Pedal softly along the beautiful tree-lined roads
Leisurely bike along flat terrain, taking in the picturesque scenery
Cruise through southern France feeling the breeze in your hair
Ride past superb vistas as you clock up the kilometers
Experience the delights of France
Explore the canal paths and tranquil beauty of this region
Get to know the exquisite UNESCO fortified village of Carcassonne on the last few days of the tour

Cycling France Tour of the Canal du Midi

Duration
7 days
Site savings
$35
From
$3,419 USD

Join this southern France sojourn for a memorable escape. The cycling on this tour is graded as easy, mainly flat roads and canal paths, with lots of coastal aspects, peppered with fascinating villages, and of course the food and wine. Unsurprisingly for France, this region has a strong winegrowing culture. You will visit some amazing French towns and villages on this cycling tour, and the variety is wonderful. A highlight is the UNESCO listed town of Carcassonne. The striking Citadelle of Carcassonne at the end of the tour was plundered for building materials until it was restored to glory in the early nineteenth century and is now one of the most visited sites in France.

  • Category
    For Food Lovers
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    7 days
  • Culture Level
    Familiar
  • Skill Level
    1 - Beginner
  • Activity Level
    2 - Moderate
  • Elevation
    1 - Easy
  • Terrain
    Flat
  • Distance
    145.4 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    29.1 miles
operated by
Tour de Vines
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The Mediterranean Sea washes upon many different shores, and the influences of seafaring nations throughout the centuries can be seen along the southern French coast. From the Phoenicians to the Moors, traders and invaders have all left their mark. The start town of Sète was founded in the 17th century as a trading port and has been the focus of trade with Africa and the Middle East. Further West, Béziers still bears a large Spanish influence that can be seen in its férias and thriving bullfighting culture.

A manmade feature of the Languedoc and a highlight of the tour is the engineering feat of the Canal du Midi, built in the eighteenth century to carry goods from the Mediterranean at Sète to the river Garonne at Toulouse, from where they would be transported to the Atlantic coast at Bordeaux. Tranquil and tree-lined, it meanders across the Languedoc plain and into the hills. The canal passes by the amazing Citadelle of Carcassonne, which marks the end of our tour. Dilapidated and plundered for building materials, it was restored to glory in the early nineteenth century and is now one of the most visited sites in France.

Fish and shellfish feature strongly in the cuisine of the coastal region, especially in the fishing ports of Sète and Marseillan, and around the shellfish center of the Etang (lake) of Thau. Spanish influences come from the proximity of the border, and rice dishes and pimentos are often included in menus. Further inland the food is somewhat heartier, with specialities such as cassoulet and game dishes featuring in Carcassonne.

There are vineyards for just about the whole of the length of the tour: in Aigues Mortes, the speciality is a Rosé called Vin de Sable reflecting the sandy terrain on which the vines are grown; in the hinterland behind Sète the speciality is the crisp white of Picpoul de Pinet which, as is often the case of local wines matching local cuisine, provides a perfect accompaniment to shellfish dishes. Round Pézénas there are prestigious vineyards making superb full-bodied reds, as there are in the hills round Minerve. Just south of Carcassonne can be found the sparkling wines of Limoux, which are perfect to celebrate the end of the tour!

The cycling on this tour is easy; you will keep mainly to flat coastal roads and canalside cycleways, and much of the route is free of motorised traffic (if you don’t count the cruisers and barges chugging along the Canal du Midi!).

Tour inclusions and exclusions at a glance:

What's included?
Items included in the cost of the tour

  • Flexible collection and drop off at local airport or train station
  • Accommodation
  • Detailed riding instructions and color route maps
  • Gourmet dinners for all 6 nights of your holiday
  • Fine wine (or soft drink alternative) with all evening meals and coffee to follow
  • 2 experienced bilingual guides with each tour
  • Entrance fees
  • Water bottles (to take home as souvenirs)
  • Buffet style breakfasts with croissants, pastries, meats, cheeses and cereals
  • Delivery of your luggage to your hotel room each day
  • Free bike rental is included in the price of this tour (upgrade options are available - please see below).
What's not included?
Items not included in the cost of the tour

  • International / Domestic flights
  • Visas
  • Tips

Tour options and upgrades:

2 equipment options available
1 tour add-on available