Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in Toulouse

Toulouse, the "Pink City",  has a rich heritage so if you have time you will want to visit some of the places of historic interest such as St Sernin church, the largest Romanesque church in France, the ‘Capitole’ square etc… everywhere you look will be architecture to admire.

Day 2:
Toulouse – Castelnaudary, 37 miles (60km)

‘The pink city’ famous for its architecture, opens the doors of the ‘Canal du Midi’. You will start your stage by crossing the ‘Lauragais’ , farming country, where ducks and geese enjoy a peaceful life, swimming and disturbing cyclists along the canal. Fifty kms of tow path alongside the canal between Toulouse and Avignonet-Lauragais are paved, making it a popular place for cycling and rollerskating. Castelnaudary, famous for its ‘Cassoulet’ , will welcome you and invite you to taste its local cuisine.

Day 3:
Castelnaudary – Carcassonne, 28 miles (45km)

The ancient Cathar town of Castelnaudary has the largest turning basin (Le grand bassin) of the Canal du Midi, and a pretty set of canal locks. In the heart of Cathar country, discover the evidence of their crusades all along your stage, they will guide you towards Carcassonne and its impressive medieval city. Classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO, you can admire one of the most beautiful fortifications of Europe.

Day 4:
Carcassonne – Homps, 28 miles (45km)

Between the River Aude and the canal, your stage continues gently at the pace of the stream itself, punctuated with pine and plane trees always offering a fresh landscape to enjoy. Each village hides a treasure to discover; do not miss the canal bridge of Orbiel and the stone spillway of Argendouble.

Day 5:
Homps – Narbonne, 28 miles (45km)

Today you continue to ride through the typical small villages of this area such as the charming Paraza and Le Somail. Then, leaving the Canal du Midi for a while, you follow another one ‘Canal de la Robine’, to reach Narbonne. Here you can enjoy the amazing ‘7 lockes’ in Salleles d’Aude and the bridge ‘pont des marchands’ in Narbonne.

Day 6:
Narbonne – Béziers, 31 miles (50km)

Start your day along the ‘Canal de la Robine’ to rejoin the ‘Canal du Midi’ on a route bordered by olive trees and vineyards. You will want to stop at Malpas tunnel, the world's first tunnel for a navigational canal cuts through the hills. This is an exceptional site composed of 3 levels: the canal, a railway and a third way. The ‘oppidum’ of Enserune classified as world heritage by Unesco is also a wonderful point of view. Before arriving in Bezier, other curiosities are waiting for you.....the Ecluses de Fonséranes are a series of 9 locks set end-to-end, and the canal bridge.

Day 7:
Béziers – Agde, 19 miles (30km)

Let’s go to the Mediterranean beaches! The bassin rond d'Agde, east of Beziers, is the only round lock in the world, regulating three waterways. The canal guides you all the way to the pine tree fragrances and seaside atmosphere of the Mediterranean at Agde.

Day 8:
Departure from Agde

After breakfast it is time to make your way home or extend your stay.