Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Royal Wilson in Toulouse
Located in downtown Toulouse this hotel is full of character and local charm.
Canal du Midi by Bike: Toulouse to Sète Biking Tour
Prices
Highlights
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!
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
Canal du Midi by Bike: Toulouse to Sète Prices and Dates
This self-guided cycling tour of France is run as a private tour for your group and the price depends on the time of year in which you choose to travel, the class of accommodation, and the kind of room you prefer. Departures are available between April 15th and October 10th.
Prices below are per person.
Standard Accommodation
- Price per person staying in a single room: $1,150USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $750USD per person
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $675USD per person
- Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $675USD per person
Deluxe Accommodation
- Price per person staying in a single room: $1,295USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $775USD per person
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $775USD per person
- Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $750USD per person
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.
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.
Night 2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel du Canal in Castelnaudary
Perched on the lovely Canal du Midi, this centrally-located bright hotel is full of character and offers several amenities like BBQ facilities, a billiards area, and a breakfast buffet.
Night 3
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel du Pont vieux in Carcassonne
Enjoy this modern, centrally located hotel, bringing the best of Carcassonne right to your doorstep.
Night 4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsB&B Le Jardin d’Homps in Homps
Guests will enjoy this quiet and pleasant B&B, which has a gorgeous sun terrace and large outdoor pool.
Night 5
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel des Poètes in Béziers
Lovingly renovated, this modern hotel is stylish and elegant and faces the beautiful Plateau des Poetes garden.
Night 6
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel 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 Standard Tour
Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsPrivilège Hôtel Mermoz in Toulouse
Found in the heartbeat of Toulouse and surrounded by dazzling boutiques and fine restaurants, this hotel is the perfect base to explore Toulouse from. Guests will enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and bar and lounge on-site.
Night 2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel 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.
Night 3
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel Aragon in Carcassonne
Aragon is a modern, centrally located hotel, bringing the best of Carcassonne right to your doorstep.
Night 4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsCdh les Palmiers in Homps
A lovely warm atmosphere welcomes guests into this small B&B with a nice outdoor seating area.
Night 5
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel Impérator in Béziers
Hotel Imperator is located in the city center near several attractions, bars, restaurants, and shops.
Night 6
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel 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
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 you and your luggage are included throughout the tour. Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Detailed route notes and maps
- 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
Frequenty Asked Questions about Canal du Midi by Bike: Toulouse to Sète Biking Tour
How hard is the Canal du Midi by Bike: Toulouse to Sète tour?
We rate this tour a 2/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 65km in a day. The terrain is a combination of flat and hilly.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Do I need a visa to travel to France?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Canal du Midi by Bike: Toulouse to Sète tour?
6 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Bordeaux to start this tour?
Fly into Toulouse Airport (TLS). Take a shuttle (runs every 20 minutes) to the city center. Alternatively, you can arrange a private transfer to your accommodations in Toulouse as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Where does the Canal du Midi by Bike: Toulouse to Sète tour end?
The tour ends in Sète. Take a train to Toulouse (2-3 hours) to reach your departure airport. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are Winora Domingo trekking 27-speed with Shimano gears and disc brakes, the TANDEM TOURING Alloy 7005 Hydroformed hybrid bikes, or Winora Sinus Tria 8 e-bikes.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for France?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to France for this tour?
The best time to travel to Southern France for this cycling tour is during the shoulder seasons of March through May and September through November when crowds are lighter than during peak summer months (June-August). This tour is available during April-October, allowing you the option to travel during the shoulder season or the peak season.
Reviews
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I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
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Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour a 2/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 65km in a day. The terrain is a combination of flat and hilly.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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