Backroad cycling France

Our favorite Mediterranean cycling getaway along the scenic canals of Languedoc-RoussillonRef CN24

Lock after lock, bridge after bridge, the charming historical Canal du Midi offers the ideal opportunity for a laid back, relaxed cycling holiday with friends or family. We start the tour by following the Canal de la Robine, junction between the Canal du Midi and the Mediterranean Sea. Shortly after Narbonne, we join the Canal du Midi and the many fascinating archaeological sites waiting to be discovered along its route.  We pass the seven locks of Fonséranne and cross the historical town of Béziers, before arriving at the Mediterranean Sea... the moment everyone's been waiting for!

Self-guided tour: from 325€ - Details Duration : 3 or 4 days | Level : Customer satisfaction :
- 1 reviews
+33 458 140 435 A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.
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Physical level :  
This tour is E-bike compatible

Highlights

  • An itinerary that follows the canals, with plenty of options to discover the surrounding area.
  • The towns of Narbonne, Béziers and Sète
  • Numerous monuments to visit along the Canal du Midi: Gaihousty outfall, the Somail, the 9 locks of Fonsérannes, the étang de Thau
  • The canal, locks and canal boats make this a great itinerary for all the family

Description

Comments

  • Special offers for private groups. Please ask us for a quotation.
  • Guided tour available upon request.

Detailed itinerary (3 days)

Day 1: Narbonne - Capestang

Itinerary start: France Bike Trips services begin on day 1 at 9am at our partner hotel in Narbonne with your baggage drop off. On request we can book the previous night's accommodation for you in Narbonne.

Narbonne used to be a regional capital and is well worth a visit. The town conceals a number of fine monuments: the vaults of the 13th century Saint Just gothic cathedral are among the highest in France, at 41 metres. Several archaeological sites are linked to the cathedral, classified as historic buildings. The Archbishops Palace (now the town hall), and the remains of the Via Domitia are a reminder of Narbonne’s rich history. The Canal de la Robine flows through the centre of the town, and connects the Aude River to the Mediterranean at Port La Nouvelle. A junction canal enables boats to join the Canal du Midi, and thus the Atlantic Ocean… From Narbonne we head north on the cycle track that runs alongside the Canal de la Robine. We pass the pretty village of Cuxac d'Aude, before heading to the Canal du Midi, which we join at Argeliers. Optional visit of the Amphoralis museum (museum of Gallo Roman pottery). The Canal du Midi, which connects Toulouse with Sète, is a particularly ingenious work of construction. Coupled with the canal that runs from Toulouse to Bordeaux, the Canal du Midi is the missing link which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. We follow the canal as it winds its way through the Aude countryside, before joining Capestang where we spend the night.

Distance covered: approx. 32 km (optional extra loop around Somail and Mirepeisset: + 8 km)

Day 2: Capestang – Vias

After a hearty breakfast, we leave our accommodation and join the Canal du Midi once again. Optional visit of the Oppidum d'Ensérune (superb archaeological site), at the foot of which passes the Tunnel de Malpas, dug into the rock face. Shortly afterwards, we arrive in Beziers, home of the creator of the canal, Pierre-Paul Riquet. The locks of Fonséranne, undoubtedly one of most famous on the canal, marks our arrival. 9 locks one after the other allow the barges to “climb” more than 20 metres! Our route circumvents Beziers by the south, then follows the canal to the small village of Vias. As the crow flies, the sea is now no more than a few kilometres away… Night in a hotel.

Distance covered: approx. 48 km

Day 3: Vias – Sète

The final stage that leads to the Mediterranean Sea! Don't forget your bathing suits… After Vias, the canal follows the coast before ending at the narrow stretch of land that separates l'Etang de Thau from the Med. We savour the pleasures of a well-earned dip in the sea after several days in the saddle! A cycle track takes us all the way to the centre of Sète, a busy fishing port. The port and quaysides are particularly animated with plenty of café and restaurant terraces offering a great selection of local seafood.

Distance covered: approx. 38 km

Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.

Itinerary end: France Bike Trips services end in Sète with your baggage collection close to the SNCF railway station at 6pm. On request we can book the following night's accommodation for you in Sète.

Return to Narbonne: A regular train service runs between Sète and Narbonne (approx. 50 min, trains accept bicycles).

Detailed itinerary (4 days)

Day 1: Narbonne - Port La Nouvelle - Narbonne

Itinerary start: France Bike Trips services begin on day 1 at 9am at our partner hotel in Narbonne with your baggage drop off. On request we can book the previous night's accommodation for you in Narbonne.

