Cycling Canal du Midi from Carcassonne to Béziers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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).