+33 (0)2 54 78 62 52
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Canal du Midi by bike from Toulouse to Sète via the Cathar castles

  • 8 days / 6 days riding
  •  / ref. CM5
  • / Difficulty Moderate
  •  / Linear trip
from 980 €
per person
Book
Book

Your Canal du Midi bicycle tour:

Enjoy the longest version of the ‘Canal du Midi by bike’: 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.

View trip map

Tour highlights

  • The excursion to the Cathar castles and vineyards
  • The engineering prowess of its locks, bridges and aqueducts.
  • Toulouse, Béziers, Carcassonne and Sète: unmissable stops!

Departure days (DAY 1): SATURDAY


Departure possible on other days: with extra charge.

Day 1 Arrival in Toulouse


A city steeped in history, Toulouse invites you to explore its remarkable heritage. Take time to visit its iconic landmarks, including the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, the largest Romanesque church in the world, and the majestic Place du Capitole. As you wander through the streets, look up and admire the city’s fascinating architectural details.

Day 2 Toulouse – Castelnaudary (or St Martin Lalande) | 61 km (or 68 km)


The ‘Pink City’, famous for its distinctive brick architecture, is the gateway to the Canal du Midi. Your journey begins in the Lauragais, a peaceful countryside scattered with farms where ducks and geese wander freely. Next, you’ll arrive in Castelnaudary, the birthplace of the renowned cassoulet, where a delicious culinary stop awaits.

Day 3 Castelnaudary (or St Martin Lalande) – Carcassonne | 40 km


In the heart of Cathar country, enjoy a leisurely ride along the canal to Carcassonne and its magnificent medieval citadel. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts one of Europe’s most impressive fortified complexes.

Day 4 Excursion to the Minervois vineyards and Cathar castles | 49 km


Heading towards the Montagne Noire, cycle through the rolling vineyards of the hinterland, where you can pause to sample local wines. Along the way, admire the striking ruins of ancient Cathar fortresses, standing as echoes of a fascinating past.

Day 5 Carcassonne – Homps (or near) | 42 km


Between the Aude river and the canal, your journey flows peacefully along the water, shaded by pines and plane trees that provide welcome coolness. Each village holds its own hidden gem, from the Orbiel canal bridge to the Argendouble aqueduct —remarkable feats of hydraulic engineering.

Day 6 Homps (or near) – Béziers | 63 km


Pass through charming, picturesque villages like Paraza and Le Somail before following the winding canal, flanked by olive groves and vineyards. Your journey continues to the lively port of Capestang and the iconic Malpas tunnel, a remarkable feat of engineering on the Canal du Midi. Finally, take in the breathtaking Fonsérannes 9-lock staircase before reaching Béziers, where your day’s adventure comes to an end.

Day 7 Béziers – Sète | 50 km


Set your sights on the Mediterranean! Follow a scenic cycle path leading to Sète, where a warm, sun-soaked atmosphere awaits. Along the way, pass through Agde before reaching the Étang de Thau, where the Canal du Midi meets the sea. Finally, ride along the stunning Mediterranean coastline to reach Sète, the final stop on your journey.

Day 8 Departure during the day


The little extra with Biking France (optional):


  • Private return transfer from Sète to Toulouse.

Select your category

category Standard
category superior

Your accommodation

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

• 7 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 6 days
• A personalized travel app, including all your cycling stages as well as tourist and practical information
• City taxes
• Hotline 7 days a week

Not including :

• 6 dinners / Lunches / Drinks
• Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
• Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
• Single room supplement (7 nights included)
• Transfer from Sète to Toulouse and personal bike repatriation

Including :

• 7 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 6 days
• A personalized travel app, including all your cycling stages as well as tourist and practical information
• City taxes
• Hotline 7 days a week

Not including :

• 6 dinners / Lunches / Drinks
• Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
• Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
• Single room supplement (7 nights included)
• Transfer from Sète to Toulouse 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%

(Children's discounts only apply when triple or quadruple rooms are occupied by at least 2 people paying the full rate)

BERGAMONT Horizon 6 - 27 speed gears

(bike included in this tour)

A bike that favors an upright, comfortable position, ideal for leisure riding.

OPEN frame, until 1m85
CLOSED frame, from 1m85

  • 1 rear pannier
  • 1 front pannier with a map holder
  • 1 repair kit
  • 1 smartphone holder
  • 1 lock
  • 1 bottle cage

Helmet not provided.

MOUSTACHE e-bike

OPEN frame

  • 1 rear pannier
  • 1 front pannier with a map holder
  • 1 repair kit
  • 1 smartphone holder
  • 1 lock

Helmet not provided.

(These models of e-bikes may be replaced by another one, similar)

Practical details

Rental bikes will be available from our local partner.

At the end of the tour, leave the rental bikes at your hotel, we will pick them up.

Your travel appYour journeyHow to arrive in ToulouseReturn

Your travel app

You’ll have personalized access to our travel app, which you can download onto your smartphone.
This app includes all your cycling stages, tourist and practical content, as well as your accommodation. The application will guide you along your route, like a GPS, during your cycling stages.

If you would like a printed version of the roadbook (including color maps of your stages), please let us know when you book your trip. It will be provided at your first accommodation.

Your journey

Tour description

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)

Toulouse – Castelnaudary : 61km / elevation gain: 162m / elevation loss: 141m
Castelnaudary – Carcassonne : 40km / elevation gain: 94m / elevation loss: 164m
excursion Cathar castles : 49 km / elevation gain : 400m / elevation loss : 400m
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

How to arrive in Toulouse

By train
Paris Montparnasse train station >> Toulouse Matabiau train station (about 4h30 by TGV train).
For more information, do not hesitate to visit : www.sncf.com/en

By plane

  • From Roissy CDG airport :
    – Roissy Charles de Gaulle T.2 train station >> Bordeaux St Jean train station >> Toulouse Matabiau train station (by TGV train).
  • From Orly airport:
    – Taxi transfer to Paris Montparnasse train station >> Toulouse Matabiau train station (by TGV train).

– Bus shuttle (Le Bus Direct) : from Orly Sud or Ouest >> Line 1 >> Montparnasse train station >> Toulouse Matabiau train station (by TGV train).
www.lebusdirect.com/en/lines-and-schedules/orly-airport-paris-etoile-champs-elysees-line.html

– Bus shuttle (Orly Bus) : from Orly Sud or Ouest >> Paris centre – stop ‘Denfert Rochereau’ >> Metro line 4 >> Montparnasse train station >> Toulouse Matabiau train station (by TGV train).
http://aeroportorly.paris/orlybus.php

– Orly Val (automatic metro) :  from Orly Sud or Orly Ouest  >> Paris – stop ‘Antony’ >> RER B – stop ‘Denfert Rochereau’  >> Metro line 4 >>  Montparnasse train station >> Toulouse Matabiau train station (by TGV train).
http://aeroportorly.paris/orlyval.php
www.transilien.com
www.ratp.fr/plans-lignes

  • From Beauvais airport:
    – Taxi transfer to Paris Montparnasse train station >> Toulouse Matabiau train station (by TGV train).

– Bus shuttle >> Paris – stop ‘Porte Maillot’ >> Metro line 1 + line 13 >> Montparnasse train station >> Toulouse Matabiau train station (by TGV train).
www.aeroportparisbeauvais.com/en/acces-et-transports/navettes/

– Tram line T2 direction ‘Palais de Justice’ to reach the town center.
www.toulouse.aeroport.fr/en/passengers/to-and-from/public-transport

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 >> Toulouse Matabiau train station (about 2h by train or TGV train)
    – Sète >> Toulouse (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