What better way to take a break and get a breath of fresh air than on a short cycling holiday? We propose a 4-day trip, starting from Toulouse, on a cycling route along the Canal du Midi. There is a lot to be enjoyed along this large-scale “water work”: antique boats, dozens of oval shaped locks of various sizes and age old villages... You will also pass through the agricultural area of Lauragais and the vineyards of Minervois. This greenway will eventually lead you to the famous city of Carcassonne. More than 75% of all the stages along the canals are on well-maintained cycle paths. However, for several years, some of the paths in the more southern area have become degraded.
The unmissable parts of your cycling trip:
Discover Toulouse, the "Ville Rose" and its lively atmosphere.
Cross the small squares of the city, stroll through the streets with their pink facades and go to the Place du Capitole.
Discover the "Canal du Midi" and its locks along the way.
Stroll through the port of Castelnaudary and admire the large basin.
Take time to lose yourself in the fortress of Carcassonne.
Discover French gastronomy: During your stopover in Castelnaudary, let yourself be tempted by a tasting of “cassoulet”! This French town is known as the "Cassoulet capital of the world".So, let's give it a try!
For culture lovers: During your cycling trip, you will follow the footsteps of the famous French "canal architect" Pierre-Paul Riquet. You will then discover the "Canal du Midi", designed in the 17th century to link the Garonne to the Mediterranean. This canal is now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Finally, this cycle route will take you to Carcassonne, one of the most impressive medieval cities in Europe!