Southern France Canal du Midi Bike Tour

10-day tour

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.  Hotel list provided in each day's details is a preferred sample hotel list. Final hotel list is based on availability.

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 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 Brienne

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. 

Accommodations:
Standard: Le Clos Fleuri
Deluxe: Domaine de la Capelle

Day 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 Donjon

Day 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 Donjon

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)
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'Homps

Day 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 Gua

Day 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 Hotel

Day 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'Agde

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)
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 Sete

Day 10: Departure or extension of stay in Sete.
The tour ends after breakfast. Individual departure or extension of your stay.

8-day tour

Day 1: Individual arrival to 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: Sete
 

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In the day to day itinerary details below, a hotel list is provided. Please note that the hotels indicated, though the preferred hotels, are based on availability. Upon confirmation, you will be offered an alternative of equal standard.
Standard: Accommodations in 2 star to 3 star hotels and charming guesthouses
Deluxe: Accommodations in 3 star to 4 star hotels and charming guesthouses