Canal du Midi, from Carcassonne to Sete

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This ride starts in Carcassonne, a UNESCO world heritage site in the South of France. This medieval city restored by Viollet le Duc in the 19th century is most famous for its castle you must meander along its narrow cobbled streets.
Leaving Carcassonne, you will embark on a relatively easy cycling trip along the famous Canal du Midi to finish on the Mediterranean coast at Sete. We include some key cities such as Narbonne and Beziers which offer important historical sites and are yet so typical of this southern French region. On your way to Sete, you will stop in Cap d’Agde with its great beaches, perfect for relaxing.

During the harvest season, cellar visits and wine tasting are subject to availability and security conditions. During this period, it may be difficult to book these activities. For more information, please contact your travel consultant.

Price from : 1290€
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
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Itinerary

Click below to see hotels versions.

Day 1 :   Arrive in Carcassonne

Arrival in Carcassonne. What a great place to start, your hotel is located at the foot of the walls of the medieval cite of Carcassonne! Drop your bags and go explore. We provide an orientation and bike set up in the early evening. You have dinner on your own tonight; we include some suggestions inside the walls of the Cite. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and worth an extra night if you have time; ask us for rates.

Day 2 :   Ride along the Canal du Midi

Distance 1 : 32 Miles - 51 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 490 Meters 

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 St Pierre des Champs. Flat to rolling terrain. Parts of the Canal du Midi are on a dirt path with some technical sections.

Day 3 :   Cycle to Narbonne

Option 1 : 40 Miles - 64 Km  Option 2 : 43 Miles - 69 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 545 Meters  Elevation gain 2 : 405 Meters 

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. Flat to rolling terrain. Parts of the Canal du Midi are on a dirt path with some technical sections.

Day 4 :   Ride to Beziers

Distance 1 : 24 Miles - 38 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 203 Meters 

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 to 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. You cycle some additional kilometers to join your charming and quiet hotel in Lignan. Flat to rolling terrain. Parts of the Canal du Midi are on a dirt path with some technical sections.

Day 5 :   Beziers to Cap d’Agde

Distance 1 : 19 Miles - 31 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 65 Meters 

Leaving Lignan and Beziers far behind, you cycle to Cap d'Agde, a lovely station on the Mediterranean sea. You pass first 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. Further on the cape, you have dinner included tonight. Flat and rolling terrain. Parts of the Canal du Midi are on a dirt path with some technical sections.

Day 6 :   Cap d’Agde to Sete

Distance 1 : 17 Miles - 27 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 90 Meters 

This is a relatively short 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. Sete is the city of George Brassens, a popular French singer from the 1960s era. Dinner on your own in any number of places tonight. Flat riding. For optional longer rides, please inquire prior to arrival.

Before noon you will visit a winery on the Marseillan beachfront, that was founded in 1950 and has a "Accueil vélo" label (a guarantee for a cycling friendly welcome). A wine tasting is accompanied by tasting oysters and toasts with fish rillettes made with dry white wine from the winery's "Terre & Mer" selection. It is a great opportunity to find out more about the "Terret blanc", a grape variety that the Richemer winery is dedicated to working with, as the wines from the "Terret blanc" are beautifully married with the sea food from the Thau lagoon.

Day 7 :   Leave Sete

Departure after breakfast. Trains from Sete to Paris possible. Extra nights also possible, please inquire.

Average / Day : Distance : 46.67 Km / 29.17 Miles - Elevation gain : 299.67 Meters

Click below to see hotels versions.


Day : 1

The Hotel Montmorency, ideally situated at the foot of the city walls and opposite the entry to the medieval city of Carcassonne, offers the charm of the Middle Ages with contemporary comfort. The hotel is charming and cozy with 20 individually decorated bedrooms. Within tree-lined gardens of half a hectare you will find the heated swimming pool and jacuzzi, perfect for relaxation. There is a private car park for guests as well.


Day : 2

Come to have a nice stay in this Old Master House with contemporary decoration, in the middle of Corbieres : Louis-Philippe style's rooms with old floor, lounge with an ornament chimney with TV, restaurant and terrace with the view of the Corbieres… Your hotel is located 5km from the village of Saint Pierre des Champs.


Day : 3

Hotel "La Residence" is a three-star hotel together with a building dating back 19th century. It is sited right in the city centre and easy to reach. It is only a few yards away from the monuments of the city : the 13th century Cathedral. The Palais des Archeveques, the museums... Many restaurants are to be found in the vicinity. Note the excellent disposition and amenities of our hotel, with its stylish lounges, its lift, its garage where you can very safely park your cars. The rooms are nicest decorated. They offer a view on the Cathedral which, by the way, is floodlit every night. There is a telephone in every room as well as a colour T.V. and an automatic alarm clock.


Day : 4

In the old city, a completely renovated building, the XIX hotel proposes you 12 superior-quality rooms. Giving onto the square Jean Jaurès, right in the heart of Béziers, you will be plunged into an atmosphere deserving of big cities. Its decoration "art deco" following the styles of the day and its warm colors will transport you in a universe of sweetness and peace.


Day : 5

Cap d'Agde at Mediterranean seaside in Languedoc-Roussillon.Les Grenadines is a family hotel, quiet and confortable at 180 mètres from the Richelieu Beach, where Brigitte and Pierre reserve you a good welcoming.


