Cycle from the Toulouse to Sète on this 7-day self-guided tour
Follow the footsteps masterfully laid out by France's most famous canal architect, Paul Riquet, as you cycle the Canal du Midi from Toulouse to Sète on this 7-day self-guided bike tour.
The Canal du Midi by Bike: Toulouse to Sète cycling tour is the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty and elegance of the pastoral landscapes in the south of France. This tour will introduce you to the beautiful natural oasis and charming towns and villages of the Occitanie region.
From Toulouse, you'll ride east towards the Mediterranean Coast, enjoying visits and overnight stays in Castelnaudary, Homps, Béziers, and more. Then, arriving on the sandy shores of Sète, you'll have completed a week's worth of unforgettable cycling in the South of France.
Your two wheels are your ticket to exploring several highlights of the region, including the agricultural landscapes of Lauragais, the sprawling vineyards of Minervois, and charming small villages like Carcassonne and Capestang.
Experience an authentic France on this unique cycling holiday in Occitanie!
Highlights of the Canal du Midi by Bike: Toulouse to Sète Biking Tour
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Canal du Midi by Bike: Toulouse to Sète Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive
Your tour begins in the lovely “Pink City” of Toulouse, known for its brick buildings. Toulouse boasts several fine restaurants and a lively town center.
Settle into your accommodations here, then set out to discover some gems of this riverside town, perhaps taking a walk to the Place du Capitole or the 13th-century Dominican monastery, Couvent des Jacobins.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Toulouse
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle the Lauragais Area to Castelnaudary
Set out on the first leg of your cycling tour along the Canal du Midi this morning, ready to take in the beautiful French countryside as you ride to Castelnaudary! Setting out from Toulouse, you’ll pedal the Paul Riquet Bridge, cruising alongside the Canal du Midi and noting its classic barges along the way.
Entering the Lauragais area, you’ll encounter a true hidden gem in the south of France, a vibrant agricultural area full of colours and life. Pause in Avignonet to discover a site of medieval ruins before continuing to Castelnaudary.
Gastronomy is synonymous with Castelnaudary, and the town is particularly well-known for its Cassoulet dish. Bon appetit!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Castelnaudary
Distance: 64km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle to the Bram River Port and Carcassonne
Another scenic ride awaits you this morning as you set out towards the Bram River port. With your path lorded over by the Montagne Noire to the east and the majestic Pyrenees to the south, you’ll find yourself completely enveloped in marvellous mountain scenery.
On the route, you’ll pass through several ancient villages as you ride to Carcassonne. On the way, you’ll take in the Cugarel mill, the Rebente aqueduct, and the Villepinte Dam.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Carcassonne
Distance: 43km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle to Homps or Olonzac via Trèbes
Today’s route is quiet and peaceful, with plenty of time to reflect and enjoy the tranquillity afforded by the beautiful French countryside. Follow the canal as the route unfolds through forests of sycamores. Admire the impressive bridge at Orbiel and a 12th-century chapel in Trèbes.
Continue through sprawling vineyards, taking in the splendour and vitality of some of France’s most fertile lands. Arrive in Homps or Olonzac, where you’ll find tonight’s accommodations.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Homps or Olonzac
Distance: 42km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle to Béziers via Argens
Begin your day on two wheels with a pleasant ride on a gently winding path past the lock of Argens and on to Le Somail. It’s recommended to enjoy some time on foot in Le Somail, perusing its old stately library before returning to your bike to complete the final leg of today.
Tracing the Canal de la Robine, you’ll pedal to Capestang, then on to Poilhes la Romaine and Foncérannes, finally arriving in Béziers.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Béziers
Distance: 62km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle the Coast to Sète
With the salty scent of the Mediterranean in the air, you’ll ride towards the coast today, making your way to the seaside town of Sète. Dunes, swamps, and large lagoons will flank your path as you enjoy this gorgeous coastal route. Ride past the Pont bâche du Libron and Agde’s round lock, eventually reaching the lighthouse of Onglous where the Canal du Midi comes to an end. Continue the route to Marseillan, where you’ll trace the sandy shoreline to charming Sète.
