Canal du Midi by bike from Carcassonne to Sète

from 700 € / pers.
/ 6 testimonials
Reference : CM2
5 days / 3 days riding
Difficulty : Easy
Linear trip
From March to October
Departure: daily
Electric bike rental possible > Book this trip

Some questions about this trip ?
Contact us +33(0)2 54 78 62 52 or by email

> Download tour program

Your Canal du Midi bicycle tour :

The ‘canal du Midi’, architect Pierre-Paul Riquet’s masterpiece, is the most famous water canal in Europe for its amazing measurements and for its peaceful surroundings. The idea of digging this channel linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean sea dates back to Antiquity but it was under Louis the 14th’s reign that it has been built.

Along the channel, discover the countryside landscapes and farms of the ‘Laugarais’ area, the gentle slopes sprinkled with vineyards, the chateaux of the Aude area and the city of Carcassonne up to the Mediterranean beaches.

Day 1 : Arrival in Carcassonne


Take the time to visit Carcassonne and its impressive medieval city. Classified as world heritage by UNESCO, you can admire one of the most beautiful fortifications of Europe.

Day 2 : Carcassonne – Homps (or nearby) | 42 km


Between Aude river and the canal, follow the rhythm of the stream, punctuated with pine and plane trees always offering a fresh environment. Each village hides a treasure to discover ; by the way do not forget to visit the canal bridge of Orbiel and the Argent-Double aqueduct.

Day 3 : Homps (or nearby) – Béziers | 63 km


Cross charming and typical small villages such as Paraza and Le Somail. Then, you find a winding canal, bordered of olive-trees and vines, before reaching the animated port of Capestang. After the Malpas’s tunnel, you can admire the cascade of the 9 locks of Fonsérannes before aching Béziers.

Day 4 : Béziers – Sète | 50 km


Head for the Mediterranean! Along a pleasant cycle path, the canal guides you to Sète and its southern ambience. First you reach Agde, then the Etang de Thau, where the Canal du Midi empties. You’ll reach Sète riding along the Mediterranean beaches.

Day 5 : Departure during the day


The little extra with Biking France (optional):


  • Private return transfer from Sète to Carcassonne – on request.

Select your category

standard category
Reference: CM2 STD
superior category
Reference: CM2 SUP
Low season
  • from March 1st to April 14th
    from October 11th to 31st
  • Departure: daily
 
 
2 persons basis :(price per person)
* Single supplement
820 € / pers.
235 € / pers.*
950 € / pers.
350 € / pers.*
Mid season
  • from April 15th to 30th
    from May 12th to June 30th
    from October 1st to 10th
  • Departure: daily
 
 
2 persons basis :(price per person)
* Single supplement
700 € / pers.
235 € / pers.*
860 € / pers.
350 € / pers.*
High season
  • from May 1st to 11th
    from July 1st to September 30th
  • Departure: daily
 
 
2 persons basis :(price per person)
* Single supplement
750 € / pers.
235 € / pers.*
900 € / pers.
350 € / pers.*

Category's details

Including :

• 4 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
• 1 dinner (drinks not included)
• Luggage transport during the bike stages (1 luggage 20kg per person)
• Equipped cycle rental for 3 days
• 1 travel folder (per room) including colour maps
• A personalized navigation app showing points of interest along the route
• City taxes
• Hotline 7 days a week

Not including :

• 3 dinners / Lunches / Drinks
• Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
• Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
• Single room supplement (4 nights included)
• Transfer from Sète to Carcassonne and personal bike repatriation

Including :

• 4 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
• 1 dinner (drinks not included)
• Luggage transport during the bike stages (1 luggage 20kg per person)
• Equipped cycle rental for 3 days
• 1 travel folder (per room) including colour maps
• A personalized navigation app showing points of interest along the route
• City taxes
• Hotline 7 days a week

Not including :

• 3 dinners / Lunches / Drinks
• Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
• Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
• Single room supplement (4 nights included)
• Transfer from Sète to Carcassonne and personal bike repatriation

