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France : Canal du Midi

Tour de France - Canal du Midi

Trip code: C04FC

Self-guided cycling

4 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 3
Stretching

Flights
available

12.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

SAVE £250 ON SELECTED HOLIDAYS - T&CS APPLY.

SUMMARY

  • A quiet and peaceful ride on the shaded path along the UNESCO listed Canal du Midi.
  • Explore historic cities such as Toulouse and Carcassonne.
  • Enjoy friendly cafes and gourmet restaurants, rich gastronomy and local wines.
  • End your journey on the Mediterranean coast in Sete.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 4 nights accommodation
  • all breakfast included
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Enjoy a ride with a free spirit and the wind in your hair, far from traffic and noisy towns on a continuous 240 km path dotted with monuments and exceptional landscapes. Between ports, villages, fields, vineyards and culinary specialties, this region is a place of tradition, seaside resorts and culture. Meet this friendly, natural, and welcoming and food-loving region.

A trip along the canal, would not be complete without watching a boat pass through one of the numerous locks. Stop a moment to see how the water is transferred from one side of the other, raising the barge, and allowing it to pass through.

Along the Canal du Midi, the combination of local products, peace, quiet and authenticity ensure an unforgettable journey in the heart of nature !

Terrain

This gentle and unhurried cycling holiday follows marked and secure tracks along the 'Canal du Midi' cycling path.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in Toulouse

The 'Pink City', which owes its name to the colour of the brick that adorns the facades, is as lovely as its name. Toulouse has no shortage of sights to visit: the wide Capitol Square, the Bernardins convent with the palm-shaped vault.

You stay at Hotel de Brienne.

hotel details

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Hotel de Brienne, Toulouse

HOTEL WEBSITE      

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Located five minutes away from the centre of Toulouse, 200 metres away from the Canal de Brienne and far from the city's hustle and bustle, its tranquil location in the centre of Toulouse, surrounded by restaurants and gardens (the Japanese Garden amongst others) makes it an ideal place to unwind. Make the most of this ideal positioning to discover the Capitole, the Basilica of St. Sernin and many other tourist attractions.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: Toulouse - Castelnaudary - Carcassonne (102km/63.4mi)

You will be able to enjoy a pastoral setting of wheat and sunflower fields. Your route is also interspersed with locks and beautiful rural villages with a southern Gothic architectural style.

Follow the canal at your own rhythm and enjoy this quiet ride with lovely views over the peaceful countryside. Then, arrive in Carcassonne via the port in the lower town. Do not miss the medieval citadel overlooking the surrounding countryside.

You stay at Hotel Tribe.

hotel details

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Hotel Tribe, Carcassonne

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Hotel Tribe is just a 15 min walk from the Medieval old town, and you have a superb view of it from the hotel. They have an indoor heated pool, a roof top terrace, cocktail bar and a coffee shop (both serve hot and cold snacks). Their rooms feature a sophisticated design, with comfort in mind and offer either a Medieval old town view or a courtyard view.

Day 3: Carcassonne - Homps - Beziers (106km/65.9mi)

Today the ride is going through the Minervois area and its renowned vineyards which is just a short ride away from the Canal du Midi. Between Aude River and the canal, your way is shaded by the pine trees with their fresh scent.

Further on, Le Somail is one of the canal’s most attractive stops, a picture-postcard village with its port, chapel, cafes and amazing antique shops. Then, admire the cascade of the 9 locks before aching Béziers.

You stay at Hôtel XIX.

hotel details

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Hôtel XIX, Béziers

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon


A chic and cosy hotel, situated in the heart of Béziers, They have a bar and an ice cream shop (Glacier) serving ice creams and sorbets. Breakfast is served either in the dining room, or outside on their terrace.

Day 4: Beziers - Sete (50km/31.1mi)

The canal guides you towards Sète and its Mediterranean atmosphere. Along your way, pass by Onglous lighthouse, where the Canal du Midi ends in the Etang de Thau. Then, arriving in Sete, you can reach the beach easily for a refreshing dip in the sea!

You stay at Grand Hôtel.

hotel details



Grand Hôtel, Sète

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar


Grand Hôtel Sete is a charming, family run hotel. The building is 19th Century, with a glass roofed patio, views of the canal and a very elegant restaurant serving gourmet dishes. Rooms offer high ceilings, modern en euite bathrooms and comfortable beds.

Day 5: Departure

Connection by train to Avignon if you want to continue with the Provence section (2 hours journey). See the Provence section for further details.

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel de Brienne, Toulouse; Grand Hôtel, Sète.

hotel details



Hotel de Brienne, Toulouse

HOTEL WEBSITE      

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Located five minutes away from the centre of Toulouse, 200 metres away from the Canal de Brienne and far from the city's hustle and bustle, its tranquil location in the centre of Toulouse, surrounded by restaurants and gardens (the Japanese Garden amongst others) makes it an ideal place to unwind. Make the most of this ideal positioning to discover the Capitole, the Basilica of St. Sernin and many other tourist attractions.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.



Grand Hôtel, Sète

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar


Grand Hôtel Sete is a charming, family run hotel. The building is 19th Century, with a glass roofed patio, views of the canal and a very elegant restaurant serving gourmet dishes. Rooms offer high ceilings, modern en euite bathrooms and comfortable beds.

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These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £300.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Toulouse airport.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.

REVIEWS

Prompt service from Luke, who sorted out a Finland break for us the same day, saving us a lot of hassle.

1 Jun 2025

Email enquiry received speedy response and quotations for adapting the holiday to our specific requirements were discussed and confirmed by clear details outlined by Headwater Sales Consultant.

19 Dec 2024

Andrea was so nice and helpful and did a great service

Guy Frazier, 5 Nov 2024

We did cycling tour of the Stockholm archipelago - well organised, super routes, great hotels. And the chance to look around Stockholm also - a beautiful city. Highly recommend.

Catherine Turner, 1 Sep 2024


Self-guided cycling

4 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 3
Stretching

Flights
available

12.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

4 nights from £1389

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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