After a short transfer by train from Narbonne, we find ourselves on the shores of the Mediterranean, in Port La Nouvelle. Maritime gateway to the nearby Cathar country, the coastal village marks the end of the Canal de la Robine, which connects the Canal du Midi to the sea. And what a section! The canal winds its way between the Etang de Berre and the Etang de l'Ayrolle, through a very distinctive landscape. An optional extra loop continues between the lakes and salt-water marshes to the small town of Gruissan and its ruined castle. Our route then returns to firmer ground, leading us to Narbonne, our overnight stop.

Note: If you have the energy there is the opportunity to make an out-and-back visit to the Réserve Africaine de Sigean. Approximately 22 km round trip.

Distance covered: approx. 35 km (possibility of shortening by 12 km by missing out Gruissan)

Day 2: Narbonne - Capestang

Narbonne used to be a regional capital and is well worth a visit. The town conceals a number of fine monuments: the vaults of the 13th century Saint Just gothic cathedral are among the highest in France, at 41 metres. Several archaeological sites are linked to the cathedral, classified as historic buildings. The Archbishops Palace (now the town hall), and the remains of the Via Domitia are a reminder of Narbonne’s rich history. The Canal de la Robine flows through the centre of the town, and connects the Aude River to the Mediterranean at Port La Nouvelle. A junction canal enables boats to join the Canal du Midi, and thus the Atlantic Ocean… From Narbonne we head north on the cycle track that runs alongside the Canal de la Robine. We pass the pretty village of Cuxac d'Aude, before heading to the Canal du Midi, which we join at Argeliers. Optional visit of the Amphoralis museum (museum of Gallo Roman pottery). The Canal du Midi, which connects Toulouse with Sète, is a particularly ingenious work of construction. Coupled with the canal that runs from Toulouse to Bordeaux, the Canal du Midi is the missing link which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. We follow the canal as it winds its way through the Aude countryside, before joining Capestang where we spend the night.

Distance covered: approx. 32 km (optional extra loop around Somail and Mirepeisset: + 8 km)

Day 3: Capestang – Vias

After a hearty breakfast, we leave our accommodation and join the Canal du Midi once again. Optional visit of the Oppidum d'Ensérune (superb archaeological site), at the foot of which passes the Tunnel de Malpas, dug into the rock face. Shortly afterwards, we arrive in Beziers, home of the creator of the canal, Pierre-Paul Riquet. The locks of Fonséranne, undoubtedly one of most famous on the canal, marks our arrival. 9 locks one after the other allow the barges to “climb” more than 20 metres! Our route circumvents Beziers by the south, then follows the canal to the small village of Vias. As the crow flies, the sea is now no more than a few kilometres away… Night in a hotel.

Distance covered: approx. 48 km

Day 4: Vias – Sète

The final stage that leads to the Mediterranean Sea! Don't forget your bathing suits… After Vias, the canal follows the coast before ending at the narrow stretch of land that separates l'Etang de Thau from the Med. We savour the pleasures of a well-earned dip in the sea after several days in the saddle! A cycle track takes us all the way to the centre of Sète, a busy fishing port. The port and quaysides are particularly animated with plenty of café and restaurant terraces offering a great selection of local seafood.

Distance covered: approx. 38 km

Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.

Itinerary end: France Bike Trips services end in Sète with your baggage collection close to the SNCF railway station at 6pm. On request we can book the following night's accommodation for you in Sète.

Return to Narbonne: A regular train service runs between Sète and Narbonne (approx. 50 min, trains accept bicycles).

Dates

This tour is available from mid-April to mid-November, on the dates of your choice. Please note that daily baggage transfers are pricier in the low season.

Costs and services self-guided tour

Price per person for a group of:

A single-room supplement will be automatically charged in the case of odd-numbered groups.

