Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi

Our trip begins at Toulouse airport (airport code TLS) at 4pm. If you would like an airport transfer today, the latest your flight can arrive is 3.15pm. 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.

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 )

Today we cycle along the famous Canal du Midi and arrive at our destination le Chateau de Jouarres in Homps, a pleasant resort with a pool, our base for the next two nights. On the way we'll leave the canal for a short while at Marseillette to visit 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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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

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. Alternatively, you can stay in Jouarres and enjoy optional wine tasting 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)

Today we pack our bags again and continue our Canal du Midi adventure. We will reach the junction of the canals, 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.

Please bear in mind that today's route has been recently affected by intensive public works to cut down diseased trees, replace them, and improve the quality of the towpath. Therefore, today's route may be affected, in which case we will plan an alternative route.



Our total cycling distance today is approximately 45 kilometres/26.6 miles.

Our trip wouldn't be complete without ending up on the shores of the Mediterranean! So, today's ride will follow the Canal de la Robine almost to the shores. The last kilometres we cycle towards Gruissan, once a pirates' nest, now a wonderful coastal town. Make sure to bring your swimwear. Today's ride is 15 kilometre /9.3 miles and you can opt to take the same way back or extend and take in a little bit more of the local scenery. Make sure you are back in town early enough to visit the newly opened Via Narbo museum and enjoy an aperitif in one of the many cafés.



Our total cycling distance today is approximately 30 to 45 kilometres/18.6 to 26.6 miles

The trip ends at Toulouse airport at 10am. The earliest your flight can depart is 12pm.