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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!
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)
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
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).
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)
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)
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
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).
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