3 day cycling programme

The price includes:

  • 2 nights in 2* hotels and guest houses in double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities
  • 2 breakfasts
  • Daily baggage transfers (only 1 baggage item per person for this tour)
  • A carefully designed itinerary
  • Our navigation app for smartphones, a detailed road book including maps (digital format) and GPS tracks
4 day cycling programme

The price includes:

  • 3 nights in 2* hotels and guest houses in double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities
  • 3 breakfasts
  • Daily baggage transfers (only 1 baggage item per person for this tour)
  • A carefully designed itinerary
  • Our navigation app for smartphones, a detailed road book including maps (digital format) and GPS tracks
What is not included:
  • The train from Narbonne to Port La Nouvelle on day 1 (4 day tour only). Price: approx. 4,80 €
  • International flights
  • Bike rental
  • Your transfer to the meeting place
  • All services mentioned in extensions
  • Insurance, assistance
  • Any additional baggage
  • Drinks at the accommodation
  • Visits to museums, monuments and sites
  • Additional travel related to changes in the programme due to bad weather
  • All personal expenses
  • Everything not mentioned under  “the price includes".

Extra services

Price per person:

Single room accommodation 3 days (2 nights) 105 € / 

Single room accommodation 4 days (3 nights) 145 € / 

Extra nights:

Extra night in Narbonne in 2* hotel, double room, including breakfast 65 € / 

Extra night in Narbonne in 2* hotel, twin room, including breakfast 65 € / 

Extra night in Narbonne in 2* hotel, single room, including breakfast 100 € / 

Extra night in Sète in 2* hotel, double room, including breakfast 80 € / 

Extra night in Sète in 2* hotel, twin room, including breakfast 80 € / 

Extra night in Sète in 2* hotel, single room, including breakfast 130 € / 

Extra night in Sète in 3* hotel, double room, including breakfast 95 € / 

Extra night in Sète in 3* hotel, twin room, including breakfast 95 € / 

Extra night in Sète in 3* hotel, single room, including breakfast 160 € / 

Bike rental: see below


Bike rental

Standard bike (3 days) 125 € / 

Standard bike (4 days) 140 € / 

E-Bike (3 days) 205 € / 

E-Bike (4 days) 245 € / 

Rear pannier hire (pair), 3 days 20 € / 

Rear pannier hire (pair), 4 days 25 € / 

*the prices include the return of the bikes to Narbonne

Option bike delivery to Port la Nouvelle: 75€ (fixes price for 1 to 5 bikes max)

All bicycles are equipped with rear rack, a puncture repair kit, a pump and a bike lock. Helmets upon request.

Please indicate your height and helmet size when completing the tour booking form.

Electric bikes offer pedaling assistance, greatly reducing the effort needed to cover a given distance compared to a classic "human-powered" bicycle. They offer an alternative solution in two cases: 

  • You do not feel able to complete a level 1 wheel (lowest level) circuit. With electric assistance, this trip becomes accessible. 
  • You would like to complete a circuit with a person who is fitter than you and you are worried that you will be unable to keep up, or that the other person will find your pace too slow.

Private groups / Custom tours

You are a group of friends, a family, a company or a cycling club and you would like to organise a private cycling tour on the dates of your choice. This option is available for guided and self-guided tours.

  • If you are interested in one of the tours presented on our website, we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in your group.
  • If you are interested in a custom version of one of our tours, with specific requirements (tour duration, accommodation type, vehicle assistance, airport transfers, bike rental, etc.), we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in the group and the group's specific requirements.

For more information or to receive a quote, please contact us by phone at +33 458 140 435  or by email at info@france-bike-trips.com.

Travel insurance

It is important to be correctly insured when embarking on a cycling holiday. We recommend checking the details of your travel insurance (if you have one) and, if necessary, subscribing to our contract below. Please note that France Bike Trips is simply an intermediary between you and the insurance company.

You can choose between these travel insurance contracts while completing your booking form:

  • I subscribe to the "comprehensive multi-risk" insurance cover (4.5%), minimum premium of 15 €:
    This contract covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage, holiday interruption and cancellation. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "cancellation only" insurance cover (2.5%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers cancellation only. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "repatriation & assistance" insurance cover (1.6%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage and holiday interruption. To see the full contract, click here.

Recommendation:
If you choose to take out a travel insurance policy with another insurance company, please check that the search and rescue coverage is suitable: area covered, expenses included, risks covered (as an indication, a minimum cover of 15 000 € is recommended). Please note that credit card insurance rarely offers this type of coverage.

Booking procedure / Cancellation

How to book

In order to make a booking please fill in the online booking form on the "booking" page of your chosen tour. At the end of the booking process you will be transferred to our bank's secure payment page in order to pay a 30 % deposit.

Last minute booking

All self-guided bookings made within 21 days of tour departure will incur a surcharge of 15 € per person.

Expert advice
  • Unsure which tour to book?
  • Interested in a custom version of one of our tours?
  • Not sure if a particular tour is suitable for your riding style?

