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Highlights
Cycle from the Toulouse to Sète on this 7-day self-guided tour
Cycle the Canal du Midi from Toulouse to Sète, taking in the famous work of canal architect Paul Riquet.
Explore age-old settlements along the route and hop off your bikes in charming villages like Carcassonne and Avignonet.
Ride at your own pace, cruising through scenic areas like Lauragais and the beautiful vineyards of Minervois.
Cruise to a seaside paradise in charming Sète, where you’ll end your tour on the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
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!
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!
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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
Standard accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Solo Traveller: EUR1110
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1095
- Sharing a twin room: EUR720
- Sharing a double room: EUR705
- Sharing a triple room: EUR695
Comfort Accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Single room: EUR1410
- Sharing a twin room: EUR930
- Sharing a double room: EUR865
- Sharing a triple room: EUR910
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.
Night 2
Cdh Les Ordalies (Castelnaudary)
Cdh Les Ordalies in Castelnaudary is a charming guesthouse set amidst the picturesque landscape of Castelnaudary. This accommodation offers a tranquil and comfortable stay, allowing guests to relax and unwind while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.
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)
- How hard is the Canal du Midi by Bike: Toulouse to Sète tour?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Do I need a visa to travel to France?
- Are meals included on the Canal du Midi by Bike: Toulouse to Sète tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Bordeaux to start this tour?
- Where does the Canal du Midi by Bike: Toulouse to Sète tour end?
- Can I rent a bike?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?
- Are there any travel restrictions for France?
- When is the best time to travel to France for this 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.
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.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
6 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Check with your family doctor.
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.
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.
Customer Ratings
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.
