Current as of: March 12, 2025 - 14:23
Canal du midi Cycling : from Toulouse to Sete Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: France
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 7 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 12+
- Trip Code: C06CM
Trip Overview
Along the Canal du Midi, the combination of local products, peace, quiet and authenticity ensure an unforgettable journey in the heart of nature!
Enjoy a ride with a free spirit and the wind in your hair, far from traffic and noisy towns on a continuous 240 km path dotted with monuments and exceptional landscapes. Between ports, villages, fields, vineyards and culinary specialities, this region is a place of tradition, seaside resorts and culture. Meet this friendly, natural, jovial, welcoming and food-loving region.
A trip along the canal, would not be complete without watching a boat pass through one of the numerous locks. Stop a moment to see how the water is transferred from one side of the other, raising the barge, and allowing it to pass through. Along your way experience the Mediterranean ‘art de vivre’ : enjoy a break under an olive tree or stop for lunch in a local restaurant to taste the local gastronomy and wines. Along the Canal du Midi, the combination of local products, peace, quiet and authenticity ensure an unforgettable journey in the heart of nature !
At a Glance
- Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of HHH, ***, **** and ***** hotels
- All breakfast
- Luggage transfers between hotels
Highlights
- A quiet and peaceful ride on the shaded path along the UNESCO listed Canal du Midi
- Explore historic cities such as Toulouse and Carcassonne
- Enjoy friendly cafes and gourmet restaurants, rich gastronomy and local wines
- End your journey on the Mediterranean in Sete
Is This Trip for You?
Cycling Conditions
Classification: Self-Guided
Average daily distance: 47km (29 miles).
No. of days cycling: 5
Terrain and route: This gentle and unhurried cycling holiday follows the path along the Canal du Midi.
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a navigation app so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. Your bikes will be adjusted to your height prior to arrival. Our local agent will be on call throughout the trip should you need.
It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes into larger towns and cities.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Group
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local agent is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the trip to go through the routes and point out particular places of interest.
Adult min age: 12
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Toulouse
- End City: Sète
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: Heathrow
- End City: Toulouse
Land Only Itinerary
1: Arrival in Toulouse
The ‘Pink City’, which owes its name to the colour of the brick that adorns the facades, is as lovely as its name. Toulouse has no shortage of sights to visit: the wide Capitol Square, the Bernardins convent with the palm-shaped vault, the Assezat hotel in the Renaissance style, the banks of the Garonne in the heart of the city, the Space museum…
2: Toulouse - Castelnaudary
Starting in the centre of Toulouse, the route leads you through the green valleys of the Lauragais district. You will be able to enjoy a pastoral setting of wheat and sunflower fields. Your route is also interspersed with locks and beautiful rural villages with a southern Gothic architectural style.
Later on, Castelnaudary, famous for its ‘Cassoulet’ (a slow-cooked bean and meat casserole), welcomes you and invite you to taste its local cuisine.
3: Castelnaudary - Carcassonne
Leaving Castelnaudary, you pass the imposing St-Roch lock. Follow the canal at your own rhythm and enjoy this quiet ride with lovely views over the peaceful countryside. Then, arrive in Carcassonne via the port in the lower town. Do not miss the medieval citadel overlooking the surrounding countryside.
This ancient oppidum (fortified city) dating from the Roman times became an imposing fortress over the centuries, raised to defend itself against Spanish Aragon. The architect Viollet-Leduc saved the walled city from the demolition and today it is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
4: Carcassonne - Homps
Today the ride is going through the Minervois area and its renowned vineyards which is just a short ride away from the Canal du Midi. Between Aude River and the canal, your way is punctuated with pine trees shade. Here, each village hide a treasure to discover such as the canal bridge of Orbiel. Arriving in Homps, an historic wine-exporting port, is very lively, with many shops. Here you find yourself in the heart of the Minervois area.
5: Homps - Beziers
Ride along several wine villages, calling for your attention! Further on, Le Somail is one of the canal’s most attractive stops, a picture-postcard village with its port, chapel, cafes and amazing antique shops. Then, follow the canal bordered by olive-trees and vines, before reaching the bustling port of Capestang. Along your way, meet amazing civil engineering structures such as the 17th-century Malpas tunnel, built as Europe’s first-ever navigable canal tunnel. Then, admire the cascade of the 9 locks of Fonsérannes before aching Béziers.
