Tour Summary
Tour Dates:
You may begin this tour on any day.
Location: The Languedoc Region of France. Near the border with Spain, this is coastal
Mediterranean France at its best. This tour features 4 nights in Narbonne, and
includes visits to at least 2 golden Mediterranean beaches. It also includes cycling along the Canal du Midi, a 17th century engineering marvel constructed to connect the Atlantic
Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The route along the Canal du Midi's towpath
affords the opportunity to experience some of the canal's most magnificent
engineering feats, including the Malpas Tunnel; the Foncerannes Locks, a veritable ladder of water comprised of
eight
consecutive locks; and the Pont-Canal sur l'Orb, a stunningly beautiful bridge by which the canal crosses the wide River Orb.
The canal is a United Nations World Heritage Site.
From Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport, the train to
Narbonne takes about 6 hours. The return train trip to Charles de Gaulle Airport from Narbonne requires
5 - 6 hours.
Tour Type:
Hub & Spoke 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: 3 days /
4 nights
Distance:
Choose from 3 day-trips ranging from 26 - 34 miles (42 - 55 km) in length.
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 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.
Day Trip Descriptions
Base:
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.
Spoke 1:
Ile Ste. Lucie Wetlands & the Beach at Port-la-Nouvelle
|
Route: |
Begins and
ends in
Narbonne. Easy, flat cycling along the Canal de la Robine. |
|
Distance: |
44 km / 28
miles |
|
Description: |
This
day-trip takes you to the wetlands (shallow, salt-water lagoons) via a bike path
that parallels the Canal de la Robine for 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. |
Spoke 2:
Nabonne Beach & the Mountains of the Clape
|
Route: |
Begins and
ends in
Narbonne. Easy, flat cycling to the ocean. The return trip requires a tough
climb that affords incredible views of the surrounding countryside and the
Mediterranean Sea. |
|
Distance: |
42
km / 26 miles |
|
Description: |
This day-trip begins with an easy ride to Narbonne Plage,
often on off-road bicycle paths. On your return to Narbonne, 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. |
Spoke 3:
The Canal du Midi & Béziers
|
Route: |
Begins in
Narbonne and ends in
Béziers,
from which you will return to Narbonne by train to Narbonne. The route is
largely flat, following the shaded towpaths of the Canal de la Robine and the
Canal du Midi. |
|
Distance: |
55 km / 34 miles |
|
Description: |
This day-trip provides the opportunity to enjoy serene cycling as
you explore the technological
marvels of the Canal du Midi. As you cycle the route, the surrounding hills encroach closer and closer until the canal is forced to tunnel beneath a mountain. And just before
you reach Béziers you pass one of the monumental achievements of the canal: the Foncerannes Locks, a veritable ladder of water comprised of
eight
consecutive locks. Just beyond you cross the Pont-Canal sur l'Orb, a stunningly beautiful bridge by which the canal crosses the wide River Orb.
Béziers,
at the end of the route, is a bustling city built on the hills overlooking the surrounding Mediterranean countryside. With Roman origins, Béziers
features tiny medieval streets, fine monuments and museums, and grand boulevards. And should you need a break from your
explorations, you can relax in the Allés Paul Riquet, a wide pedestrian boulevard lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
The boulevard is so densely lined with trees that it feels dark and cool even in the hottest of afternoon suns. Paul Riquet, the creator of the Canal du Midi,
was born in Béziers. To view some of the major monuments and sights of Béziers, click here.
|
