Daily program
Day 1: Arrival in Carcassonne
Arrival in Carcassonne. What a great place to start, your hotel is located at the foot of the walls of the medieval cite of Carcassonne! Drop your bags and go explore. We provide an orientation and bike set up in the early evening. You have dinner on your own tonight; we include some suggestions inside the walls of the Cite. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and worth an extra night if you have time; ask us for rates.
Overnight in Carcassonne
Day 2: Ride along the Canal du Midi (35 miles/56 km, elevation gain 490 meters)
Leaving Carcassonne, you come to the village of Trebes along the canal as you cycle on a quiet and wide bike path that follows the canal. You can watch the amateur and professional boat operators come along and navigate the locks installed throughout the canal. Continue south of the canal to the charming village of St Pierre des Champs. Flat to rolling terrain. Some sections along the Canal du Midi are on a trail.
Overnight in Lagrasse
Day 3: Cycle to Narbonne (39 miles/62 km or 48 miles/77 km, elevation gain 535 meters or 367 meters)
The route takes you to the larger town of Narbonne where you can visit the impressive gothic cathedral and old city. The cycling route does veer off the Canal du Midi and takes the Canal de la Robine which goes to Narbonne. Flat to rolling rides with some sections on a trail.
Overnight in Narbonne
Day 4: Ride to Beziers (29 miles/47 km or 48 miles/77 km, elevation gain 229 meters or 367 meters)
The cycling route goes into the countryside today following small country roads where you arrive at the unique city of Beziers that is famous for the Feria it hosts in August when hundreds of thousands attend to events including bullfighting. Beziers is also known for the Saint Nazaire cathedral (13th-15th centuries), and the terrible history of the Cathars who were all murdered in a purge by Catholic crusaders in July 1209. You cycle some additional kilometers to join your charming and quiet hotel in Lignan. Flat to rolling countryside with some sections along the Canal du Midi on a trail.
Overnight in Lignan sur Orb
Day 5: Beziers to Cap d'Agde (25 miles/41 km or 48 miles/77 km, elevation gain 85 meters or 367 meters)
Leaving Lignan and Beziers far behind, you cycle to Cap d'Agde, a lovely station on the Mediterranean sea. You pass first Agde which has a history of trade via the port which was historically very important. It used to be called Good Fortune (from Greek Agathe Tyche) and became an important trade point between Marseille and Spain in the 3rd century. Further on the cape, you have dinner included tonight. Some sections along the Canal du Midi are on a trail. Breakfast also included.
Overnight in Cap d'Agde
Day 6: Cap d'Agde to Sete (17 miles/27 km or 48 Miles/77 km, elevation gain 90 meters or 367 meters)
This is a relatively short ride along the coastal area between the Thau Lagoon and the sea. Once in Sete you will find a beautiful city of typical districts that are crossed with canals and where colorful houses overlook the water. Sete is the city of George Brassens, a popular French singer from the 1960s era. Dinner on your own in any number of places tonight. Flat riding. For optional longer rides, please inquire prior to arrival.
Overnight in Sete
Day 7: Departure
Departure after breakfast.