Self-guided cycling
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
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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 !
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 Grand Balcon.
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This boutique hotel is located in Place du Capitole in the centre of Toulouse. Their 1930s decor offers a blend of tradition and charm with a modern feel. Reception is 24 hours and they offer room service. Breakfast is an American style buffer, offering hot, cold, sweet and savoury dishes. Rooms are airy and light, and all have private bathrooms.
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.
You stay at Hotel du Centre et du Lauragais.
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Located 5 min walk from the Canal du Midi and Grand Bassin, you are right in Castelnaudary town centre. You can also, enjoy the cuisine of the chef who takes the greatest care in selecting and preparing the most beautiful and authentic regional products.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £526.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £526.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air-rail prices include our standard flights and onward rail
Out: British Airways Heathrow to Toulouse then taxi to hotel payable locally
Return: Taxi to station, payable locally then rail Sete to Toulouse then British Airways Toulouse to Heathrow
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we're open until 10pm today) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided cycling
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Navigation App
