Canal du Midi Montpellier to Carcassone – 7 Days
Type of tour: Guided
Level: 2
Duration: 6 Nights
Distance: 26 Miles/day average
Dates:
Mar 22; Apr 5, 19; May 3, 17, 31; Jun 14; Aug 30; Sep 13, 27; Oct 11, 2015 (minimum 8 participants)
Tour price: €1110
Start city: Montpellier, France
End city: Carcassone, France
Tour Description
The Canal du Midi is undoubtedly the most beautiful canal in Europe. It was built by Pierre Paul Riquet between 1667 and 1681 in order to link the Mediterranean to Atlantic Ocean. This idea had already been dreamt of by the Romans but was only carried out sixteen centuries later and even at that time was a considerable technological achievement.
Nowadays this calm restful waterway is lined on both sides by more than a 100,000 100-year-old trees. All along the 260 km / 160 miles of water situated in the South of France and the 64 locks, you will come across authentic and varied landscapes. You will come across such exceptional places of touristic interest as the medieval walled town of Carcassonne.
Other equally fascinating sites will make pleasant stopping points on your trip between the sea-port of Se`te and Carcassonne. Agde is well-known for its wonderful fortified Romanesque cathedral built in basalt, Be´ziers for its 2000-year-old Roman bridge, its cathedral and its Canal Bridge and Narbonne for its great gothic cathedral, its archbishop’s palace and its Roman underground warehouses.
There are also numerous villages (typical of the South of France) spread out the whole way along your trip. You can discover new places, breathe in nice odours, get some fresh air, look around you and feel relaxed on your bicycle and at the same time undertake an activity which is good for your mind and body. This promenade along the water edge away from traffic will allow you to meet local people and other tourists and to appreciate the wonderful local cuisine.
France-Bike provides suggestions on detours based on current work and trail conditions.
While the route is rated leisurely, trail conditions are definitely making the tour more challenging.
Highlights: Guided Daily Program: Guided Day 1: Montpellier Day 2: Montpellier – Sète (33 miles/55 km) Day 3: Sète – Bèziers (33 miles/55 km) Day 4: Be´ziers – Narbonne (27 miles/45km) Day 5: Narbonne – Homps (28 miles/45 km) Day 6: Homps – Carcassone (28 miles/45 km) Day 7: Carcassonne Included Services: Guided Please note: Also note: Bike Rentals: Guided All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge: Please note: Pedals: Helmets:
Individual arrival.
Overnight in Montpellier.
Meeting at the hotel reception around 09.30 a.m. for more explanations on the tour and distribution of bikes – if rented. From the beautiful town Montpellier you’re riding along the river Lez and through bird sanctuary to Palavas and the Mediterranean Sea. Follow the Rhone-Se`te-Canal to Frontignan and further on to Se`te.
Overnight in Sète.
Ride along the beach road to Agde (visit the old town and the cathedral). Along the the canal du Midi you cycle to Be´ziers.
Overnight in Be´ziers.
Visit Be´ziers, then via the bridge over the river Orb you reach the 7 Fonse´ranes locks. Continue on side roads and field paths past the Celtic Oppidum of Ense´rune and an imposing Gothic church in Capestang. You continue on little roads and paths through vineyards to Narbonne.
Overnight in Narbonne.
Narbonne (visit the old town and its famous ancient monuments like the archbishop’s palace, Gothic cathedral); then you ride along the Canal de la Robine and on little roads to the Canal du Midi, and then to the little village of Homps. You dine and stay at hotel on the canal bank.
Overnight in Homps.
Again you follow the Canal du Midi until you reach the fascinating, historical city of Carcassone, the famous medieval walled town with its 2 circular walls and huge medieval fortress, the largest in Europe.
Overnight in Carcassone.
Individual departure (return transfer available, except on Saturdays from 05th of July to 23rd of August 2014).
Tourist’s tax must be paid with cash directly to each hotel for participants on the self-guided option. But for the guided tours the tourist tax is included!
You must also book the return bike service on this tour; you may not leave the bike at your final hotel.
Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking) include:
You must also book the return bike service on this tour; you may not leave the bike at your final hotel.
The bikes will have FLAT pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmets are available to rent for 5 Euros. We recommend, for safety and hygiene reasons, that you bring your own helmet.
