Canal du midi Cycling : from Toulouse to Sete

Canal du midi Cycling : from Toulouse to Sete

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7 Days From

$2030

Canal du midi Cycling : from Toulouse to Sete

7 Days Starting in Toulouse, France and ending in Sète, France

Visiting: Toulouse, Carcassonne, Béziers, Sète

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

C06CM

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

12-99

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2030

NB: Prices correct on 18-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Enjoy a ride with a free spirit and the wind in your hair, far from traffic and noisy towns on a continuous 240 km path dotted with monuments and exceptional landscapes. Between ports, villages, fields, vineyards and culinary specialities, this region is a place of tradition, seaside resorts and culture. Meet this friendly, natural, jovial, welcoming and food-loving region.



A trip along the canal, would not be complete without watching a boat pass through one of the numerous locks. Stop a moment to see how the water is transferred from one side of the other, raising the barge, and allowing it to pass through. Along your way experience the Mediterranean 'art de vivre' : enjoy a break under an olive tree or stop for lunch in a local restaurant to taste the local gastronomy and wines. Along the Canal du Midi, the combination of local products, peace, quiet and authenticity ensure an unforgettable journey in the heart of nature !

Highlights

  • A quiet and peaceful ride on the shaded path along the UNESCO listed Canal du Midi

  • Explore historic cities such as Toulouse and Carcassonne

  • Enjoy friendly cafes and gourmet restaurants, rich gastronomy and local wines

  • Pass through the green valleys of the Lauragais district with wheat and sunflower fields

  • Visit the medieval citadel of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Ride through the Minervois area, known for its renowned vineyards

  • End your journey on the Mediterranean in Sète, with a chance for a refreshing dip in the sea

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : 1: Arrival In Toulouse

Location: Toulouse

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

The 'Pink City', which owes its name to the colour of the brick that adorns the facades, is as lovely as its name. Toulouse has no shortage of sights to visit: the wide Capitol Square, the Bernardins convent with the palm-shaped vault, the Assezat hotel in the Renaissance style, the banks of the Garonne in the heart of the city, the Space museum...

Day 2 : 2: Toulouse - Castelnaudary

Location: Toulouse

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Starting in the centre of Toulouse, the route leads you through the green valleys of the Lauragais district. You will be able to enjoy a pastoral setting of wheat and sunflower fields. Your route is also interspersed with locks and beautiful rural villages with a southern Gothic architectural style. Later on, Castelnaudary, famous for its ‘Cassoulet’ (a slow-cooked bean and meat casserole), welcomes you and invite you to taste its local cuisine.

Day 3 : 3: Castelnaudary - Carcassonne

Location: Carcassonne

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Castelnaudary, you pass the imposing St-Roch lock. Follow the canal at your own rhythm and enjoy this quiet ride with lovely views over the peaceful countryside. Then, arrive in Carcassonne via the port in the lower town. Do not miss the medieval citadel overlooking the surrounding countryside. This ancient oppidum (fortified city) dating from the Roman times became an imposing fortress over the centuries, raised to defend itself against Spanish Aragon. The architect Viollet-Leduc saved the walled city from the demolition and today it is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Day 4 : 4: Carcassonne - Homps

Location: Carcassonne

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today the ride is going through the Minervois area and its renowned vineyards which is just a short ride away from the Canal du Midi. Between Aude River and the canal, your way is punctuated with pine trees shade. Here, each village hide a treasure to discover such as the canal bridge of Orbiel. Arriving in Homps, an historic wine-exporting port, is very lively, with many shops. Here you find yourself in the heart of the Minervois area.

Day 5 : 5: Homps - Beziers

Location: Béziers

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ride along several wine villages, calling for your attention! Further on, Le Somail is one of the canal’s most attractive stops, a picture-postcard village with its port, chapel, cafes and amazing antique shops. Then, follow the canal bordered by olive-trees and vines, before reaching the bustling port of Capestang. Along your way, meet amazing civil engineering structures such as the 17th-century Malpas tunnel, built as Europe’s first-ever navigable canal tunnel. Then, admire the cascade of the 9 locks of Fonsérannes before aching Béziers.

Day 6 : 6: Beziers - Sete

Location: Sète

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This last ride leads you to the Mediterranean! The canal guides you towards Sète and its Mediterranean atmosphere. Along your way, pass by Onglous lighthouse, where the Canal du Midi ends in the Etang de Thau. Then, arriving in Sete, you can reach the beach easily for a refreshing dip in the sea!

Day 7 : 7: Leave Sete

Location: Sète

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today marks the end of your adventure.

What's Included

  • Hotel-to-hotel accommodation

    Enjoy hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of standard hotels.

  • All breakfast

    All breakfasts are included during your stay.

  • Luggage transfers

    Luggage transfers between hotels are provided.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas or vaccinations are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.

Accommodation

These are the standard hotels for our trip. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking. Early booking is advised as during busy times we may have to substitute individual hotels for one of an equal or superior standard.

Food

Whether you are a fan of sweet or savoury food, your stomach will thank you at the end of your stay. On the colourful local markets, you will find the finest quality products from the Mediterranean and the countryside. This region has plenty to offer to the food lovers: the seafood platters of clams, oysters and mussels; as well as Pélardon, Causses Blue, and Tome cheeses. The Petits Pâtés de Pézenas (small pastries filled with meats), the tielle (a seafood pie) from Séte, picholine olives, the famous cassoulet (bean stew casserole with pork or duck) from Castelnaudary, the Catalans Rousquilles (biscuits), and salt (and rice) from the Camargue make this a foodie’s paradise.



Canal du Midi is also an important region for winemaking, offering amateurs some real nuggets. Full-bodied, light or fruity, there is truly a world of flavors to share in here: Fitou, Corbières, Minervois, Clape, Quatourze, Cabardès, Malepère and Limoux. Nourished by the Mediterranean sun and the richness of their different wine districts, the Languedoc wines all have their own personality, whether they are reds, whites, rosés or sparkling wines. They are part of the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the region.



Spreading over 245,000 hectares, the Languedoc vineyards are one of the largest vineyards in France, as well as the oldest. From Nîmes to Aude, from Montpellier to Carcassonne, from mountains to bushland and sea, the vineyard landscapes pass by as you travel along the wine routes.

Mode of Transport

The tour involves cycling along the Canal du Midi, starting from Toulouse and ending in Sete. Luggage transfers between hotels are included, ensuring a seamless travel experience as you explore the scenic routes and historic cities.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of standard hotels. Early booking is advised as during busy times, individual hotels may be substituted with one of an equal or superior standard.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    All breakfasts are included in the tour package.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the cycling tour?

    Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour.

  • What are some of the culinary highlights of the region visited on this tour?

    The region offers a variety of culinary delights including seafood platters of clams, oysters, and mussels, as well as cheeses like Pélardon and Tome. You can also enjoy local specialties such as the cassoulet from Castelnaudary, tielle from Sète, and a variety of wines from the Languedoc vineyards.

  • What are some notable sights along the Canal du Midi route?

    Notable sights include the medieval citadel of Carcassonne, the canal bridge of Orbiel, the 17th-century Malpas tunnel, and the cascade of the 9 locks of Fonsérannes. The tour also passes by the Onglous lighthouse where the Canal du Midi ends in the Etang de Thau.

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

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

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

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

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

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