Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi

Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi

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8 Days From

$1800

$1530

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Tour Overview

A cycling holiday along France's historic Canal du Midi and surrounding countryside. Explore medieval walled towns, Cathar Castles, local markets and of course refuel on delicious French cuisine on route.

Canal du Midi - Cycle alongside one of the greatest works of civil engineering of the 17th century

Discover rich histories - Narbonne and the walled fortress town of Carcassonne

Cathar history - Ride through the picturesque landscapes and historic villages of the Languedoc Region or up to the stronghold of Minerve




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Highlights

  • Cycling adventure along France's historic Canal du Midi and the picturesque countryside

  • Explore Toulouse, Narbonne, Carcassonne's walled fortress

  • Visit vibrant local markets, and try delectable French cuisine along the way

Itinerary

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Day 1: Join Trip Toulouse

Location: Montpellier

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aragon

Our tour starts at Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS) where we'll meet today at 7.15pm. On arrival, please look out for the Explore tour leader in the arrivals hall. If you're arriving early in Toulouse and would rather not wait, you could hop on a train to Carcassone - the French rail network is easy to navigate and the journey is around one hour. Toulouse has many wonderful sites to discover, if you'd like to add time there on to the start of your tour, contact us for accommodation options.

Once we have our group together, we'll transfer to Carcassone, a fortified city in southwestern France. Perched on a hilltop, the picturesque city is a popular tourist draw thanks to its Medieval ramparts, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.

On arrival, we'll have time to wander the historic ramparts and soak up the city's charm.
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Day 2: Circular Ride Around Carcassonne

Location: Béziers

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aragon

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we'll escape the crowds and hop on our bikes to explore the peaceful countryside surrounding Carcassonne. We'll spend some time getting acquainted with our bikes before pedalling off.

Our route takes us to the beautiful villages of Conques-sur-Robiel, Bouilhonnac, and the tiny village of Les Rustiques, once a Templar commandery. We'll then join the Canal du Midi at the village of Trebes to make our way back into Carcassonne.

This evening, we'll have more time to enjoy Carcassonne, beautifully lit in the evening, and without the chaos of the daytime crowds.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 35 kilometres/21.7 miles with a total ascent of 89 metres/300 feet and descent of 89 meters/300 feet.

Day 3: Cycle To Jouarres, Winetasting At Marseillette

Location: Narbonne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Chateau Jouarres

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, we'll cycle along the famous Canal du Midi. Our destination is le Chateau de Jouarres in Homps, a pleasant yet simple resort with a pool, which will be our base for the next three nights.

As we pedal, we'll soak in more of France's rural beauty. The Canal du Midi is known for its picturesque locks, aqueducts and bridges, and our ride lets us admire it in all of its photogenic glory.

It's not all about historic waterways today, en route, we'll diverge from our path to visit Marseillette for a spot of wine tasting at Chateau l'Amiral. Surrounded by rolling countryside, this vineyard is the perfect setting to enjoy one of France's most-loved exports. The family has been producing Minervois wine for seven generations and we'll learn about the production process and the history of the chateau as we enjoy a tasting.

The Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and so much of our route remains as it once was. The towpath was originally built for horses to pull cargo barges; hence many sections do not have a modern surface. Ever changing, due to climatic conditions, the sections we cycle include earth and gravel paths with some holes and tree roots and can be narrow and overgrown in places. Whilst beautiful, these sections can prove bumpy to ride.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 43 kilometres/26.6 miles.

Day 4: Leisurely Circular Ride Va Laviniere.

Location: Narbonne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Chateau Jouarres

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we'll head out on a leisurely loop of the village of La Laviniere. The historic village has wine-making roots that go back as far as the Roman times - in fact, the village's name comes from the Occitan translation for \ vine'. As well as wine, La Laviniere is known for its charming stone buildings, covered market square and 15th-century church. It's surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, making it a particularly pretty route to cycle through.

We'll get a chance to sample regional dishes and stop for lunch at a local restaurant, serving seasonal produce. Afterwards, we'll head back to our hotel.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 28 kilometres/16 miles

Day 5: Optional Circular Cycle Route To Minerve

Location: Narbonne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Chateau Jouarres

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, we have the option to visit one of France's \ Les Plus Beaux Villages de France' (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), an honour given to just 176 of the country's 30,000 villages.

Minerve is famous for its medieval architecture, ancient cobbled lanes and ruined ramparts. It sits on a rocky outcrop between two limestone gorges, making the cycle hilly but worth it for the village's charming appeal.

If you'd rather sit out of the optional ride, you can relax in Jouarres or take a self-guided ride on a shorter, and mainly flat route near the hotel.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 37 kilometres/23 miles with 450 meters/1,480 feet of ascent.

Day 6: Continue On Canal Du Midi And Follow Canal De La Robine Into Narbonne

Location: Carcassonne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Zenitude Residence - Narbonne

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we pack our bags again and continue our Canal du Midi adventure.

We'll reach the junction of the canals, making sure to stop for coffee and lunch, where the Canal du Midi loops north to avoid the hills and the Canal de la Robine which was later dug to connect the city of Narbonne to the canal network.

Narbonne is a hidden gem with many treasures for those who take the time to look for them. Once the second town of the Roman empire (more than a century before Caesar's conquest of Gaul) and flourishing during the early medieval times, the city's glory days were halted by the silting up of the harbour. This has, however, left us with a nicely preserved time capsule.

Today, Narbonne is known for its historic old town centre with an underground labyrinth of Roman warehouses and a 13th-century gothic cathedral, as well as its pretty pedestrian promenade.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 45 kilometres/26.6 miles.

Day 7: Half Day Cycle To Beaches Of Gruissan Plage

Location: Carcassonne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Zenitude Residence - Narbonne

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our trip wouldn't be complete without ending up on the shores of the Mediterranean and today's ride will follow the Canal de la Robine almost to the shores.

We cycle towards Gruissan, once a pirates' nest, and now a wonderful coastal town - make sure to bring your swimwear if you want to take a dip in the water.

After a soak, we'll head back to Narbonne in time to visit the Narbo Via Museum (Roman Museum of Narbonne) or toast to the final night of our tour with an aperitif at one of the many local cafes.

The total cycling distance today is approximately 30 to 45 kilometres/18.6 to 26.6 miles.

Day 8: Trip Ends Toulouse

Location: Montpellier

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our trip ends this morning at Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS), where we aim to arrive at 10am.

Please note, the earliest your flight can depart is 12pm.

What's Included

  • Meals – Breakfast Only

  • Fully Guided

  • Accommodation

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

What's Not Included

  • Country Entry Visas

  • Tipping and Gratuities

Why Book this Tour

Unlike many other operators, we include the hire of your bike in the overall cost of the holiday: you don't need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet.

Meals

Breakfasts: 6
Lunches: 1
Dinners: 1

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    See trip notes

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?

    It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.

  • Should I get travel insurance?

    Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.

  • What is the accommodation like?

    We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.

  • Do I need to be very fit to book with you?

    All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o

  • Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel

    It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Paul  

Canal Du Midi

The company is lucky to have such aod guide in Fra

The company is lucky to have such aod guide in France; I would feel very comfortable to anywhere with him and would trust his word.

David  

Canal Du Midi

Andrew was very aware of all members of the trip,

Andrew was very aware of all members of the trip, always cheerful and encouraging and had a wealth of local knowledge. Andrew kept us well briefed each day and cared that we had aod experience.

Susan  

Canal Du Midi

My first Explore trip and it exceeded my expectati

My first Explore trip and it exceeded my expectations in every way.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

May 10, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$1800 $1530 (USD)

Operator discount: -$270 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 24, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$1800 $1530 (USD)

Operator discount: -$270 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$1940 $1650 (USD)

Operator discount: -$290 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$1940 $1650 (USD)

Operator discount: -$290 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 23, 2026 - May 30, 2026
$1840 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 30, 2026 - Jun 06, 2026
$1840 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
$1840 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
$1840 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi

8 Days Starting in Toulouse and ending in Toulouse Airport

Visiting: Montpellier, Béziers, Narbonne, Carcassonne

Tour operator:

Explore!

Tour code:

CCM

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

None

Age range:

16-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling

From: $1800 $1530 (USD) Operator discount: -$270 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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