€635.00 – €865.00
Constructed in the 1600’s, the Canal du Midi is a feat of early engineering. It formed a vital transport link for taking the regional wine to far horizons and thus greatly influenced growth in the region. It is now a popular greenway for boaters, hikers and cyclists.
On this self-guided cycle tour, you will cycle approximately 50 km per day along the canal towpath, through the Languedocian vines and along the Mediteranean coast.
Select your optionsThis self-guided cycling tour features the ever popular Canal du Midi, but also explores the quiet vineyard roads in the surrounding countryside. The tour starts in the medieval citadel of Carcasonne and ends at Mediteranean in the roman port of Agde. You will cycle approximately 50 km per day along the scenic Canal du Midi, through the Languedocian vines and along the Mediteranean coast.
You will stay one night in each of the following locations:
All our accommodation is bike-friendly, rated 2 or 3 stars and includes breakfast each day.
Standard pricing is based on double occupancy, but single occupancy can be arranged for a supplement.
Typical daily routes are approximately 50km in length and relatively flat. The intention is to allow sufficient time to stop, explore and enjoy the experience.
With its amazing castle and ramparts, Carcassonne is one of the best preserved medieval fortified towns in Europe and is a designated UNESCO World heritage site.
Walk along the protective walls surrounding the medieval city (a distance of approx 3km and including 52 towers). The count’s castle which stands against the old enclosure is an excellent introduction to medieval military architecture. There are two main gates into the fortified city, the Aude gate and the Narbonne Gate featuring two enormous towers.
Explore the historic centre with its many narrow streets and artisan shops. Be sure to stop and admire the Saint-Nazaire Basilica. Select one of the many restaurants in the old town for a traditional Languedoc feast.
In the afternoon, take a break at the Ecluses (locks) d’Aiguille, at Puicheric – the lock-keeper’s sculptures are fascinating!
Homps, your destination for the day, is a lively village located directly on the canal. Once an important hub for wine exportation from the region, Homps now caters to the many walkers and cyclists who use the canal with its charming artisan shops and cafes overlooking the water.
Le Somail is our suggested lunch stop – with its arched stoned bridge it is one of the prettiest villages on the canal. Despite the tiny size of the village, there are a number of good canalside restaurants to choose from. Be sure to check out the antique book shop before heading off again.
After Le Somail, the route will leave the canal – meandering through the gently rolling countryside before finishing back on the canal at Capestang. Capestang is a bustling centre full of cozy bars and restaurants. Markets on Wednesday and Sunday mornings on the Place Jean Jaurès provide an opportunity to sample the local produce and specialities.
Capestang spans the Canal du Midi. Celebrate a day well-cycled with a cold drink right on the canal. Enjoy the final evening meal of your tour – freshly prepared by your host based on traditional recipes and local produce.
The Canal du Midi was actually begun in Beziers by one of the town’s most famous sons, Paul Riquet. The waterways, both river and canal, were vital transport links in taking the region’s wine to far horizons. In the 19th century Béziers became the undisputed capital of the Languedoc wine producing region.
After Beziers, you will continue to follow the canal path towards the Mediteranean. The canal opens up as it approaches the coast. Here the towpath is newly paved most of the way and backed by dunes. Why not stop for a refreshing dip in the sea at Portiragnes Plage.
As you enter Adge, you will pass the historic L’Écluse Ronde, a canal lock that connects the Hérault River to the Canal du Midi. Built in 1676, it’s unique round design allowed boats to turn around. The lock is still in use, but is no longer round as it was expanded in 1978 to allow larger boats to pass.
Your tour ends here. We will pick up your bikes and transport you on to your next local destination or the nearby airport/train station for your onward journey. There are regular trains from Agde back to Carcassonne.
Alternatively, consider combining this trip with our “Along the Med” itinerary to continue leisurely cycling along the beautiful Mediteranean coast for another 3 days.
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