Children discount :from 0 to 2 years old : - 90%
from 3 to 11 years old : - 20%
from 12 to 15 years old : - 10%

(Only if the triple or quadruple rooms are occupied by 2 adults minimum )

According to the category(price per person)

standard category
Reference: CM2 STD
superior category
Reference: CM2 SUP
Extra night in Carcassonne
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
* Single supplement
Low season
+ 60 € / pers.
+ 50 € / pers.*
Mid season
+ 60 € / pers.
+ 50 € / pers.*
High season
+ 70 € / pers.
+ 55 € / pers.*
Low season
+ 90 € / pers.
+ 80 € / pers.*
Mid season
+ 90 € / pers.
+ 80 € / pers.*
High season
+ 100 € / pers.
+ 85 € / pers.*
Extra night in Sète
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
* Single supplement
Low season
+ 65 € / pers.
+ 40 € / pers.*
Mid season
+ 65 € / pers.
+ 40 € / pers.*
High season
+ 75 € / pers.
+ 50 € / pers.*
Low season
+ 105 € / pers.
+ 85 € / pers.*
Mid season
+ 105 € / pers.
+ 85 € / pers.*
High season
+ 115 € / pers.
+ 95 € / pers.*
Children discount :
from 0 to 2 years old : - 90% / from 3 to 11 years old : - 20% / from 12 to 15 years old : - 10%
(Only if the triple or quadruple rooms are occupied by 2 adults minimum )

Extras

• Bike discount
If you bring your own bike.
-60 € / pers.
• E-bike supplement
+ 70 € / pers.
• Extra luggage transport (3 bike stages)

(price per additional luggage)

+ 90 € / pers.

• 'Solo' supplement
(in the case of a single person per booking)
+ 210 € / pers.

Your accommodation


standard category


These hotels offer all the comfort and well-earned rest after a cycling day (private bathroom). A perfect place to enjoy all the centres of interest around.
superior category


These hotels provide charming services on high quality as well as a great location.
Pictures for indicative purposes. Depending on the availability.

Your cycle hire

ARCADE Hybrid bike - 21 speed gears

CLOSED or UNIVERSAL frame

  • 1 rear pannier
  • 1 front bag
  • 1 kit repair (per booking)
  • 1 lock

Helmet not provided

Possibility to rent an electric assistance bike :
ARCADE or VELO DE VILLE e-bike - 7 speed gears (or similar)
E-bike

UNIVERSAL frame

  • 1 rear pannier
  • 1 front bag
  • 1 kit repair (per booking)
  • 1 lock

Helmet not provided

Practical details
  • Bikes will be delivered at the 1st hotel.
  • At the end of the tour, leave the rental bikes at your hotel, we will pick them up.
> Your journey
> How to arrive in Carcassonne
> Return

Your journey

Tour description:

The development of the canal banks is very different from one department to another. At the end of the tour, in the Aude (between Port-Lauragais and Olonzac) it is largely an undeveloped path and not very well maintained, which gives a very natural character to the route. On the other hand, some portions are very narrow, chaotic (roots, holes, etc.) and in rainy weather the path becomes muddy and slippery, especially at the beginning of the season.
Therefore, this bike tour is not suitable for road bikes and bikes equipped with trailer.

Bike stages trip profiles:
(click below to see the trip profile of each stage)

Carcassonne – Homps : 42km / elevation gain: 74m / elevation loss: 128m
Homps – Béziers : 63km / elevation gain: 302m / elevation loss: 292m
Béziers – Sète : 50km / elevation gain: 100m / elevation loss: 117m

Navigation app

Besides the maps, we also provide a personalised navigation app showing points of interest along the route.

How to arrive in Carcassonne

By train:
Paris Gare Montparnasse train station or Gare de Lyon train station >> Carcassonne train station (by train or TGV train) – (about 5h30).
For more information, do not hesitate to visit : www.sncf.com/en

By plane:

  • From Orly airport:
    – Taxi transer to Paris Gare de Lyon train station >> Montpellier St Roch train station or Lyon Part-Dieu train station >>  Carcassonne train station (byTGV train or train + TGV train).

