Skip content

From Carcassonne to Narbonne along the canals in 5 days

3.7/5 on 3 Reviews

Visit the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne before you set off along the the Canal du Midi. Along the way, you’ll be able to admire the cathar village of Minerve. The Canal de Robine will guide you to Narbonne with its Merchants’ bridge and the unfinished cathedral.

Show more Show less
Ref: M0401ST
  • Occitania
  • 5 day(s)
  • Easy
  • ~ 36 km/day
  • Itinerant
When travelling?
From April to June and September/October
Minimum age
9 y/o
Related categories:

From Carcassonne to Narbonne along the Canal du Midi and the Canal de la Robine

Cycle along the Canal du Midi and the Canal de la Robine from Carcassonne to Narbonne. The cool shade of the trees, the swaying of the barges and the splashing of water of the Canal du Midi flavour your journey. The Canal du Midi also passes through a region rich in history. An amazing trip in Cathar land with its Carcassonne fortress but also the village of Minerve and the cathedral of Narbonne. Difficulty level: easy. The itinerary is flat along the canal but hilly as soon as you divert from the canal. The route takes you on the boat towing path of the canal and quiet country roads. The stages are 24 to 40 km long, which means 2 to 4 hours biking at a slow pace (10km/h). The boat towing path being still a single track on several portions (between Homps and Narbonne), it is sometimes bumpy to ride (narrow path).  
Show more Show less

Program

Day 01
Arrival at Carcassonne

    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.

     
    Loop tour from Carcassonne
    • 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.

     
    Visite du château comtal de Carcassonne

    The entry to the "Cité", the old city of Carcassonne is free. To visit the castle, you need an entry ticket (adults only). Explore one of the largest fortified towns in Europe, and one of the best conserved thanks to the restoration work carried out by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century.

     

     
    Options:
    • 19,00  € Adulte
    • 0,00  € Enfants (- de 18 ans)
    • 0,00  € Jeunes -26 ans (UE)
    Day 02
    Carcassonne – Homps
    • 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.

     
    Day 03
    Loop tour to Minerve
    • 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.

     
    Day 04
    Homps – Narbonne
    • 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.

    Day 05
    Départ Narbonne

      Your trip ends in Narbonne. Services end after breakfast. Take the opportunity of visiting the city a last time before you leave.

       
      Show more Show less

      Accommodation

      *Typical example of accommodation corresponding to the proposed category. These photographs are for illustrative purposes only.

      Equipment

      Show more Show less

      Information

      Start of the trip
       

      Your first day is a cycling stage. Your bikes will be available from 9h30 at your accommodation.

      To get to the departure point

      By plane: You can fly to Toulouse, then take the train to Carcassonne, or fly to Carcassonne directly, depending on where you come from. A shuttle bus takes you to the city center. The ticket is valid for the whole urban network.

       

      By train: There are not TGV’s to Carcassonne. You can travel to Bordeaux or Montpellier/Sète by TGV, then switch to a regional train to Carcassonne. To plan your trip : https://www.thetrainline.com

      Car park

      You can park your car in one of the city’s car parks (€) or next to the Pont Vieux. To find a parking spot: https://www.parkopedia.com

      To return to the starting point

      Train: Narbonne and Carcassonne are well connected by train. The journey takes about 40 minutes. To plan your trip : https://www.thetrainline.com

      Show more Show less
      3.7/5 on 3 Reviews
      From
      479 €/pers.
      I book!
      Simulate the price of your cycling trip by configuring your holiday!
      Ref: M0401ST
      • Occitania
      • 5 day(s)
      • Easy
      • ~ 36 km/day
      • Itinerant
      When travelling?
      From April to June and September/October
      Minimum age
      9 y/o
      Related categories:

      Tried and tested stays!

      • Experience
        15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
      • Tested & Approved
        The whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
      • Quality of service
        A dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
      • Secure payment
        Individual or fractional payment by secure means via our website

      They've just returned from their travels!

      From Carcassonne to Narbonne along the canals in 5 days
      • Occitania
      • Easy
      • ~ 36 km/day
      • Itinerant
      From
      479 €/pers.