Sète is the perfect place to end your cycling tour, home to several lively restaurants and bars and in a truly magical coastal setting. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening, celebrating the completion of your tour!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sète
Distance: 50km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Departure
Your tour ends in pleasant Sète this morning. Check out and head to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Standard accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Solo Traveller: $1,225 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,195 USD
- Sharing a twin room: $795 USD
- Sharing a double room: $775 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $775 USD
Comfort Accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Single room: $1,550 USD
- Sharing a twin room: $1,025 USD
- Sharing a double room: $950 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $995 USD
Accommodation on the Canal du Midi by Bike: Toulouse to Sète Tour
This tour is available with either standard or deluxe accommodations. Both variations are based in hotels and B&Bs. Hotels and B&Bs on the standard tour are 2-star and 3-star and Hotels and B&Bs on the deluxe tour are 3-star and 4-star. Accommodations are well-located and offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Quadruple rooms are available on request.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hôtel Albert 1er (Toulouse) ★★★
The 3-star Hôtel Albert 1er in Toulouse offers a comfortable stay with modern amenities, providing guests with a convenient base to explore the vibrant city of Toulouse and its attractions.
Hôtel le Clos Fleuri in Castelnaudary ★★★
Located just a stone’s throw away from the Midi Canal, this comfortable hotel offers amenities like an outdoor pool and an excellent in-house restaurant.
Hotel du Pont vieux in Carcassonne ★★
Enjoy this modern, centrally located hotel, bringing the best of Carcassonne right to your doorstep.
Cdh La Maison des Palmiers (Homps)
Cdh La Maison des Palmiers in Homps is a charming guesthouse featuring a relaxed ambiance. Nestled in Homps, it offers a tranquil setting and a garden oasis, providing guests with a serene escape.
Hotel des Poètes in Béziers ★★
Lovingly renovated, this modern hotel is stylish and elegant and faces the beautiful Plateau des Poetes garden.
Hotel l'Orque Bleue in Sète ★★★
Located in the heart of the city, this unforgettable hotel strikes the perfect balance of modern, charming, and comfortable and offers guests several amenities like a coffee shop and lounge.
Hotels on Deluxe Tour
Hôtel de Brienne (Toulouse) ★★★★
The 4-star Hôtel de Brienne in Toulouse offers a luxurious stay with upscale amenities, providing guests with a comfortable and elegant experience while exploring the vibrant city of Toulouse.
Hôtel le Clos Fleuri (Castelnaudary) ★★★
Hôtel Le Clos Fleuri in Castelnaudary is a cozy and charming accommodation, offering guests a comfortable stay in a serene and welcoming atmosphere, showcasing local hospitality in the town of Castelnaudary.
Hôtel du Château (Carcassonne) ★★★
Hôtel du Château in Carcassonne is a charming accommodation offering guests a comfortable stay, situated within close proximity to the historic Carcassonne Castle and providing a convenient base for exploring the city's medieval charm.
Cdh La Maison des Palmiers (Homps)
Cdh La Maison des Palmiers in Homps is a charming guesthouse featuring a relaxed ambiance. Nestled in Homps, it offers a tranquil setting and a garden oasis, providing guests with a serene escape.
Hôtel Impérator in Béziers ★★★
Hotel Imperator is located in the city center near several attractions, bars, restaurants, and shops.
Grand Hôtel de Sète (Sète) ★★★
The Grand Hôtel de Sète, a 3-star hotel in Sète, offers a comfortable stay with modern amenities and stunning views of the city or the Mediterranean Sea.
What’s Included in the Canal du Midi by Bike: Toulouse to Sète Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Toulouse and after the tour in Sète are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also add nights at the hotels along the route.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage are included throughout the tour (1 piece per person). Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- GPS tracks (on request)
- Tourist city tax
- 24/7 emergency phone support
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas if required
- Any public transport used
Optional Extras
- Bike rental
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Optional activities or excursions
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Frequently Asked Questions about Canal du Midi by Bike: Toulouse to Sète Biking Tour
With 25 years of experience running walking and biking tours in France, S-Cape France has a team full of energy and fresh ideas. Their multinational team can assist in various languages, and their large collection of itineraries means you’ll be able to find your dream adventure in France.
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