Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi
Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi
Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi
8 Days Starting in Toulouse and ending in Toulouse Airport
Visiting: Montpellier, Béziers, Narbonne, Carcassonne
Tour Overview
A cycling holiday along France's historic Canal du Midi and surrounding countryside. Explore medieval walled towns, Cathar Castles, local markets and of course refuel on delicious French cuisine on route.
Canal du Midi - Cycle alongside one of the greatest works of civil engineering of the 17th century
Discover rich histories - Narbonne and the walled fortress town of Carcassonne
Cathar history - Ride through the picturesque landscapes and historic villages of the Languedoc Region or up to the stronghold of Minerve
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip Toulouse
Location: Montpellier
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Aragon
Our trip begins at Toulouse airport (airport code TLS) at 7.15pm. If you would like an airport transfer today, the latest your flight can arrive is 6.30pm. We'll then transfer to Carcassonne. On arrival there will be time to wander the ramparts of this amazing site at the time when it's at its most charming, the evening.
Day 2: Circular Ride Around Carcassonne
Location: Béziers
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Aragon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we will get on our bikes for the first time and explore the peaceful surrounding countryside while day-trippers occupy the citadel of Carcassonne. Our route takes us to the beautiful villages of Conques-sur-Robiel, Bouilhonnac, and the tiny village of Les Rustiques, once a Templar commandery. We will then join the Canal du Midi at the village of Trebes to make our way back into Carcassonne and once again enjoy this marvel beautifully lit in the evening, and without the chaos of the daytime crowds.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 35 kilometres/21.7 miles (Total 89 metres/300 feet ascent and 89 meters/300 feet descent )
Day 3: Cycle To Jouarres, Winetasting At Marseillette
Location: Narbonne
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Chateau Jouarres
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we cycle along the famous Canal du Midi and arrive at our destination le Chateau de Jouarres in Homps, a pleasant yet simple resort with a pool, our base for the next three nights. On the way we'll leave the canal for a short while at Marseillette to for a winetasting at Chateau l'Amiral where the family have been producing Minervois wine for 7 generations.
As the whole of the Canal du Midi is a World Heritage Site, UNESCO is keen to keep the historical aspects of the area in keeping with its origins. Cyclists should be aware that the towpath was originally built for horses to pull cargo barges, hence many sections do not have a modern surface. Ever changing, due to climatic conditions, the sections cycled do include earth and gravel paths with some holes and tree roots and can be narrow and overgrown in places. These towpath sections show the area in the beautiful way it has always been but in places is a bumpy ride!
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 43 kilometres/26.6 miles.
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Day 4: Leisurely Circular Ride Va Laviniere.
Location: Narbonne
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Chateau Jouarres
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Our route today is a leisurely loop taking in the village of La Laviniere. Made up largely of stone houses typical of the region the village has a wine making tradition going back to Roman times and is surrounded not just by vineyards but also by olive groves. We'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant serving seasonal, local produce.before getting back on our bikes to head back to the hotel.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 28 kilometres/ 16 miles
Day 5: Optional Circular Cycle Route To Minerve
Location: Narbonne
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Chateau Jouarres
Meals Included: Breakfast
One of the principal reasons to stay in Jouarres is to have the option to visit one of the most enigmatic sites of the Cathar Crusade, the stronghold of Minerve. Today we can choose to cycle to this wonderful town perched on a rocky outcrop between two gorges. This inevitably means a hilly ride, however it is worth the effort as Minerve has been awarded the prestigious label of one of the most beautiful villages in France - something only bestowed on 176 villages in a country with over 30,000. Alternatively, you can relax in Jouarres or self-guide on a shorter, and mainly flat cycle ride near the hotel.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 37 kilometres/23 miles (450 meters/1480 feet ascent)
Day 6: Continue On The Canal Du Midi And Follow The Canal De La Robine Into Narbonne
Location: Carcassonne
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Zenitude Residence - Narbonne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we pack our bags again and continue our Canal du Midi adventure. We will reach the junction of the canals, making sure to stop for coffee and lunch, where the Canal du Midi loops north to avoid the hills, and the Canal de la Robine which was later dug to connect the City of Narbonne to the canal network. Narbonne is a hidden gem with many treasures for those who take the time to look for them. Once the second town of the Roman empire (more than a century before Caesar's conquest of Gaul) and flourishing during the early medieval times, before the silting up of the harbour ended its glorious period, but leaving us with a nicely preserved time capsule.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 45 kilometres/26.6 miles.
Day 7: Half Day Cycle To The Beaches Of Gruissan Plage
Location: Carcassonne
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Zenitude Residence - Narbonne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our trip wouldn't be complete without ending up on the shores of the Mediterranean and today's ride will follow the Canal de la Robine almost to the shores. We cycle towards Gruissan, once a pirates' nest, and now a wonderful coastal town. Make sure to bring your swimwear. Heading back, there is the option of a slightly different route depending on time, as we aim to be back back in town early enough to visit the recently opened Via Narbo museum or enjoy an aperitif in one of the many cafés .
The total cycling distance today is approximately 30 to 45 kilometres/18.6 to 26.6 miles.
Day 8: Drive To Toulouse Airport Where Our Trip Ends
Location: Montpellier
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends at Toulouse airport at 10am. The earliest your flight can depart is 12pm.
What's Included
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Meals – Breakfast Only
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Fully Guided
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Accommodation
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Airport Transfers at Destination
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Tipping and Gratuities
Why Book this Tour
Unlike many other operators, we include the hire of your bike in the overall cost of the holiday: you don't need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet.
Meals
Breakfasts: 7
Lunches: 1
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
See trip notes
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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