A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm (French time) by phone - +33 458 140 435 or by mail - info@france-bike-trips.com.

Tour confirmation

In order to confirm our guided tours, we need to reach a minimum number of participants (usually 5 persons are necessary). Therefore booking a guided tour does not necessarily mean the tour is confirmed. In the unlikely event that we are unable to confirm your chosen tour, we will offer you the opportunity (no less than 21 days before departure) of switching to another (confirmed) tour, or receiving a full refund.

Self-guided or custom tours: We confirm bookings of self-guided tours and custom tours directly after booking.

In both cases, please await our final booking confirmation before making any travel arrangements.

Balance payment

Tour balance payment must be made no less than 30 days before tour departure. Your travel documents will be sent to you once we have received your balance payment. Road books and maps will be sent to you 3 weeks before departure.

Cancellation

In the event that you are obliged to cancel your tour France Bike Trips will reimburse the entire sum paid for the tour, minus the following cancellation charges:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 5 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 60 and 31 days before departure: 15 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 30 and 21 days: 30 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 20 and 14 days: 50 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 13 and 7 days: 70 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Less than 7 days before departure: 100 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium

Full details of our sales conditions are available here

Getting there

By train: From Paris Gare de Lyon train station to Narbonne train station (about 4h30 by TGV train).
https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

By plane:

  • From Montpellier airport: join the Montpellier train station and head to Narbonne.
  • From Perpignan airport: join the Perpignan train station and head to Narbonne.

By car:
Route planner: en.mappy.com

Coming back:

You can return to Narbonne by taking the train from Sète (about 40min) : https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

Route navigation

You will receive an email 2 weeks before departure, containing all the information necessary for your upcoming tour, including the following navigation tools:

Our dedicated smartphone app

Follow your route with comfort and ease! Thanks to the Velorizons navigation app, download the full trip itinerary to your smartphone, view route maps and profiles, access the list of booked accommodation, services and useful contacts, and use the integrated route guidance (visual and vocal) for navigation.

See the mobile app presentation video

To benefit fully from the app navigation system, we strongly recommend attaching your smartphone to the bicycle handlebar using a dedicated mount. An example can be viewed here.

Velorizons app compatibility
Operating systemAndroidAppleWindows PhoneBlackberry
CompatibilityVersion 8.0 minimumiOS 8.0 minimum. iPhone compatible, iPad compatible if GPS equippedNon compatibleNon compatible
A detailed Road Book

Your tour road book will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The road book contains:

  • Full colour maps with highlighted routes,
  • Step-by-step route description,
  • Route profiles
GPS tracks

Tour GPS tracks will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The tracks are in .gpx format, compatible with all GPS devices/apps.

Car sharing

If you sign up for a guided tour, we offer you the opportunity to see if you can carpool with other participants to get to the point of departure. To do this, go to "Car sharing" in our website. By entering the complete reference and the date of departure of the tour (available on the registration confirmation that we have sent you), you have access to route details and emails of other participants who wish to carpool.

Group size and guiding

For guided trips we limit the size of our groups from 5 (min) to 12 (max) persons in order to ensure security and conviviality.

You will be guided by English-speaking French mountain bike guides.

No size limitation for self-guided groups.

Accommodation

We favour comfortable accommodation with warm hospitality. For more details, please see the "Costs and services" section.

For private groups and self-guided tours it is possible to choose alternative accommodation (upgrade) depending on availability.

Food

"L'art de la table"

We pay very careful attention to the quality and the variety of your meals.  Fresh and local produce will be served wherever possible.

Depending on the meals included in your chosen tour:

  • Continental breakfasts taken at the accommodation
  • Cold picnics for lunch (mixed salad, bread, cold meats, cheese and fruit). Each participant carries his picnic in his daypack
  • Hearty dinners (3 to 4 courses, with local dishes)

Please check the "Dates & Prices" section for meal plan details.

Baggage

During the day you carry only a daypack for additional clothing, water, food, camera, etc. The rest of your baggage is transferred each day to the following nights accommodation.

Health

We strongly recommend having a medical check-up before your holiday. 

Our / Your state of mind

- A "group" tour: If you join a guided tour, you will be part of a group for several days. This is a superb opportunity to meet new people and share some magical moments. However, a group tour requires that each person show friendliness, openness and mutual respect for their fellow travellers.

