Canal du Midi, from Toulouse to Sete

Arrival in Toulouse. (transfer on your own to the hotel),

If you arrive early, take advantage to explore Toulouse, known as the pink city for its brick architecture. Meander in the famous Capitol place and visit various architectural masterpieces, the Saint Sernin Basilica, and the Jacobins church for its 13th century cloister and famous pillars that seem to represent palm trees.

You can even go further on and walk along the lush riverside of the Garonne River. There are many local restaurants that prepare the typical local specialty a Cassoulet, made with French white beans.

You quietly leave the center of town along the shady Canal du Midi to meander the quiet countryside. You follow the canal du midi bike path. Just before your final destination you will be crossing the Seuil de Naurouze and the obelisk of Riquet.

Tonight, you will stay in Castelnaudary, the historical highlight of Catharism, more currently recognized as the world capital of cassoulet.

Distance : 65 km ( 40 mi)

Elevation : 150 m

You continue to follow the Canal du Midi. The path is less level, but well maintained. You will travel through very typical villages of this part of France, referred to as « Midi ». Ride into the heart of the Minervois territory to the medieval city of Carcassonne, another UNESCO world heritage site.

A paved option is available if you want to avoid the dirt road of the canal du midi.

Distance : 42 km (26mi)

Elevation : 150 m

Leaving Carcassonne, you come to the village of Trebes along the canal as you cycle on a quiet and wide bike path that follows the canal. You can watch the amateur and professional boat operators come along and navigate the locks installed throughout the canal. Continue south of the canal to the charming village of Lagrasse.

Note : Parts of the Canal du Midi are on a dirt path with some technical sections.

Distance : 51 Km (32 mi).

Elevation : 485 m.

The route takes you to the larger town of Narbonne where you can visit the impressive gothic cathedral and old city. The cycling route does veer off the Canal du Midi and takes the Canal de la Robine which goes to Narbonne.

Note : Parts of the Canal du Midi are on a dirt path with some technical sections.

Distances : 64 or 69 Km (39 or 45 mi).

Elevation : 545 or 405 m.

The cycling route goes into the countryside today following small country roads where you arrive at the unique city of Beziers that is famous for the Feria it hosts in August when hundreds of thousands attend events including bull fighting. Beziers is also known for the Saint Nazaire cathedral (13th-15th centuries), and the terrible history of the Cathars who were all murdered in a purge by catholic crusaders in July 1209. Your route brings you through flat to rolling countryside.

Note : Parts of the Canal du Midi are on a dirt path with some technical sections.

Distance : 38 Km (24 mi).

Elevation : 203 m.

Leaving Beziers far behind, you cycle to Sète, the city of George Brassens, a popular French singer from the 1960s era. You first pass Agde, which has a history of trade via the port which was historically very important. It used to be called Good Fortune (from Greek Agathe Tyche) and became an important trade point between Marseille and Spain in the 3rd century. You will ride along the coastal area between the Thau Lagoon and the sea. Once in Sete, you will find a beautiful city of typical districts that are crossed with canals and where colorful houses overlook the water.

Distance: 53 Km (35 mi).

Elevation: 186 m.

You can take your time getting started in the morning to have breakfast and depart at your leisure. (Depart on your own). Trains from Sete to Paris possible.