Day : 6

Situated three kilometres from the beach, overlooking the Royal Canal, the Grand Hotel combines modern decor with an imposing Belle epoque facade. Each air-conditioned guestroom is individually decorated with a nautical or ethnic theme, using textured or limed wood and wrought iron, evocative murals and strong fabric prints. All guestrooms have televisions and minibars. The hotel has a spacious patio under a glass roof, where guests can relax among the potted palms with a coffee or aperitif, or enjoy al fresco dining. At the Quai 17 restaurant modern Mediterranean cuisine and regional wines are on offer with dishes such as carpaccio of duck, all served in a restaurant with Edwardian style decor and a boating theme. Guests can browse the daily newspapers or watch television in the lobby, or take advantage of room service. For business clients, conference and meeting facilities are available, and staff at the 24- hour front desk can provide currency exchange or store valuables.


Day : 1

The Hotel Montmorency, ideally situated at the foot of the city walls and opposite the entry to the medieval city of Carcassonne, offers the charm of the Middle Ages with contemporary comfort. The hotel is charming and cozy with 20 individually decorated bedrooms. Within tree-lined gardens of half a hectare you will find the heated swimming pool and jacuzzi, perfect for relaxation. There is a private car park for guests as well.


Day : 2

Come to have a nice stay in this Old Master House with contemporary decoration, in the middle of Corbieres : Louis-Philippe style's rooms with old floor, lounge with an ornament chimney with TV, restaurant and terrace with the view of the Corbieres… Your hotel is located 5km from the village of Saint Pierre des Champs.


Day : 3

Hotel "La Residence" is a three-star hotel together with a building dating back 19th century. It is sited right in the city centre and easy to reach. It is only a few yards away from the monuments of the city : the 13th century Cathedral. The Palais des Archeveques, the museums... Many restaurants are to be found in the vicinity. Note the excellent disposition and amenities of our hotel, with its stylish lounges, its lift, its garage where you can very safely park your cars. The rooms are nicest decorated. They offer a view on the Cathedral which, by the way, is floodlit every night. There is a telephone in every room as well as a colour T.V. and an automatic alarm clock.


Day : 4

Located a short walk from St Nazaire Cathedral on the hills of Beziers, offering panoramic views over the river Orb and the entire city, the Hotel Imperator offers value-for-money accommodation in Beziers. Thanks to its central position, a few steps from the city's main tourist sites, such as the Plateau des Poetes park and the Pont-Canal bridge, the Hotel Imperator is both a perfect base for tourists willing to discover on foot the rich heritage of Beziers, as well as a good starting point for guests planning to tour the whole Languedoc-Roussillon region or spend a day on the beach, located only 10 km/6.2 miles away from the hotel. With its charming courtyard where guests are invited to have breakfast on hot summer days, the Hotel Imperator features 45 cosy guestrooms with free wireless Internet access and air-conditioning.


Day : 5

Cap d'Agde at Mediterranean seaside in Languedoc-Roussillon.Les Grenadines is a family hotel, quiet and confortable at 180 mètres from the Richelieu Beach, where Brigitte and Pierre reserve you a good welcoming.


Day : 6

Ideally located along the Royal Canal, this 19th-century edifice welcomes you in typical hausmannian-style near the city centre of Sète.Blending period charm, a host of facilities and an inviting ambiance, hôtel L'orque Bleue features 30 comfortable and en-suite rooms.Guests can enjoy drinks at the hotel, served at the reception area.The hotel boasts a privileged location from which to discover the city and its museums, the sandy beach and beach bars. Boat rides can be organised along the sea coast and in the Thau Lagoon.

Bikes available for your tour

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...

Click below to see activities per trip version.

Extra activities can change based on the tour dates

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

Daily Elevation Profiles
Average / Day : Distance : 46.67 Km / 29.17 Miles - Elevation gain : 299.67 Meters
Day 2 :   Ride along the Canal du Midi

Option 1: 32 Miles - 51 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 490 Meters 

Day 3 :   Cycle to Narbonne

Option 1: 40 Miles - 64 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 545 Meters 

Option 2: 43 Miles - 69 Km  Elevation gain 2 : 405 Meters 

Day 4 :   Ride to Beziers

Option 1: 24 Miles - 38 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 203 Meters 

Day 5 :   Beziers to Cap d’Agde

Option 1: 19 Miles - 31 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 65 Meters 

Day 6 :   Cap d’Agde to Sete

Option 1: 17 Miles - 27 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 90 Meters 

Included

  • 6 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
  • Daily breakfast at each hotel, 2 dinners included for the Standard version (1 dinner included for the basic version)
  • Hybrid bike rental included
  • Orientation in person with our local guide
  • Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets

  • Guidance Application (phone not provided)

  • 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
  • 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

Train: From Paris Gare de Lyon to Carcassonne; 5 hours 20min. Tour depart from Sete to Paris same, 4 hrs. Flights to/from Beziers and Montpellier possible.

 

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

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)
Basic 1290 € 170 € 1990 €
Standard 1390 € 200 € 2150 €
*Rates vary according to hotel availability and specific start date. Please contact us for triple room rates

Activities

Category Activity Price
Wine tasting Caves Richemer Included

Extra activities can change based on the tour dates

Accessories

Accessories
Guidance Application Included
Biking Roadbook Included
Travelbook Included

Bikes available

Bikes available Options per person
Hybrid Bike Rental
    Standard Included
Electric assist bike
    Standard 135 €



Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.

Services available

Services available
Cancelation insurance 6%
Transfers
    from Sète to Carcassonne 160€/pers

Bot scann is mandatory