- An "adventure" tour: despite the most careful preparation, adventure tours can present unforeseen events. Accepting these risks will help you enjoy your trip to the full, in the knowledge that your guide, our local partners and the entire France Bike Trips team will offer you the most suitable solutions to any given situation.

Bike and plane / train

If you decide to bring your own bike, be aware that transporting a bike by plane or train is no longer an issue. However a few simple guidelines help to optimise the transport and avoid potential damages that could occur.
Your bike must be transported in a designated bike bag (standard size 120x90cm). This maximal size allows you to travel with your bike as "hand luggage" in any TGV and SNCF trains.
It is very important that you protect your bike in the bag. After having deflated the tires, removed the wheels (by removing the quick release mechanisms), pedals and rear derailleur (which is left hanging on the chain), we recommend you wrap your bike inside the bag in a sheet of dense foam (thickness of 3 to 5 cm). A piece of cardboard or rigid plastic positioned between the foam and the inside of the cover can be beneficial to provide more rigidity.

Once folded up the bike bag will take up very little space and will be transported by the assistance vehicle during your tour.

Bike bags are available directly from France Bike Trips at a cost of 70 euros, plus postage.

Your equipment

Equipment provided by France Bike Trips on guided tours:
  • A group first-aid kit
  • A bike repair kit and tools
Personal equipment to bring:
Baggage

All your luggage must fit in two bags: a daypack and a travel bag.

1/ Daypack

This is the bag you will keep with you each day whilst riding. This bag should not be too large (up to 30 litres).

It will contain: a picnic lunch, camera, waterproof and extra clothing, etc.

Each day, your guide will advise you on what to bring in your bag according to the route and the weather.

2/ Travel bag

This is the bag that will be transported from one accommodation to the next by vehicle. It should contain all the belongings you will not use during the day.

IMPORTANT: Your luggage transported from one accommodation to the next must fit in a single bag and must not exceed 20kg.

List of equipment to pack in your bag the day of departure:
For your head
  • A cap or other head protection against the sun
  • A hat or headband
  • A bike helmet.
For your upper body
  • Two base layers (made of synthetic or natural breathable fabrics)
  • A warm shirt or a sweatshirt
  • A fleece
  • A waterproof jacket
For your legs
  • Two good quality cycling shorts
  • Trousers
  • Casual short
  • A swimsuit.
For your feet
  • Comfortable sports shoes 
  • Sports socks
  • Sandals (not obligatory, but nice during breaks and in the evening...).
For your bike

If you rent a bike from France Bike Trips, this material is not necessary.

  • 2 spare tubes and a puncture repair kit
  • Lubricant for chain and derailleur
  • A pump
  • A spare derailleur hanger
Various
  • A pair of cycling gloves
  • A bike lock
  • 2 bike bottles 75 cl (or Camelbak)
  • A small individual pharmacy: sunscreen (face and lips); band aids + double skin; Immodium; pain killers, earplugs, other personal medication.

Self-guided formula

Self-guided tour "user guide"

Active autonomy: what you need to know for our self-guided tours

In order to achieve the planned tour programme, you must:

  • Guide yourself with the highlighted maps and road book;
  • Choose suitable start times adapted to the lengths of the daily stages as well as your own riding pace, and leave an adequate safety margin of time;
  • Obtain daily weather forecasts from your hosts, and take into account the weather conditions when planning journey times;
  • Arrive at the booked guest houses and hotels listed in the programme on the given dates; 
  • Bring the necessary personal equipment to carry out the tour. France Bike Trips equipment list constitutes the necessary minimum;
  • Carry insurance policies and emergency telephone numbers with you at all times;
  • Be familiar with basic first-aid steps;
  • In the event of any problems during your trip, contact France Bike Trips (contact information in your travel documents). Possession of a mobile phone that works in France is strongly recommended.

Self-guided tours are undertaken without a guide and at your own risk. France Bike Trips cannot be held liable for any route error, misconduct, personal imprudence, inadequate planning or inappropriate reactions in the event of incidents.

Any programme change of your own initiative is under your responsibility and at your expense. 

Having said this, with our advice and good preparation, you should be able to look forward to a wonderful, trouble free holiday. Enjoy your trip!

Average tour rating:

4/5 - 1 Reviews
Cheyenne P. | Participant rating:
"This was an excellent tour. Bikes and navigation were great. We had an excellent time. I would have appreciated the opportunity to upgrade the hotel the second night. Overall we had a wonderful experience. "
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A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.


Phone number: +33 458 140 435

Contact us

A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.

Please type in your email address in order to access tour details and description

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