6: Beziers - Sete
This last ride leads you to the Mediterranean! The canal guides you towards Sète and its Mediterranean atmosphere. Along your way, pass by Onglous lighthouse, where the Canal du Midi ends in the Etang de Thau. Then, arriving in Sete, you can reach the beach easily for a refreshing dip in the sea!
7: Leave Sete
Accommodation
These are the standard hotels for our ” trip. If you’d like to extend your time at any of these or, if you’d like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
Early booking is advised as during busy times we may have to substitute individual hotels for one of an equal or superior standard.
Hotel Grand Balcon, Toulouse:
This boutique hotel is located in Place du Capitole in the centre of Toulouse. Their 1930s decor offers a blend of tradition and charm with a modern feel. Reception is 24 hours and they offer room service. Breakfast is an American style buffer, offering hot, cold, sweet and savoury dishes. Rooms are airy and light, and all have private bathrooms.
Hotel du Centre et du Lauragais, Castelnaudary:
Located 5 min walk from the Canal du Midi and Grand Bassin, you are right in Castelnaudary town centre. You can also, enjoy the cuisine of the chef who takes the greatest care in selecting and preparing the most beautiful and authentic regional products.
Hotel Tribe, Carcassonne:
Hotel Tribe is just a 15 min walk from the Medieval old town, and you have a superb view of it from the hotel. They have an indoor heated pool, a roof top terrace, cocktail bar and a coffee shop (both serve hot and cold snacks). Their rooms feature a sophisticated design, with comfort in mind and offer either a Medieval old town view or a courtyard view.
Guest House Jardin de Homps, Homps:
Le Jardin d’Homps is a quaint setting, offering comfortable rooms, a sun terrace, garden, outdoor pool and a bar. Rooms are spacious, with wooden floors, and all have private bathrooms. Some rooms have a small balcony.
Hôtel XIX, Béziers:
A chic and cosy hotel, situated in the heart of Béziers, They have a bar and an ice cream shop (Glacier) serving ice creams and sorbets. Breakfast is served either in the dining room, or outside on their terrace.
Grand Hôtel, Sète:
Grand Hôtel Sete is a charming, family run hotel. The building is 19th Century, with a glass roofed patio, views of the canal and a very elegant restaurant serving gourmet dishes. Rooms offer high ceilings, modern en euite bathrooms and comfortable beds.
Food & Drink
Whether you are a fan of sweet or savoury food, your stomach will thank you at the end of your stay. On the colourful local markets, you will find the finest quality products from the Mediterranean and the countryside. This region has plenty to offer to the food lovers: the seafood platters of clams, oysters and mussels; as well as Pélardon, Causses Blue, and Tome cheeses. The Petits Pâtés de Pézenas (small pastries filled with meats), the tielle (a seafood pie) from Séte, picholine olives, the famous cassoulet (bean stew casserole with pork or duck) from Castelnaudary, the Catalans Rousquilles (biscuits), and salt (and rice) from the Camargue make this a foodie’s paradise.
Canal du Midi is also an important region for winemaking, offering amateurs some real nuggets. Full-bodied, light or fruity, there is truly a world of flavors to share in here: Fitou, Corbières, Minervois, Clape, Quatourze, Cabardès, Malepère and Limoux. Nourished by the Mediterranean sun and the richness of their different wine districts, the Languedoc wines all have their own personality, whether they are reds, whites, rosés or sparkling wines. They are part of the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the region.
Spreading over 245,000 hectares, the Languedoc vineyards are one of the largest vineyards in France, as well as the oldest. From Nîmes to Aude, from Montpellier to Carcassonne, from mountains to bushland and sea, the vineyard landscapes pass by as you travel along the wine routes.
Transport
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you.
Weather & Seasonality
The Canal du Midi is blessed with fantastic weather for cycling. The spring and autumn seasons experience mild climates with temperatures averaging 16-20 degrees Celsius. The summers are generally warmer with temperatures reaching the high 20s. There is always the chance of rain so it is best to be prepared for this with a waterproof layer, it is also good to have a warmer layer for the early mornings and evenings.
Weather Charts
Joining Instructions
The tour normally begins at the start hotel in Toulouse.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Toulouse
Location end: Sète
What To Take
Practical Information
Visa
France
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html
Vaccinations and Health
France
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
France's time zone: Europe/Paris (UTC +01:00)
Electricity
France's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
France's currency: Euros (EUR)
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.