Canal du Midi/Brian Bestford CAnAl Du MiDi
Rich with history and natural beauty, this cycling tour leads us down to the Mediterranean coast and along the tree-lined towpaths of the Canal du Midi. We admire the medieval fortress town of Carcassonne and the 12th century cathedral in Narbonne. As we ride into the heart of the Minervois wine region we pass some of the prettiest scenery in southwest France.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Eurostar to Lille and local train to Béziers. Day 2 Béziers Cycle along quiet country roads to the village of Vendres and Valras Plage. Join the Canal du Midi. Day 3 Canal du Midi Ride along the tow paths of the canal to visit the nine locks of Fonseranes. Continue to Narbonne. Day 4 Narbonne Optional rides to visit Narbonne Plage along the Canal de la Robine or the lakes of Bages and Peyriac to see the wildlife. Day 5 Fontfroide Abbey There is the option to cycle along the Canal du Midi or visit the 12th century abbey. Days 6/7 Carcassonne After a short drive this morning to the wine producing town of Lezignan- Corbieres we cycle to the walled fortress of Carcassonne. Our ride takes us via the pathways of the Canal du Midi, through a patchwork landscape of villages and vineyards. Free time to explore the town. There are optional cycle rides along the canal to Bram and Villepinte, or to the old Cathar Château de Lastours. Day 8 Taxi to Béziers. Local train to Lille and Eurostar to London.
DAILY DISTANCES Day 2
Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7
Optional rides
45km 35km
33/46km 56km
45/55km 25/60km
The walled fortress of Carcassonne/Ann Tubb or call our experts on 0844 875 1894 17 Canal du Midi Ref CCM FR ANCE
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Optional rides
Villepinte Chateau de
Lastours Bram CARCASSONNE
LEZIGNAN- CORBIERES
Peyriac
Optional swim Jouarres
e BEZIERS
Oppidium d’Ensérun
NARBONNE 9 Locks
Etang de Bages
Valras Plage of Fonseranes Narbonne Plage
Mediterranean Sea
km 030 Etang de Thou
To/from Lille
An easy grade cycling tour following
France's historic Canal du Midi
inclusive from
£998 8 DAYS
Cycle grade EASY Comfort
Accommodation and Meals: 7 nights hotels. 6 breakfasts are included.
Included Bike: We provide 21 gear Trek T10 Navigator hybrid bikes – see trip notes for details.
Route and Terrain: On this tour we cycle 228 km over six days (an average of 38 km per day) with further optional rides available. Two of the cycling days are circular routes and therefore optional. We travel mainly on canal towpaths and country roads, on flat or gently undulating terrain. There is vehicle back up for emergencies. We have graded the route as easy.
Group Size: Generally 10 to 16. TOUR DATES
The Canal du Midi tour runs in the following months:
Jan
May Sep
Feb
Jun Oct
Mar
Jul Nov
Solo departures are available.
For full details of the dates and prices visit
explore.co.uk/tours/ccm
TOUR ONLY – 8 DAYS Tour price without train from £639
For detailed information visit
www.explore.co.uk/tours/ccm
Apr Aug Dec
train DETAILS Ref: CCM
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