- Occitania
- 8 day(s)
- Moderate
- ~ 40 km/day
- Itinerant
This 8-day cycling holiday allows you to spend two nights at certain stages.
The Canal du Midi was originally an idea of the Romans, but it was only built in the 17th century thanks to the genius of Pierre-Paul Riquet. You cycle along the Canal du Midi from Carcassonne to the Mediterranean Sea. The quietness of the towpath, the swaying of the barges and the splashing of water of the Canal du Midi flavor your journey. On this cycling holiday, you enjoy the legendary sweetness of the Southern France life, the Cathar country and the long beaches of the Mediterranean Sea.
Taste the famous cassoulet and other culinary delights of the region. History is also all along your cycle route: visit the amazing fortified city of Carcassonne, admire the Roman ruins and the cathedral of Narbonne or the old city center of Béziers. You finally cycle through the marshes among the black bulls, white horses and pink flamingos to enjoy an afternoon on the beach.
Difficulty level: moderate. The itinerary is flat along the canal but hilly as soon as you divert from the canal. The route takes you on the towing path of the canal and quiet country roads. The stages are 24 to 46 km long, which means 3 to 5 hours biking at a slow pace (10km/h). The towpath being still a single track on several portions between Homps and Béziers (a lot of roots, the path can be muddy in case of rain), it is sometimes bumpy to ride. The second part of the itinerary requires more attention on the bike.
Program
Discover the charms of the old town of Carcassonne and especially take the time to visit the formidable fortress remarkably restored, which overlooks the city and the Canal du Midi.
- 20 km
- + 266 m
We propose a loop tour at the gates of the Cité of Carcassonne, with two essential stops: a visit to the Cité of Carcassonne and a swim or a moment of idleness at the lake of Cavayère. On the way back, the views of the Cité, over the local vineyards, add a bucolic note to this peri-urban bike tour.
- 48 km
You leave the busy city and enjoy another day along the canal. Cycle under the plane trees and cypresses and through the vineyards. It is a day in the middle of nature, hardly interrupted by the animation of the small villages you pass through. Admire the works of art of this canal built between 1666 and 1680 like the Orbiel canal bridge.
- 37 km
- + 290 m
You can choose to explore the nearby lake or go inland and visit the fortified Cathar village of Minerve, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. You will cycle through the valley of the Cesse in breathtaking landscapes. The itinerary is uphill but much worth the effort.
- 41 km
You continue to cycle quietly along the Canal du Midi, enjoying the cool shade of the plane trees and umbrella pines and the lapping of the water on the hull of the barges. After a few kilometers, you leave the Canal du Midi, but the Canal de la Robine will guide you to Narbonne, roman city.
- 51 km
- + 90 m
You take the Robine canal at a gentle pace until you reach the village of Sallèles-d'Aude, then you cut through fields and dry ponds to reach the Canal du Midi. The most courageous will climb to the top of the hill to discover the oppidum, the others will continue through the Tunnel of Malpas, impressive work dug in the rock. You will not be at the end of your surprises, because before reaching the city center of Béziers you will go along the nine locks of Fonserannes. A work of art as impressive as it is magnificent!
- 44 km
You continue along the Canal du Midi, then you venture through the dry lagoons. Enjoy the atmosphere of the Camargue and try to get a glimpse of "the big four" of the Camargue : white horses, black bulls, pink flamingos and mosquitos. Cycle to the coast for lunch on the beach before heading back to Béziers. In Valras, the ferry only crosses the river from June 1st until September 15th. Outside of these dates, follow the variant.
End of services after breakfast. Enjoy one last stroll through the streets of Béziers before you leave. Those who like to return to the staring point of the trip can take the train (TER).
Accommodation
Information
Start of the trip
As the first day is a non-biking day, you’ll arrive at your leisure, depending on your route. Please note that rooms are usually available by mid-afternoon, depending on your accommodation. Please let the accommodation know if you are arriving late.
To get to the departure point
By plane: You fly either to Toulouse or Béziers airport and then take a train, or fly to Carcassonne airport directly, depending on your starting point. There is a shuttle bus going into the city center which takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
By train: Carcassonne train station is not connected to the TGV railway system. To get to Carcassonne, you take a regional train from Bordeaux, Toulouse or Montpellier/Sète. To plan your trip : https://www.thetrainline.com
Car park
You can leave your car in Carcassonne in a public car park. To find a parking lot : https://www.parkopedia.com
To return to the starting point
Train: If you wish to get back to the starting point, you take a regional train. Tickets are without reservation and trains take bicycles for free (if you are traveling with your own bicycles). There are many trains traveling between Béziers and Carcassonne, the trip takes about one hour and 15 minutes. Tickets can be bought at the station or on the website : https://www.thetrainline.com
- Occitania
- 8 day(s)
- Moderate
- ~ 40 km/day
- Itinerant
Tried and tested stays!
- Experience15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
- Tested & ApprovedThe whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
- Quality of serviceA dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
- Secure paymentIndividual or fractional payment by secure means via our website
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- Occitania
- Moderate
- ~ 40 km/day
- Itinerant