Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi

8 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
A cycling holiday along France's historic Canal du Midi and surrounding countryside. Explore medieval walled towns, Cathar Castles, local markets and of course refuel on delicious French cuisine on route. Canal du Midi - Cycle alongside one of the greatest works of civil engineering of the 17th century Discover rich histories - Narbonne and the walled f...
$1,882
From$1,630
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Cycling adventure along France's historic Canal du Midi and the picturesque countryside
    • Explore Toulouse, Narbonne, Carcassonne's walled fortress
    • Visit vibrant local markets, and try delectable French cuisine along the way

What's this trip about?

    A cycling holiday along France's historic Canal du Midi and surrounding countryside. Explore medieval walled towns, Cathar Castles, local markets and of course refuel on delicious French cuisine on route. Canal du Midi - Cycle alongside one of the greatest works of civil engineering of the 17th century Discover rich histories - Narbonne and the walled fortress town of Carcassonne Cathar history - Ride through the picturesque landscapes and historic villages of the Languedoc Region or up to the stronghold of Minerve

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityToulouse
End CityToulouse Airport

Destinations

Attractions

  • Marseille
  • Toulouse

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 20

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip Toulouse

Our trip begins at Toulouse airport (airport code TLS) at 7.15pm. If you would like an airport transfer today, the latest your flight can arrive is 6.30pm. We'll then transfer to Carcassonne. On arrival there will be time to wander the ramparts of this amazing site at the time when it's at its most charming, the evening.

Meals Provided : None

Day 2 Circular ride around Carcassonne

Today we will get on our bikes for the first time and explore the peaceful surrounding countryside while day-trippers occupy the citadel of Carcassonne. Our route takes us to the beautiful villages of Conques-sur-Robiel, Bouilhonnac, and the tiny village of Les Rustiq...

Day 3 Cycle to Jouarres, winetasting at Marseillette

Today we cycle along the famous Canal du Midi and arrive at our destination le Chateau de Jouarres in Homps, a pleasant yet simple resort with a pool, our base for the next three nights. On the way we'll leave the canal for a short while at Marseillette to for a winet...

Day 4 Leisurely circular ride va Laviniere.

Our route today is a leisurely loop taking in the village of La Laviniere. Made up largely of stone houses typical of the region the village has a wine making tradition going back to Roman times and is surrounded not just by vineyards but also by olive groves. We'll s...

Day 5 Optional circular cycle route to Minerve

One of the principal reasons to stay in Jouarres is to have the option to visit one of the most enigmatic sites of the Cathar Crusade, the stronghold of Minerve. Today we can choose to cycle to this wonderful town perched on a rocky outcrop between two gorges. This in...

Day 6 Continue on the Canal du Midi and follow the Canal de la Robine into Narbonne

Today we pack our bags again and continue our Canal du Midi adventure. We will reach the junction of the canals, making sure to stop for coffee and lunch, where the Canal du Midi loops north to avoid the hills, and the Canal de la Robine which was later dug to connect...

Day 7 Half day cycle to the beaches of Gruissan Plage

Our trip wouldn't be complete without ending up on the shores of the Mediterranean and today's ride will follow the Canal de la Robine almost to the shores. We cycle towards Gruissan, once a pirates' nest, and now a wonderful coastal town. Make sure to bring your swim...

Day 8 Drive to Toulouse Airport where our trip ends

The trip ends at Toulouse airport at 10am. The earliest your flight can depart is 12pm.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,630
Price per day$204
Last Updated: 3/26/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
10 May 2025
17 May 2025
$1,630
$450
7 spots left
24 May 2025
31 May 2025
$1,800
$470
5 spots left
07 Jun 2025
14 Jun 2025
$1,940
$470
5 spots left
27 Sep 2025
04 Oct 2025
$1,940
$470
4 spots left
23 May 2026
30 May 2026
$1,840
$490
16 spots left
30 May 2026
06 Jun 2026
$1,840
$490
16 spots left
05 Sep 2026
12 Sep 2026
$1,840
$490
16 spots left
12 Sep 2026
19 Sep 2026
$1,840
$490
16 spots left

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,427
Great
3,358
Average
527
Disappointing
158
Terrible
80
T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2024

Written on

Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi

This was a lovely trip , Erwin our leader was friendly, extremely helpful and great for adapting to meet the group's needs. The cycling each day was within my abilit...

H

Heidi

Oct 2024

Written on

Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi

Brilliant cycling holiday, with a fantastic group. Erwin , our leader made sure we were all happy, arranged accommodation, transport , evening meals and the cycling ...

A

Andrew

Jun 2024

Written on

Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi

Great trip. The canal path is not as bad as the Explore notes lead you to believe. I have been on other Explore cycling trips, but the bikes used on this trip were s...

H

Hilary

Oct 2023

Written on

Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi

Cycling to Chateaux de Lastours and walking to some of the chateaux.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Bicycle, Train,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Bicycle, Train
Guides
Explore Tour Leader
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
France: Visas are not required by UK, EU, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory. Tetanus recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 7
  • Lunch : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-CCM

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