Canal du midi, from Moissac to Carcassonne

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This cycling trip brings you through the most beautiful sites along the Canal du Midi, the famous waterway which links the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
Your tour starts in Moissac, a village famous for its Abbey, a unique treasure of perfectly preserved roman art. Riding on a safe cycling path along the Garonne River you will then stop in the charming cities of Montauban and Toulouse. Toulouse is nicknamed the « Pink City » because of the bricks used in its architecture which gives it a pinkish color. You'll be enchanted by its culture and diversity: pedestrian shopping districts, gastronomic restaurants, bars…
Cycle along the peaceful Canal du Midi to explore more of the Cathar country and its medieval fortresses. Your cycling tour finishes in the famous medieval city of Carcassonne, a World Heritage Site, best known for its castle. This is without a doubt the ideal place to end your trip!

Price from : 1390€
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Midi Pyrenees
Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights
Level : or
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Book this trip Download
Itinerary

Click below to see hotels versions.

Day 1 :   Arrive in Moissac

We strongly suggest that you take advantage of your afternoon to discover the remarkable sites of Moissac: The Abbey and its famous sculptures. Before the end of the day, our guide will phone you at your hotel, explain the material and explain your trip.

Dinner included tonight

Day 2 :   Cycle along the Garonne River

Distance 1 : 23 Miles - 37 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 151 Meters 

Today you ride along the Garonne Canal to Montech and its water slope, a boat elevator on a lateral canal of the Garonne. Before that don’t forget to visit the Belleperche Abbey and its museum of table arts. To get to Montauban you will need to leave the Garonne Canal and follow the Canal de Montech! Take advantage of your evening to visit the charming city center of Montauban.

Day 3 :   Follow the Garonne Canal

Distance 1 : 45 Miles - 72 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 183 Meters 

Today head south to the regional capital of Toulouse! Along your way and along the canal you must stop at Grenade to visit the ancient bastide and its covered market. Head South to the regional capital of Toulouse! Upon your arrival at the Pink City, discover the Twim Bridges, the intersection between the Garonne Canal and the Canal du Midi, and Brienne Canal.

Day 4 :   Toulouse

Take advantage of this day without cycling to discover all the fascinating aspects of Toulouse.

Day 5 :   Ride along the Canal du Midi

Distance 1 : 37 Miles - 59 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 297 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. Just before your final destination you will be crossing the Seuil de Naurouze and the obelisk of Riquet.

Day 6 :   Cycle to Carcassonne

Option 1 : 34 Miles - 55 Km  Option 2 : 39 Miles - 62 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 160 Meters  Elevation gain 2 : 550 Meters 

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 » Stop and visit Castelnaudary, the historical highlight of Catharism, and is now more currently recognized as the world capital of cassoulet. Continue on 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.

Day 7 :   Leave Carcassonne

It’s time to leave after a good breakfast. Or, stay a couple nights longer to visit Carcassonne and its region. Continue with our trip along the Canal du Midi all the way to the Mediterranean Sea!

Average / Day : Distance : 57.00 Km / 35.60 Miles - Elevation gain : 268.20 Meters

Click below to see hotels versions.


Day : 1

The Armateur is located just a short walk from Saint Pierre Abbey in Moissac, in the quarter once inhabited by river boatmen, between the Tarn and the Canal des Deux Mers.After 9 months of renovation work, this generously-proportioned 18th century residence now provides a comfortable, light-filled space whose design is timeless thanks to the omnipresence of brick. The hôtel is intended to be a perfect stopover on the Santiago Pilgrim Ways with its 16 spacious bedrooms, for 2 to 4 people, a restaurant worthy of the home of the renowned Chasselas grape, plus a garden where a shady terrace and swimming pool.


Day : 2

In the heart of Midi-Pyrénées, enter in the hushed and luxurious universe of this 4-star hotel in Montauban. The hotel is an old abbey of the 17th century. It was nicely refurnished for your confort and pleasure. From the Classique category to the Suite Prestige, we have designed 85 rooms and suites in a pared-down style and sober decor. In the will to respect and enhance our architectural heritage we offer you to stay in a establishment mixing French authanticity heritage, the atypical setting of an abbaye and the modernity of a 4* hotel.


