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Welcome to Hooked on Cycling Holidays and our cycling holidays in France. This particualr biking vacation in France is along the Canal du Midi and is a level 1-2 self guided bike tour. Toulouse is your point of departure for this journey along the ‘Canal du Midi’, which was classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The journey is one of exceptional beauty; the canal is bordered almost all of the way by plane trees, sometimes pine trees, poplars or cypresses. The canal takes you through the heart of the countryside in both the Midi Pyrenees and the Languedoc-Roussillon region of South-West France. This is an area of extensive farm land and in particular, vineyards. The wine in this region can be superb. There are plenty of opportunities to taste the wine, as well as visit ancient towns and monuments along the way. This particular tour takes in the ancient cities of Castelnaudary, Carcassonne, and Narbonne.
Available daily April to October
Level 1-2 self guided bike tour
Day 1 Toulouse
Arrive at Toulouse and settle into your hotel.
Toulouse is a wonderfully vibrant place and it is well worth spending some time looking around. For those who are interested, we can add an additional night here and a cycle loop to take you around the ‘pink city’ (the colour of the bricks used in many of the houses and monuments gave Toulouse its nickname).
Day 2 From Toulouse to Castelnaudary - 40 miles 
After breakfast, begin your journey alongside the canal, passing through the city and out into the neighbouring countryside on a smooth tarmac track. Familiarise yourself with the many locks (‘Ecluse’) which abound along the route. Allow yourself time to listen to the many birds that spend their time around the canal, chat to the local fishermen and watch the tourist boats chugging ever so slowly through this idyllic scenery. Spend the night in a delightful two star hotel on the banks of the canal, at Castelnaudary. Dine out on “Cassoulet” which has made this particular town famous throughout France.
Day 3 From Castelnaudary to Carcassonne 30 miles
This is a day which urges you to dawdle! One cannot help but feel at the very heart of the French countryside. The views along the tree-lined canal out towards the agricultural fields and to the Pyrenees beyond make it a special day. You cannot miss the fact that you are entering wine country, with plenty of vineyards within metres from the banks of the canal. The destination for this evening is a real treat. Carcassonne boasts two World Heritage Sites and is really unique. Spend time in the medieval city before heading back to your three star hotel on the banks of the canal.
Day 4 Carcassonne, Castles and Caves 30 miles
With an extra day in Carcassonne, you have the opportunity to take it easy and spend more time exploring this fabulous city. For those feeling fit and adventurous, we have prepared a fantastic day’s cycle ride away from the canal, heading into the heart of Cathar country. The ride takes you into the Black Mountains where you can visit the Chateaux de Lastours as well as an underground cave at Limousis which stretches over 1.2km. There are many opportunities to taste the local wines. Return to Carcassonne.
Day 5 Carcassonne to Homps 25 miles
This is a quiet day, leaving the beautiful city of Carcassonne in the direction of the sea. You will cycle through pretty little villages and have the opportunity to taste some local wine along the route.
Day 6 Homps to Narbonne 23 miles
Follow along the locks and through small villages. The vineyards become more numerous along the canal. On this day, you will join the Canal de la Robine, classified as a World Heritage. This canal will take you to the beautiful city of Narbonne where you will spend the night in a three star hotel close to both the canal and the heart of the city.
Day 7 Narbonne to the Mediterranean 14-28 miles
This day makes for an easy ride and a rewarding one as you reach the Mediterranean with the possibility of a dip in the sea! The purpose built cycle route takes you easily from the centre of Narbonne, and then out through a cluster of lakes before arriving at Port-la-Nouvelle. The Port has a fabulously long golden-sand beach and hosts many restaurants at which you can celebrate the end point of your ride from Toulouse.
For those inclined to finish there, it is possible to take the local train back to Narbonne. Night in Narbonne.
Day 8 From Narbonne to Toulouse
Departure after breakfast. Possible return journey by train. About 2 hours from Narbonne to Toulouse.
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What is Included
- 7 Nights bed & breakfast
- 6 x 3 star, 1 x 2 Star hotels
- 3 dinners
- Luggage transfers
- Maps
- Road book
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Extras
- Cost before and after tour
- Hybrid Bike rental
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
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Tariff 2012
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CECanalM
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Single occupancy ( minimum 2 persons)
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Not Available
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Price per person based on two persons sharing double/twin room
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£805
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July/August supplement
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£52
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Bike Rental
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£128
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How to get there
By Plane to Toulouse.
To view our other Cycling holidays in France
Click below to view our
Walking Holiday in France
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