– Bus shuttle (Orly Bus):  from Orly Sud  >> Paris centre – stop ‘Denfert Rochereau’ >> Metro line 6 + line 14 >> Gare de Lyon train station >> Montpellier St Roch train station or Lyon Part-Dieu train station >>  Carcassonne train station (byTGV train or train + TGV train).
http://aeroportorly.paris/orlybus.php

– Orly Val (automatic metro) : from Orly Sud or Orly Ouest >> Paris – stop ‘Chatelet les Halles’ >> RER D – stop ‘Paris Gare de Lyon’ >> Montpellier St Roch train station or Lyon Part-Dieu train station >>  Carcassonne train station (byTGV train or train + TGV train).
http://aeroportorly.paris/orlyval.php
www.transilien.com

www.ratp.fr/plans-lignes

  • From Beauvais airport:
    – Taxi transfer to Paris Gare de Lyon train station >> Montpellier St Roch train station or Lyon Part-Dieu train station >>  Carcassonne train station (byTGV train or train + TGV train).
    – Bus shuttle >> Paris – stop ‘Porte Maillot’ >> Metro line 1 >> Gare de Lyon train station >> Montpellier St Roch train station or Lyon Part-Dieu train station >>  Carcassonne train station (byTGV train or train + TGV train).
    www.aeroportparisbeauvais.com/en/acces-et-transports/navettes/

Return

If you have to come back to the start point:

  • This return can be carry out by RandoVelo/Biking France: please contact us!
  • A return transfer by train is possible and organised on your own. Please visit: www.sncf.com/en
    Plan to go to the train station with your luggage (and your potential own bike)
    (Personal bike return costs are on your responsibility)
    – Sète train station >> Carcassonne train station (about 1 by train or TGV train)
    – Sète >> Carcassonne (by taxi)

If you have to return to Paris (city centre) / Paris Airports:

  • This return can be carry out by RandoVelo/Biking France: please contact us!
  • A return transfer by train is possible and organised on your own. Please visit: www.sncf.com/en
    Plan to go to the train station with your luggage (and your potential own bike)
    (Personal bike return costs are on your responsibility)
    – Sète train station >> Paris Gare de Lyon train station (TGV train).
    – Sète train station >> Nîmes train station or Montpellier St Roch train station (by train) >> Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV Station (by TGV train).

Nearby Airports:
– Montpellier airport: https://montpellier-airport.com
– Béziers – Cap d’Agde airport: www.beziers.aeroport.fr/en


Trip overall rating : / 6 testimonials

Jeff
Australia
travel date: 01 June 2023.
" We loved the trip ... "

… but thought the Béziers hotel room we had was well below the standard of the other hotels. A 2 day stop in Homps to do another ride from the hotel would be great. The staff and accommodation and food at Homps were outstanding.

Guillemette
France
travel date: 03 May 2023.
" Organisation parfaite "

Et réactivité de randovélo au début du parcours.

Remco
Pays-Bas
travel date: 18 April 2023.
" Jolie randonnée, beaucoup de variations de paysage. "

Plusieurs personnes des hébergements ont dis spontanément: Rando Vélo? Bon choix. Organisation bien organisé, et ce n’est pas toujours comme ca.

Nicolas
France
travel date: 04 August 2022.
" Je recommande "

Je viens de terminer mon circuit à vélo le long du Canal du Midi et j’en ai été ravi. Randovélo conserve ma confiance et je renouvellerai l’expérience avec l’association et en ferai la promotion autour de moi.

Daniel
France
travel date: 09 June 2022.
" Super rando "

Super rando, organisée de manière très professionnelle. Un parcours mémorable riche en rencontres, réalisé dans des conditions idéales, sans trop de monde, sans moustique et une météo plaisante. Des pneus tout terrain sont à conseiller du fait de la réfection des berges.

Hélène
FRANCE
travel date: 25 May 2022.
" Séjour très agréable "

Dans le sens carcassone / sete on a le vent dans le dos ce qui est plutôt agréable.