Day : 3, 4

Each of the Hôtel Riquet's guest rooms is individually designed and has a private bathroom. They overlook a quiet street or the hotel courtyard. The hotel also provides free tea and coffee.


Day : 5

Occupying a former lock keeper's house near the jetty in Castelnaudary on the Canal du Midi, Le Grand Bassin offers bed-and-breakfast accommodations with free Wi-Fi. It has a bar. All rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, a luggage rack, a welcome tray and a private bathroom. Le Grand Bassin guesthouse serves a continental breakfast each morning. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy the garden and the sunny terrace.


Day : 6

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 : 1

The Hotel Moulin de Moissac is a majestic place in the Tarn-Garonne region in southern France. It features a piano-bar and spa, and boasts a striking position on the River Tarn.


Day : 2

In the heart of Midi-Pyrénées, enter in the hushed and luxurious universe of this 4-star hotel in Montauban. The hotel is an old abbey of the 17th century. It was nicely refurnished for your confort and pleasure. From the Classique category to the Suite Prestige, we have designed 85 rooms and suites in a pared-down style and sober decor. In the will to respect and enhance our architectural heritage we offer you to stay in a establishment mixing French authanticity heritage, the atypical setting of an abbaye and the modernity of a 4* hotel.


Day : 3, 4

A warm welcome at the Hotel Le Grand Balcon, a luxury hotel located at Place du Capitole in the city center of Toulouse. The interior decoration of this mythical hotel of the 1930s was designed by the architect Jean-Philippe Nuel. This charming hotel, combining trends and traditions, offers very chic amenities and a trendy design.


Day : 5

Near the town of Castelnaudary, world capital of cassoulet , Chateau Coquelicot stands proudly amidst sunny plains of Lauragais. Ideally located between Toulouse and Carcassonne, on the road of Cathar castles and the Canal du Midi , it will make you live a peaceful stay with the backdrop of an extraordinary nature of the Pyrenees and the Montagne Noire. Golden ornate or baroque, its 5 rooms will seduce you by its generous dimensions , refined decor and a large bedding, very upscale. In each private room with bathrobe, pool towels and hair dryer available health . The south terrace welcomes the heated pool and solarium while the north lying promises a fabulous sun , just lunch served dinner every night. As a member of the Cathar country , you will find our table of regional products supplied by small local producers, wine , duck, garden vegetables and homemade jams.


Day : 6

The charm of the Hotel du Chateau is that it is rural yet metropolitan and sophisticated yet comfortable. You will feel at home with a heated pool from Easter until November, an outdoor jacuzzi open all year, and a stylish yet cozy bar. The exclusive location of the Hotel du Chateau surrounded by greenery and serenity provides an idyllic break with an emphasis on the art of living.

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...

Daily Elevation Profiles
Average / Day : Distance : 57.00 Km / 35.60 Miles - Elevation gain : 268.20 Meters
Day 2 :   Cycle along the Garonne River

Option 1: 23 Miles - 37 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 151 Meters 

Day 3 :   Follow the Garonne Canal

Option 1: 45 Miles - 72 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 183 Meters 

Day 5 :   Ride along the Canal du Midi

Option 1: 37 Miles - 59 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 297 Meters 

Day 6 :   Cycle to Carcassonne

Option 1: 34 Miles - 55 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 160 Meters 

Option 2: 39 Miles - 62 Km  Elevation gain 2 : 550 Meters 

Included

  • 6 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
  • Daily breakfast at each hotel, 2 dinners
  • Hybrid bike rental included
  • Orientation by phone with our guide
  • Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information

  • 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
  • Step by step itinerary 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 : Moissac

Departure : Carcassonne

To arrive in Moissac you can reach first Toulouse (by plane or TGV) and then take a train to Moissac (45 min) or you can take the train from Paris to Moissac with a change in Agen (about 5h30).

From Carcassonne you can reach Paris by train (about 5H30) with changes or other French cities such as Toulouse or Montpellier. If you want so, Carcassonne has its own airport which reachs several european airports

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)
Standard 1390 € 330 € 2120 €
Upgraded 1690 € 550 € 2730 €
*Rates vary according to hotel availability and specific start date. Please contact us for triple room rates

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 120 €



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

Services available

Services available
Cancelation insurance 6%

Bot scann is mandatory