Self-guided Canal Du Midi Bike Tour

Your journey begins in the lively city of Toulouse, known as "La Ville Rose" (The Pink City) due to its warm terracotta architecture.

Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and take some time to explore the city’s charm. Stroll through the historic streets, visit the grand Capitole de Toulouse, or enjoy a glass of wine along the Garonne River.

Toulouse is also known for its aerospace industry, so you might want to visit the Cité de l'Espace, a fascinating space museum. In the evening, indulge in some local specialties like cassoulet or duck confit before resting up for the exciting ride ahead.

Our local representative will meet you at your hotel at 10 AM to deliver your bikes and all the other accessories you will need for your adventure.

To kick of your trip, you'll set off on a well-maintained cycle path that follows the famous Canal du Midi, offering a smooth and pleasant ride out of Toulouse.

The route winds through the scenic Lauragais countryside, an area rich in history and known for its rolling hills and quaint villages.

Midway, you'll reach Naurouze, the highest point of the canal at 189m above sea level, marking the divide between watersheds of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

This area is historically significant, as it was the chosen location for Pierre-Paul Riquet’s original design of the canal in the 17th century.

As you continue, the landscape becomes even more picturesque, leading you to Castelnaudary, a town famous for its Cathar heritage and traditional cassoulet. After a fulfilling ride, you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest.

Road surface: 90% paved

Today's ride takes you further along the canal, where the locks and aqueducts provide fascinating sights. You’ll pass historic structures like the Tréboul, Mézeran, Espitalt, and Rebenty aqueducts, engineering marvels that have allowed the canal to function for centuries.

Along the way, you’ll also cycle near Ste Eulalie, a village with a charming Romanesque bell tower, and Pennautier, a fortified village with an impressive 17th-century château. The highlight of the day is reaching Carcassonne, a breathtaking medieval fortress city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its double-walled ramparts, towering turrets, and cobbled streets, Carcassonne feels like stepping back in time.

Take some time to explore the Cité de Carcassonne, visit the famous Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, or simply relax in a local café, soaking in the incredible atmosphere.

Road surface: Mostly unpaved

Leaving Carcassonne behind, today’s ride follows a more rural and peaceful stretch of the Canal du Midi. The terrain remains mostly flat, though some sections of the path are a bit rough—nothing a hybrid bike can’t handle.

You’ll ride past the Roman bridge of Trèbes, a historic crossing that adds character to this route. Other highlights include Puichéric and Marseillette, two charming villages known for their vineyards and rustic stone houses.

The journey continues to Homps, a small but lively canal port, or La Redorte, if you prefer a slightly shorter ride. Both locations offer a tranquil setting to relax after a satisfying day of cycling.

Road surface: Mostly unpaved

Today’s route takes you past Argens-Minervois, a picturesque village with an impressive medieval castle, and follows the canal as it winds through vineyards and historic towns. One of the highlights is the Bridge of Sommail, one of the most scenic sections of the canal, where boats dock under ancient stone arches.

As you continue, you’ll reach Argeliers, a fortified village with a historic church and a 17th-century castle. The final stretch leads to Capestang, a town dominated by the Gothic Collegiate Church of St. Étienne, offering fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.

This is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps with a glass of Languedoc wine, before settling in for the night.

Road surface: Mostly unpaved

Your ride today is filled with impressive landmarks, starting with the famous 7 locks of Fonserannes, a remarkable engineering feat in Béziers that allows boats to navigate the canal’s steep elevation change.

Béziers itself is worth a brief stop to admire its Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire and the beautiful Pont Vieux bridge. As you continue, the landscape begins to change, with the Mediterranean influence becoming more pronounced.

You’ll reach Agde, one of France’s oldest towns, founded by the ancient Greeks over 2,600 years ago. Before reaching your accommodation, you can ride a little further to Grau d’Agde, where the canal finally meets the sea—a truly rewarding moment of the journey!

Road surface: Mostly unpaved

The final leg of your adventure is a short but incredibly scenic ride along a well-paved cycle path running between the Mediterranean Sea and the Étang de Thau lagoon.

The salty sea air and crashing waves create the perfect ambiance for your last day of cycling. The journey ends in Sète, a lively port city known for its beautiful canals, seafood restaurants, and artistic charm.

Take some time to explore the Maritime Quarter, enjoy a plate of fresh oysters from the lagoon, or relax on one of the city’s sandy beaches. This is the perfect way to celebrate the completion of your incredible Canal du Midi cycling adventure.

Road surface: Mostly unpaved

Elevation : Fully flat along the Sea.

After a relaxed breakfast, your cycling journey officially comes to an end.

You can spend a bit more time soaking in the last views of the Mediterranean coastline, or explore Sète’s charming streets before departing.

If you have extra time, consider a boat tour of the canals or a visit to the Paul Valéry Museum.

Whether heading home or continuing your travels, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of cycling through historic towns, lush vineyards, medieval fortresses, and sun-kissed beaches.