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 $ 2369 £ 1239 $ 2,118 € 1419 kr 217573 ₪ 5921 ¥ 244715 Mex$ 26562 NZ$ 2606 NOK 17087 zł 6245 S$ 2109 kr 16856 $ 1,548 $ 2870 £ 1501 $ 2,565 € 1719 kr 263571 ₪ 7173 ¥ 296452 Mex$ 32178 NZ$ 3157 NOK 20699 zł 7565 S$ 2555 kr 20419 $ 1,875 Season 2 $ 2536 £ 1327 $ 2,267 € 1519 kr 232906 ₪ 6338 ¥ 261961 Mex$ 28434 NZ$ 2790 NOK 18291 zł 6685 S$ 2258 kr 18043 $ 1,657 $ 3020 £ 1580 $ 2,700 € 1809 kr 277371 ₪ 7549 ¥ 311973 Mex$ 33863 NZ$ 3323 NOK 21783 zł 7962 S$ 2689 kr 21488 $ 1,973 Season 3 $ 2636 £ 1379 $ 2,356 € 1579 kr 242105 ₪ 6589 ¥ 272308 Mex$ 29557 NZ$ 2900 NOK 19014 zł 6949 S$ 2347 kr 18756 $ 1,722 $ 3154 £ 1650 $ 2,819 € 1889 kr 289637 ₪ 7882 ¥ 325770 Mex$ 35360 NZ$ 3470 NOK 22746 zł 8314 S$ 2808 kr 22438 $ 2,061 Single supplement (all seasons) $ 566 £ 296 $ 506 € 339 kr 51978 ₪ 1415 ¥ 58463 Mex$ 6346 NZ$ 623 NOK 4082 zł 1492 S$ 504 kr 4027 $ 370 $ 666 £ 349 $ 595 € 399 kr 61178 ₪ 1665 ¥ 68810 Mex$ 7469 NZ$ 733 NOK 4805 zł 1756 S$ 593 kr 4740 $ 435 8 day tour Standard Deluxe Season 1 $ 1967 £ 1029 $ 1,758 € 1178 kr 180621 ₪ 4916 ¥ 203153 Mex$ 22051 NZ$ 2164 NOK 14185 zł 5184 S$ 1751 kr 13993 $ 1,285 $ 2217 £ 1160 $ 1,982 € 1328 kr 203620 ₪ 5541 ¥ 229022 Mex$ 24859 NZ$ 2439 NOK 15991 zł 5845 S$ 1974 kr 15775 $ 1,449 Season 2 $ 2134 £ 1116 $ 1,907 € 1278 kr 195954 ₪ 5333 ¥ 220399 Mex$ 23923 NZ$ 2347 NOK 15389 zł 5625 S$ 1900 kr 15181 $ 1,394 $ 2351 £ 1230 $ 2,101 € 1408 kr 215886 ₪ 5875 ¥ 242818 Mex$ 26356 NZ$ 2586 NOK 16955 zł 6197 S$ 2093 kr 16725 $ 1,536 Season 3 $ 2217 £ 1160 $ 1,982 € 1328 kr 203620 ₪ 5541 ¥ 229022 Mex$ 24859 NZ$ 2439 NOK 15991 zł 5845 S$ 1974 kr 15775 $ 1,449 $ 2434 £ 1273 $ 2,176 € 1458 kr 223553 ₪ 6084 ¥ 251441 Mex$ 27292 NZ$ 2678 NOK 17557 zł 6417 S$ 2167 kr 17319 $ 1,590 Single supplement (all seasons) $ 449 £ 235 $ 401 € 269 kr 41245 ₪ 1122 ¥ 46391 Mex$ 5035 NZ$ 494 NOK 3239 zł 1184 S$ 400 kr 3195 $ 293 $ 599 £ 314 $ 536 € 359 kr 55045 ₪ 1498 ¥ 61912 Mex$ 6720 NZ$ 659 NOK 4323 zł 1580 S$ 534 kr 4264 $ 392 Extra Options
Bike rental options
10 day tour
Bike upgrade
- 30-speed Velo de Ville protype with Aluminum hyroformed trapezoidal frame
$ 124 £ 65 $ 110 € 74 kr 11346 ₪ 309 ¥ 12762 Mex$ 1385 NZ$ 136 NOK 891 zł 326 S$ 110 kr 879 $ 81 Electric bike $ 316 £ 165 $ 282 € 189 kr 28979 ₪ 789 ¥ 32594 Mex$ 3538 NZ$ 347 NOK 2276 zł 832 S$ 281 kr 2245 $ 206 8 day tour
Bike upgrade
- 30-speed Velo de Ville protype with Aluminum hyroformed trapezoidal frame
$ 124 £ 65 $ 110 € 74 kr 11346 ₪ 309 ¥ 12762 Mex$ 1385 NZ$ 136 NOK 891 zł 326 S$ 110 kr 879 $ 81 Electric bike $ 280 £ 147 $ 251 € 168 kr 25759 ₪ 701 ¥ 28973 Mex$ 3145 NZ$ 309 NOK 2023 zł 739 S$ 250 kr 1996 $ 183 Extra nights
Sète
Standard Deluxe Twin/double $ 132 £ 69 $ 118 € 79 kr 12113 ₪ 330 ¥ 13624 Mex$ 1479 NZ$ 145 NOK 951 zł 348 S$ 117 kr 938 $ 86 $ 197 £ 103 $ 176 € 118 kr 18093 ₪ 492 ¥ 20350 Mex$ 2209 NZ$ 217 NOK 1421 zł 519 S$ 175 kr 1402 $ 129 Single supplement $ 105 £ 55 $ 94 € 63 kr 9660 ₪ 263 ¥ 10865 Mex$ 1179 NZ$ 116 NOK 759 zł 277 S$ 94 kr 748 $ 69 $ 174 £ 91 $ 155 € 104 kr 15946 ₪ 434 ¥ 17935 Mex$ 1947 NZ$ 191 NOK 1252 zł 458 S$ 155 kr 1235 $ 113 Toulouse
Standard Deluxe Twin/double $ 137 £ 72 $ 122 € 82 kr 12573 ₪ 342 ¥ 14141 Mex$ 1535 NZ$ 151 NOK 987 zł 361 S$ 122 kr 974 $ 89 $ 147 £ 77 $ 131 € 88 kr 13493 ₪ 367 ¥ 15176 Mex$ 1647 NZ$ 162 NOK 1060 zł 387 S$ 131 kr 1045 $ 96 Single supplement $ 100 £ 52 $ 90 € 60 kr 9200 ₪ 250 ¥ 10347 Mex$ 1123 NZ$ 110 NOK 722 zł 264 S$ 89 kr 713 $ 65 $ 125 £ 66 $ 112 € 75 kr 11500 ₪ 313 ¥ 12934 Mex$ 1404 NZ$ 138 NOK 903 zł 330 S$ 111 kr 891 $ 82 Return transfers
Saturday or Monday (guaranteed from 2 people) $ 209 £ 109 $ 187 € 125 kr 19166 ₪ 522 ¥ 21557 Mex$ 2340 NZ$ 230 NOK 1505 zł 550 S$ 186 kr 1485 $ 136 Transfer of bike (if you bring your own) $ 65 £ 34 $ 58 € 39 kr 5980 ₪ 163 ¥ 6726 Mex$ 730 NZ$ 72 NOK 470 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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