France : Canal du Midi

Canal du midi Cycling : from Toulouse to Sete

Trip code: C06CM 4.7 (3 reviews)

Self-guided cycling

6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

Flights
available

12.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

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 in Sete

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • All breakfast and 1 evening meal
  • 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 specialities, this region is a place of tradition, seaside resorts and culture. Meet this friendly, natural, jovial, 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 your way experience the Mediterranean 'art de vivre' : enjoy a break under an olive tree or stop for lunch in a local restaurant to taste the local gastronomy and wines.

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

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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, the Assezat hotel in the Renaissance style, the banks of the Garonne in the heart of the city, the Space museum...

You stay at Hotel de Brienne.

hotel details

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Hotel de Brienne, Toulouse

HOTEL WEBSITE      

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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 (61km/37.9mi)

Starting in the centre of Toulouse, the route leads you through the green valleys of the Lauragais district. 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.

Later on, Castelnaudary, famous for its 'Cassoulet' (a slow-cooked bean and meat casserole), welcomes you and invite you to taste its local cuisine.

Evening meal included at the hotel's restaurant.

You stay at Les Ordalies.

hotel details

 equivalent

Les Ordalies, Castelnaudary

Pool
Hairdryer
TV
Safe


Eco-friendly private residence in a 17th-century manor at the base of the bell tower of St Michel's Collegiate Church, situated in the heart of the historic centre.

Day 3: Castelnaudary - Carcassonne (41km/25.5mi)

Leaving Castelnaudary, you pass the imposing St-Roch lock. 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.

This ancient oppidum (fortified city) dating from the Roman times became an imposing fortress over the centuries, raised to defend itself against Spanish Aragon. The architect Viollet-Leduc saved the walled city from the demolition and today it is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

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 4: Carcassonne - Homps (42km/26.1mi)

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 punctuated with pine trees shade. Here, each village hide a treasure to discover such as the canal bridge of Orbiel. Arriving in Homps, an historic wine-exporting port, is very lively, with many shops. Here you find yourself in the heart of the Minervois area.

You stay at Guest House Jardin de Homps.

hotel details

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Guest House Jardin de Homps, Homps

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
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AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Safe


Le Jardin d'Homps is a quaint setting, offering comfortable rooms, a sun terrace, garden, outdoor pool and a bar. Rooms are spacious, with wooden floors, and all have private bathrooms. Some rooms have a small balcony.

Day 5: Homps - Beziers (64km/39.8mi)

Ride along several wine villages, calling for your attention! 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, follow the canal bordered by olive-trees and vines, before reaching the bustling port of Capestang. Along your way, meet amazing civil engineering structures such as the 17th-century Malpas tunnel, built as Europe’s first-ever navigable canal tunnel. Then, admire the cascade of the 9 locks of Fonsérannes before aching Béziers.

You stay at Hotel 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 6: Beziers - Sete (50km/31.1mi)

This last ride leads you to the Mediterranean! 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 Hotel.

hotel details

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Grand Hôtel, Sète

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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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 7: Leave Sete

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £464.

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. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

A very well organised holiday. Great accommodation and restaurant recommendations. excellent support from the Headwater team

A Valued Customer, 24 Sep 2024

 

The cycling was tougher than expected due to some poor surfaces (lots of dirt/gravel sections which were slow) - combined with the heat. Cycling along the canal became a little boring and we wished we had a 'rest day' in the middle when we could have explored the local area. The guest house style accommodation was preferred to the chain hotels which generally had small rooms.

Overall we really enjoyed the trip but wouldn't cycle along a canal again - a little too boring.

William Davies, 1 Jun 2024

 

Loved the holiday . Itinerary excellent and the intel for things to see and do. Great help with finding restaurants. Liked all the accommodation.

Charles Wall, 27 May 2024

 


Self-guided cycling

6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

Flights
available

12.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

6 nights from £1219

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199