Languedoc Wine Tour
This cycle starts in Toulouse, the famous “pink city” and takes you along the Canal du Midi across the South of France. The Canal du Midi is a UNESCO world heritage site, which links the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. It was constructed in the 17th century and considered “a masterpiece of human creative genius”.
As you bike through the vineyards of Minervois in Languedoc, you will visit the famous Castle of Carcassonne, stop in St Chinian for some delicious wine tasting, and arrive in the historical city of Montpellier.
With this trip, you will experience the best of the Languedoc region: typical medieval villages and rich historical architecture, lovely vineyards and countryside, the laid-back atmosphere surrounding the Canal du Midi, and all the little details that make the South of France lifestyle so special.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Languedoc
Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights
Level :
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Arrive in Toulouse
Your guide will greet you at your hotel and give you all the information necessary for your trip and fit you with your bike and equipment. 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.
Accommodation : La Cour des Consuls - "Toulouse"
Day 2 : Cycle along the Canal du Midi
Distance 1 : 44 Miles - 71 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 450 Meters
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. Then you will leave the canal to take countryside roads to reach you deluxe hotel.
Accommodation : Hotel Pavillon du Chateau - "Garrevaques"
Day 3 : Ride to Carcassonne
Distance 1 : 35 Miles - 56 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 660 Meters
Today is a countryside ride fairly challenging. You will be in the nature of Tarn area. Make sure you stop on the way in Revel and in Saissac. Both villages are worth a nice break.
Accommodation : Hotel du Chateau - Carcassonne - "Carcassonne"
Day 4 : Minervois and Canal du Midi
Distance 1 : 45 Miles - 72 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 440 Meters
Today you will alternate your path from along the Canal to country roads that bring you through the heart of the Minervois vineyards. Travel through Marseillette, a village known for its dried pond that has been turned into rice fields and apple orchards. Admire the town’s clock tower in the center of the village. Your path will bring you to another quaint village, Quarante, where you will pass your night in a castle reconverted into a hotel. Les Carrasses serve delicious meals from local products
Accommodation : Château les Carrasses - "Lieu-dit Les Carrasses, Quarante"
Day 5 : St Chinian and other vineyards
Option 1 : 35 Miles - 57 Km
Option 2 : 45 Miles - 72 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 414 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 623 Meters
Two options for this day in the vineyards:
Option 1: Travel from Capestang, an important port on the Canal du Midi and admire Saint-Etienne an impressive collegiate church whose massive tower dominates the surrounding countryside, and the château des Archeveques de Narbonne. Continue on to visit the center of Beziers and its famous cathedral.
Option 2: From Quarante, head north through the vineyards to Saint Chinian to taste their AOC certified wines in one of many producers who make organic wines.
For both options, continue on through the vineyards of the Orb valley where you can taste their wines.
Arrive in Pézenas whose city center is an official « Protected Area ». The French Ministry of Culture lists 116 historical edifices in Pézenas, with more than 30 of which are classified "Historical Monuments".
Accommodation : La Distillerie de Pézenas - "Pézenas"
Day 6 : Cycle to Montpellier
Distance 1 : 31 Miles - 50 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 535 Meters
Follow the route in direction of Monbazin and stop to admire the Abbey of Valmagne then join the cycle path of Villeyrac that will bring you to Cournonterral, famous for its festivals and city tower. The path will bring you to Montpellier along beautiful landscapes and vineyards. You can stop and try local products with a glass of wine.
If you arrive early in Montpellier, take time to visit the historical center of Montpellier, and important city in Languedoc. Archaeological sites and historical monuments through many centuries mark this city.
Finish your day at your hotel in Castelnau-le-Lez just east of Montpellier and relax in their spa before a gastronomic dinner.
Accommodation : Grand Hotel du Midi - "Montpellier"
Day 7 : Leave the South of France
Enjoy a nice breakfast and leave when you are ready.
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1
Ideally situated in Toulouse in the historical center, the hotel La Cour des Consuls is located in the Carmes quarter just a few meters from the Capitol. Many parts of the hotel dating to the 14th century are classified « Historical Monuments ». Today, La Cour des Consuls, is a five star hotel of character and contemporary decoration that highlights the historical values of the edifice, such as the grand chimney in the restaurant and the monumental stairwell. A warm personalized welcome allows you take full advantage of your experience in Toulouse.
Day : 2
In the heart of a large parc of 7 hectares of nature, come to discover the hotel Pavillon du Chateau **** with its restaurant and 300m² spa. The 15 rooms are spacious with furnitures and fabrics found in flea market around the world. The outside swimming pool, the parc, the quietness, and the spa will help you to spend a very pleasant time.
