK 20302 kr 19886 $ 1,907 Season 2 $ 2569 £ 1324 $ 2,280 € 1519 kr 230720 ₪ 6153 ¥ 251275 Mex$ 28359 NZ$ 2770 NOK 17940 kr 17573 $ 1,685 $ 3060 £ 1577 $ 2,716 € 1809 kr 274768 ₪ 7327 ¥ 299247 Mex$ 33774 NZ$ 3299 NOK 21365 kr 20928 $ 2,006 Season 3 $ 2671 £ 1376 $ 2,370 € 1579 kr 239834 ₪ 6396 ¥ 261201 Mex$ 29480 NZ$ 2879 NOK 18648 kr 18267 $ 1,751 $ 3195 £ 1646 $ 2,836 € 1889 kr 286919 ₪ 7652 ¥ 312481 Mex$ 35267 NZ$ 3445 NOK 22309 kr 21853 $ 2,095 Single supplement (all seasons) $ 573 £ 295 $ 509 € 339 kr 51491 ₪ 1373 ¥ 56078 Mex$ 6329 NZ$ 618 NOK 4004 kr 3922 $ 376 $ 675 £ 348 $ 599 € 399 kr 60604 ₪ 1616 ¥ 66003 Mex$ 7449 NZ$ 728 NOK 4712 kr 4616 $ 443 8 day tour Standard Deluxe Season 1 $ 1992 £ 1027 $ 1,768 € 1178 kr 178926 ₪ 4772 ¥ 194867 Mex$ 21993 NZ$ 2148 NOK 13912 kr 13628 $ 1,307 $ 2246 £ 1157 $ 1,994 € 1328 kr 201709 ₪ 5379 ¥ 219680 Mex$ 24794 NZ$ 2422 NOK 15684 kr 15363 $ 1,473 Season 2 $ 2162 £ 1114 $ 1,919 € 1278 kr 194115 ₪ 5177 ¥ 211409 Mex$ 23860 NZ$ 2330 NOK 15093 kr 14785 $ 1,417 $ 2381 £ 1227 $ 2,114 € 1408 kr 213860 ₪ 5703 ¥ 232913 Mex$ 26287 NZ$ 2568 NOK 16629 kr 16289 $ 1,562 Season 3 $ 2246 £ 1157 $ 1,994 € 1328 kr 201709 ₪ 5379 ¥ 219680 Mex$ 24794 NZ$ 2422 NOK 15684 kr 15363 $ 1,473 $ 2466 £ 1271 $ 2,189 € 1458 kr 221455 ₪ 5906 ¥ 241185 Mex$ 27221 NZ$ 2659 NOK 17219 kr 16867 $ 1,617 Single supplement (all seasons) $ 455 £ 234 $ 404 € 269 kr 40858 ₪ 1090 ¥ 44498 Mex$ 5022 NZ$ 491 NOK 3177 kr 3112 $ 298 $ 607 £ 313 $ 539 € 359 kr 54528 ₪ 1454 ¥ 59386 Mex$ 6702 NZ$ 655 NOK 4240 kr 4153 $ 398 Extra Options
Bike rental options
10 day tour
Bike upgrade
- 30-speed Velo de Ville protype with Aluminum hyroformed trapezoidal frame
$ 125 £ 64 $ 111 € 74 kr 11240 ₪ 300 ¥ 12241 Mex$ 1382 NZ$ 135 NOK 874 kr 856 $ 82 Electric bike $ 320 £ 165 $ 284 € 189 kr 28707 ₪ 766 ¥ 31265 Mex$ 3529 NZ$ 345 NOK 2232 kr 2186 $ 210 8 day tour
Bike upgrade
- 30-speed Velo de Ville protype with Aluminum hyroformed trapezoidal frame
$ 125 £ 64 $ 111 € 74 kr 11240 ₪ 300 ¥ 12241 Mex$ 1382 NZ$ 135 NOK 874 kr 856 $ 82 Electric bike $ 284 £ 146 $ 252 € 168 kr 25517 ₪ 680 ¥ 27791 Mex$ 3137 NZ$ 306 NOK 1984 kr 1944 $ 186 Extra nights
Sète
Standard Deluxe Twin/double $ 134 £ 69 $ 119 € 79 kr 11999 ₪ 320 ¥ 13068 Mex$ 1475 NZ$ 144 NOK 933 kr 914 $ 88 $ 200 £ 103 $ 177 € 118 kr 17923 ₪ 478 ¥ 19520 Mex$ 2203 NZ$ 215 NOK 1394 kr 1365 $ 131 Single supplement $ 107 £ 55 $ 95 € 63 kr 9569 ₪ 255 ¥ 10422 Mex$ 1176 NZ$ 115 NOK 744 kr 729 $ 70 $ 176 £ 91 $ 156 € 104 kr 15797 ₪ 421 ¥ 17204 Mex$ 1942 NZ$ 190 NOK 1228 kr 1203 $ 115 Toulouse
Standard Deluxe Twin/double $ 139 £ 71 $ 123 € 82 kr 12455 ₪ 332 ¥ 13565 Mex$ 1531 NZ$ 150 NOK 968 kr 949 $ 91 $ 149 £ 77 $ 132 € 88 kr 13366 ₪ 356 ¥ 14557 Mex$ 1643 NZ$ 160 NOK 1039 kr 1018 $ 98 Single supplement $ 101 £ 52 $ 90 € 60 kr 9113 ₪ 243 ¥ 9925 Mex$ 1120 NZ$ 109 NOK 709 kr 694 $ 67 $ 127 £ 65 $ 113 € 75 kr 11392 ₪ 304 ¥ 12407 Mex$ 1400 NZ$ 137 NOK 886 kr 868 $ 83 Return transfers
Saturday or Monday (guaranteed from 2 people) $ 211 £ 109 $ 188 € 125 kr 18986 ₪ 506 ¥ 20678 Mex$ 2334 NZ$ 228 NOK 1476 kr 1446 $ 139 Transfer of bike (if you bring your own) $ 66 £ 34 $ 59 € 39 kr 5924 ₪ 158 ¥ 6451 Mex$ 728 NZ$ 71 NOK 461 kr 451 $ 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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