Tour Summary
Tour Dates: See Schedule.
Location: The Languedoc Region of France. Near the border with Spain, this is coastal
Mediterranean France at its best. This tour follows the course of the Canal du Midi, a 17th century engineering marvel constructed to connect the Atlantic
Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea across 150 miles of French countryside. It has recently been named a United Nations World Heritage Site.
This tour begins in Carcassonne (another World Heritage Site), follows the Canal du Midi to Narbonne, and includes
visits to at least 2 golden Mediterranean beaches. From Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport, the train to Carcassonne takes about 6 hours. The return train trip to Charles de Gaulle Airport from Narbonne requires
5 - 6 hours.
Tour Type: Circuit tour available with
standard support.
Terrain: Easy, on bike paths with virtually no climbs; mostly off-road cycling on the shaded shore of the canal;
some stretches of the path are rugged. Optional rides can add distance and challenge to the tour's itinerary.
Length: 5 days / 6 nights
Distance: Total: 115 miles / 185 km. This includes 66 miles / 106 km of day-trip cycling routes, which are optional.
Highlights:
The technological marvel of a canal constructed in 1680.
The many pont-canals (water bridges) which span the canal to cross intersecting rivers.
The magnificently preserved walled-city of Carcassonne.
The flamencos and the savage beauty of the Mediterranean wetlands south of Narbonne.
The wide, golden sand beaches outside of Narbonne.
Vineyards and opportunities for wine-tastings everywhere.
Days of shaded cycling along the canal's towpath.
Daily Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival Day in Carcassonne.
We ask that all tour participants arrive in Carcassonne no later than the evening before the first day of the
tour. This reduces any stress associated with travel delays, as no activities are required until Day 1 of your tour.
Day 1: Free Day in Carcassonne.
During your first full day in Carcassonne, you'll pick-up your bicycle and have the opportunity to take it for a leisurely
test ride. In addition, you'll have plenty of time to sight-see, shop, dine and prepare for your next day's departure.
The town of Carcassonne is actually comprised of two villages: La Bastide Saint-Louis, the newer and main part
of town; and the Cité, the walled town that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Cité dates back to the Romans (200 BC) when it was
incorporated into the Roman province of Narbonne. With its two sets of protective walls, 52 towers, sinuous medieval streets, and incredible views
of the surrounding countryside the Cité is an unforgettable sight.
La Bastide Saint-Louis, also known as the Lower Town, retains its medieval character but is also a
vibrant town full of treasures old and new. The center of activity, the Place Carnot, is a wonderful place to relax in a sidewalk cafe and enjoy the
ever-changing scene. For more information, click to visit
Carcassonne on the web.
Day 2: Bike from Carcassonne to Homps / Olonzac - 40 km / 25 miles. Spend 1 night in Homps / Olonzac.
Today you leave Carcassonne on the towpath of the Canal du Midi, just east of the canal's port. The
highlights of today's ride include 8 single locks, 4 double locks, 2 triple locks, 2 canal bridges, and the beautiful spillway across the Argentdouble
River. While the canal is no longer used for commercial traffic, it has become popular with pleasure craft. If you get an early start you'll
see natives and tourists alike enjoying morning croissant and coffee on board a variety of vessels. Today's destination, Homps, is a tiny port village with a slow, relaxed pace.
Should you need more stimulation however, you can explore the busy village of Olonzac, just 3 km away or head to the huge Lac de Jouarrès for a swim; For more information
about the Canal du Midi, click here.
Following a dip in the pool of your B&B, we recommend hopping back on your bicycle for a visit to the ancient and beautiful village of
Minerve, capital of the Cathars. On this optional circuit, you'll leave the level path of the Canal du Midi, climb
into the mountains and make your way through the vineyards on a quiet winding road with fantastic vistas. In addition to seeing another side of this region's
magnificent natural beauty, you'll have the opportunity to explore Minerve's narrow, winding streets and sites such as the village's Romanesque church
containing an alter dating back to 465 AD. Following your easy and fun all-downhill ride back to Homps / Olonzac, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy a relaxing dinner.
Day 3: Bike from Homps / Olonzac to Narbonne - 38 km / 24 miles. Spend 3 nights in Narbonne.
After passing through the lovely medieval villages of Roubia, Paraza, and Le Somail -- all ports along the canal
-- you briefly leave the Canal du Midi to follow two other canals to the old Roman capital city of Narbonne. Set in the heart of a countryside rich in vineyards, Narbonne is a typical Mediterranean city with tiny
streets, avenues bordered plane trees, and grand buildings the color of blond stone. The lovely Canal de la Robine running through the center of the
city adds to the city's Eden-like feel. With its many flowers and flowering trees crowding the banks of the canals, Narbonne is an incredibly beautiful city. Principle
sights include the Archbishop's Palace, a palace built in two parts and housing the Museum of Art and History and the Museum of Archeology,
and the Cathédrale de St. Just. In the main square that borders the palace a portion of the Via Domitia, the ancient Roman road connecting Spain with the Alps, has
been excavated. For more information about Narbonne click
here.
Days 4 - 5: Day Trips from Narbonne to the Mediterranean wetlands and Narbonne's beach.
Your cycling options from your base in Narbonne include:
-
A day-trip to the wetlands (shallow, salt-water lagoons) just to the south. A bike path will take you the 22 km from Narbonne to Port-la-Nouvelle on the
Mediterranean Sea. This is an area where sea and land, salt and freshwater mix freely creating a unique ecosystem constantly affected by wind and sea currents.
This fragile wetland, which supports an incredible variety of flora and fauna, is a major stop for migratory birds and is home to large colonies of
pink flamencos. In Port-la-Nouvelle you may take a train (with your bike) for the short return trip to Narbonne, or enjoy the return trip on your bike.
-
A day-trip to Narbonne Plage. The ride to the beach is fairly easy with a good
portion of it on off-road bicycle paths. On your return to Narbonne however, you'll cycle on-road through the
Mountains of the Clape climbing to several magnificent vistas. Parts of this landscape are lush and pine-clad, others rugged and desolate, all reminiscent of a Greek island. On the lower slopes
are vineyards, and everywhere there is the scent of Mediterranean sunshine. Your ride atop the mountains affords classic views of the sea; in the
distance you can even see the Pyrenees as they tumble down to meet the deep blue of the Mediterranean. The area is crisscrossed by a series of hiking
trails, temptation to linger even longer in this unique setting. Total mileage is approximately 42 km / 26 miles.