Day : 3
The charm of the hotel du château is that it is mediaeval yet contemporary, rural yet metropolitan, sophisticated yet confortable.The hotel has 17 rooms, including 3 junior suites. Stylishly decorated using a combination of luxurious materials, leather, wood, local stone and vaulted ceilings, with hi-fi stereo, CD player, flat-screen TV and air conditioning. You'll feel at home here : with a heated pool from Easter until November, an outdoor jacuzzi which is heated all year round, and a stylish yet panoramic ans cosy bar. An exclusive address surrounded by greenery ans calm.
Day : 4
This estate and its 19th century château is situated in the countryside of Languedoc and is today a luxury hotel decorated « a la Francaise ». You can take advantage of its swimming pool, tennis courts, petanque grounds, and barbecue. The estates also have a garden and greenhouse with orchards and olive grove. It’s a wonderful place to relax after a long day riding.
Day : 5
It’s a bit off the beaten path of the center of Pézenas but in a serene calm, this former distillery is now a hotel of character. Pézenas is still just a few minutes on foot. Luxurious with all comforts, this hotel is orientated towards its local culture. An outdoor swimming pool and other commodities are available.
Day : 6
The Grand Hôtel du Midi Montpellier - Opéra Comédie enjoys the ideal location for discovering Montpellier: it is situated where the heart of the town beats away, the famous Place de la Comédie. It is there, at the foot of the Fontaine des Trois Grâces, that the people of Montpellier have always arranged to meet. The Grand Hôtel du Midi Montpellier - Opéra Comédie is a charming hotel in a privileged location; historical curiosities as well as shows at the Opera are within walking distance.
Bikes available for your tour |
|
The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure. Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
The SCOTT EA-SUB Active 10 make getting around easier. With comfortable geometry, and ePowered by Bosch with a 400wh battery, those bikes are the ideal touring bike and are ready to provide many kilometers with no worries.
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride. Included with your bike rental : -Helmet -Lock -Hand pump -2 spare tubes -Rear pannier -Toolkit -Tire levers -Patch kit -1 souvenir water bottle -Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Electric assist bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 10 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (135€) 
The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles.
Saddle Bag Containing:
Road bike - Standard
SCOTT ADDICT 20 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (135€) 
This brand new model from Pinarello will be available in March (photo not contractual).
Saddle Bag Containing: • Toolkit • Tire levers • Patch kit • 2 spare tubes • 1 hand pump. • Helmet • 2 souvenir water bottles • Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Road bike - Performance
PINARELLO - ( or equivalent) with supplement (205€) 
The all-new TREK Emonda SLR 7 is the lightest model of the American Brand. Equipped with the Shimano Ultegra Di2 transmission, the gear shift is faster and more precise. Available sizes : XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Road bike - Premium
TREK EMONDA SLR7 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (275€) 
An exclusive geometry well adapted to the widest riding public. Our Tandem MTB will accompany you on long excursions or for more sporty rides. Traveling as a pair will become a new way for you to share your passion. Available in size : M, S Included with your bike rental :
Tandem bike - Standard
LAPIERRE TANDEM - ( or equivalent) with supplement |
|
|
The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
|
Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.
Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
- Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your stuff during your ride.
- Included with your bike rental :
- Helmet
- Lock
- Hand pump
- 2 spare tubes
- Rear pannier
- Toolkit
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- 1 souvenir water bottle
- Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Accessories
INCLUDED
Roadbook for Discovery allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip: Stages, points of interest, itineraries with interactive guidance, travel documents.
All in offline mode, you download your file before leaving, then you have all the information necessary for your trip. (Phone not provided).
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Option 1: 44 Miles - 71 Km Elevation gain 1 : 450 Meters
Option 1: 35 Miles - 56 Km Elevation gain 1 : 660 Meters
Option 1: 45 Miles - 72 Km Elevation gain 1 : 440 Meters
Option 1: 35 Miles - 57 Km Elevation gain 1 : 414 Meters
Option 2: 45 Miles - 72 Km Elevation gain 2 : 623 Meters
Option 1: 31 Miles - 50 Km Elevation gain 1 : 535 Meters
Included
- Hybrid bike rental included
- 6 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel, 2 dinners included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information
- 1 GPS for every 1-3 people
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Step by step itinerrary and cue sheets
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
Arrival: Toulouse
Departure: Montpellier
To reach Toulouse you can : take a train to the Toulouse Matabiau train station, approximately 5h40 on a TGV from Paris direct (but most trains include correspondences). Or arrive at the Toulouse Blagnac airport (1h20 flight from Paris) or other French and European cities. It is very easy to reach the center of town on bus or tram.
From Montpellier you can leave by train (3h15 to Paris) or by plane from the Montpellier airport that flies to many French and European destinations (1h15 to Paris).
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Upgraded | 1690 € | 670 € | 3040 € |
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| Guidance Application | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 135 € |
| Performance | 205 € |
| Premium | 275 € |
| Electric assist bike | |
| Standard | 135 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions