The Canal du Midi from Toulouse to Sete
A journey on the canal du midi to the Mediterranean see
© C. Deschamps - ADT Aude
© Vincent Photographie - ADT Aude
© C. Deschamps - ADT Aude
© Vincent Photographie - ADT AUDE
© C. Deschamps - ADT Aude
© J. Belongrade - OT GD Narbonne
© Vincent Photographie - ADT Aude
Highlights
Listed as UNESCO World Heritage
A journey across nature, culture and history
The Carcassonne Medieval Town
The Greek city of Agde
The discovery of the local gastronomy
The cultural heritage of the Pink City
Cycling from the pink city to the sea
A crossing along the "royal canal of Languedoc"
Your journey start in Toulouse where you discover the cultural richness of the Pink City. You then start cycling the canal du midi across cultural, natural and historical landscapes. Paul Pierre Riquet make you live to the rythm of the surrounding countryside among ports and locks.
At Castelnaudary, capital of the well-knwon French “Cassoulet” you enjoy the local gastronomy.
Biking on the canal du midi path to Carcassonne, you ride in the heart of the medieval city of Carcassone. It is then time to relax and enjoy some oenology discovery in one of the wine-making-village of the region.
You finish your bike journey along the canal du midi in Sète, where you appreciate the Mediterranean beach and the cultural heritage of the city.
Leisure From TOULOUSE to CASTELNAUDARY 62km 177m 
You leave the pink city and enjoy a journey in the heart of the nature. You bike through the Lauragais countryside full of authentic small villages. You continue to the Seuil de Naurouze, where watersheld are separated. You can make a stop at the Maison de la Haute Garonne located in the Lauragais’ port. There is an exposition about the Canal du Midi construct by Riquet. You then take the road again to Castelnaudary where you will have the opportunity to savour the culinary speciality: a Cassoulet.
From CASTELNAUDARY to CARCASSONNE 45km 71m
Leaving Castelnaudary, you continue along the Canal du Midi to Carcassonne. You cross the new town and arrive on the banks of the Aude, where the impressive walls of the medieval city stand out. Take time to visit this fortress, admirably restored by Viollet-le-Duc. Evening in Carcassonne.
- For a few more km 54km 575m
For this long and sporty version, you leave the Canal des 2 Mers. The relief is a bit steeper but you are rewarded by the discovery of the Abbey of Villelongue then of Montolieu, a charming village of Books and the Arts.
From CARCASSONNE to LE SOMAIL 60km 124m
Between Carcassone and Le Somail you discover many small wine-villages.
Near Homps, you offer yourself a moment of relaxation at the lake of Jouarres, where you can enjoy several nautical activities. You will enjoy the dynamism of the city of Homps and especially its port, which was one of the most important in the Canal du Midi. You take the road again surrounded with authentical villages. The castles in the region give you the opportunity to make a stop and to discover architectural jewel. Your journey finish in Le Somail where you stay overnight.
- For a few more km 65km 307m
You leave Carcassonne, and the Canal du Midi for the vineyards and hills of the Corbières.
From SOMAIL to BEZIERS 45km 143m
On the road to Béziers, you pass through the city of Capestang, where you have the chance to admire the wonderful Collegiate Church of the city.
You then pass under the Malpas tunnel and end with the 9 locks of Fonseranes at the entrance of Béziers.
- For a few more km 39km 147m
In case of bad weather, trails could be very wet and mud, so you advise to avoid the Canal du Midi cycle route and take the roads through Salles d’Aude and Capestang
From BEZIERS to SETE 54km 91m
Today’s route will take you as far as Adge.
After Adge, you follow the river Hérault. Then take a break at the Onglous lighthouse, which is a bit like the “end of the world” for you, as this is where the Canal du Midi ends in the salt water of the Etang de Thau. But the adventure isn’t quite over yet, as the very pleasant Lido greenway will take you all the way to Sète along the Mediterranean beaches. The perfect opportunity to take a well-deserved dip!
By taking this option you follow the canal between Béziers and Agde. You will appreciate the birdlife of the Estagnol marshes, the tranquility of the port of Cassafières, or the remarkable works of the Libron locks and the Saint-Joseph bridge.
SETE
End of your stay after breakfast.
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Starting from 810€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 920€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
- 6 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- Application fee
- Taxes
- The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
- Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits & other personal expenses
“Homemade” tours created and tested for you: :
- Routes chosen by the Abicyclette Voyages team for their touristic and cycling interest, fully tested, safe from traffic
- Accommodations have been visited beforehand and are proposed for the quality of their reception, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
- Great flexibility for the organization of your tour which adapts to your needs and your desires: you leave on the date you wish! We check the availability of accommodations and to ensure your departure.
An assistance close at hand :
- 7/7 assistance from the Abicyclette Voyages team
- Orientation by phone at the departure of your tour
- The possibility of subscribing to a cancellation & multi-risk insurance covering you in case of problems or mishaps
Modern and efficient route tracking:
- We provide a GPS to follow the route without ever having to look for directions (bike mount provided)
- A logbook to find all useful addresses and tourist information
High-end bike rental for true comfort and riding pleasure, with the reliability needed for a long bike trip
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Premium Trekking Bike
Supplied equipment per bike
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Electric BikeA high-end electrically assisted bicycle with its BOSCH crank motor :
Supplied equipment per bike
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Children Bike
Supplied equipment per bike
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Premium Trekking Bike“A hybrid of road bike, mountain bike and touring bike. Ideal for endurance”: 28″ frame: ultra-light Supplied equipment per bike
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Getting here
Departure city : TOULOUSE
Coming by car
- at 6h from PARIS
- at 2h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 5h15 from LYON
Parking*
- Parking privé – Hôtel Royal Wilson
- Parking Carnot – TOULOUSE
- Parking Saint-Georges – TOULOUSE
- Parking Capitole – TOULOUSE
Coming by train
- Toulouse train station - 6h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Toulouse airport
Arrival city : SETE
Coming by car
- at 7h from PARIS
- at 4h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 3h15 from LYON
Coming by train
- Sete train station - 3h45 from Paris
- Montpellier train station - 3h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Montpellier airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
How to get back to the starting point
- By train from Sete to Toulouse in 2h
- Return by car in 2h15 to your starting point
- Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 7 days and 6 nights
Level Leisure
Departure date From April 1st to October 31st
Destination The Canal du Midi
Occitanie - Pyrenees
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
TOULOUSE
You arrive in Toulouse where you discover the richness of the Pink City. You can walk across the “Place du Capitol”, the “Jacobins’ museum” or even the Cité de l’Espagne. Toulouse will offer you a total immersion into authenticity and modernity and you will be captured by this harmonious cohabitation between old and new.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.