Canal du Midi: from Toulouse to the Mediterranean

It is worth arriving early because Toulouse is also known as the "ville rose" (red city) due to the reddish stone of many buildings. Marvel at the mighty Basilica St-Sernin de Toulouse and taste duck breast with green beans, a culinary specialty.

You will start your first day of cycling in a relaxed way, because you will soon reach the Canal du Midi. Along the beautiful banks under shade-giving trees, through which the sun peeps, you cycle to Castelnaudary, once the "city of mills". Of the former 32 mills, only a few remain, but the town exudes typical southern French flair. Stroll through the small center and along the colorful harbor. Famous for the place, untel today, is the "Cassoulet", a hearty bean stew.

The idyllic cycling route along the Canal du Midi tempts you to stroll and dream, but your destination Carcassonne, one of the largest medieval fortified cities in Europe, beckons. Marvel at the double ring of large massive crenellated walls. The ring measures 3 km in diameter and is an unforgettable sight with its 52 mighty towers.

Wonderfully idyllic you roll along the Canal du Midi. You will pass through charming little towns and several locks. Observe the hustle and bustle at the locks and greet the many leisure captains on their houseboats. Look forward to Olonzac in the wine-growing region of Minervois, you will be thrilled. Until today the winegrowing characterizes the place, many wine merchants are waiting for your visit.

In no time you are back at the Canal du Midi, where you are welcomed by the picturesque village of Homps with the third largest harbor of the canal. You will roll to Narbonne with pleasure. Marvel at the unfinished Saint Just et Saint Pasteur Cathedral, Saint Paul Basilica and the Palace of the Archbishops. Stroll through the city - it's worth it!

The Canal du Midi leads you to the charming village of Capestang today. Enjoy a coffee at the market place and let yourself be fascinated by this medieval town before you cycle on to Béziers. The town is the birthplace of Paul Riquet, builder of the Canal du Midi and center of the wine trade. It is also known as the "Seville of France" because of its bullfights. Enjoy the small town and the impressive 600 m long magnificent promenade, the archbishop's palace and the cathedral.

Up to Agde with its closed medieval townscape you roll comfortably along the Canal du Midi. Slowly you will notice that the air is getting saltier as you reach the Mediterranean coast with its wide white beaches. Look forward to Sète, which is almost completely surrounded by water and is called "Little Venice of the Languedoc". Enjoy the flair of the maritime city and stroll along the restaurant mile at the water, where many restaurants tempt you to stop for a bite to eat.

After varied days you will reach the Mediterranean Sea. We are happy to book additional nights for you. If you would like to return to Toulouse, you can book our practical return transfer in a minibus.