The Canal du Midi was an attempt to connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. The idea dates from the era of the Roman Empire, but only Pierre-Paul Riquet (17th century) and about 12 thousand workers were able to realise this canal. Alongside the Canal du Midi, there are many nice villages to visit, but the summit is of course the beautiful city of Carcassonne. The canal is a masterpiece built by humans. Thanks to this canal, the economy in this region was able to grow. Today, it is UNESCO heritage and a superb recreation area! Not only the idea that you are visiting world heritage, but also that you are in the region of the cathares will certainly persuade you to enjoy a fantastic cycling holiday!
How to get there:
Airport in Carcassonne, 10 minutes bus ride to the trainstation and 30 min train ride to Narbonne. The centrally located hotel lies at 700 meter from the station.
Trains: TGV to Narbonne
Highway Barcelona - Narbonne
Level:Easy and flat with some minor hills
Route: Quiet and rural roads and cycle tracks along the Canal du Midi and Canal de la Robine. Some more traffic to be expected during the summer holidays.
Top places of interest:
The lovely and easy cycling along canals, the sea and quiet wine-villages
The rich architecture of Narbonne and Carcassonne
The great food in the French restaurants
Itinerary description 1st day: Individual arrival in Narbonne
Arrival in our centrally located hotel in Narbonne, a monumental city. Enjoy the enormeous cathedral and the splendid palace.
2nd day: Loopride Narbonne 67 km/42miles riding on a bike Along the canal de la Robine we cycle towards the Atlantic Coast. Between the lakes Sigean and Ayrolle, we cycle on to Port-la-Nouvelle and Peyriac-de-Mer before returning to Narbonne.
3rd day: Narbonne – Homps 37km/23miles by bike Along the canal du midi, we cycle to Homps, an attractive wine-village.
4th day: Homps – Carcassonne 45km/28miles rding on a bicycle The next day we keep on cycling along the canal towards the impressive medieval center of Carcassonne.
5th day: loopride Carcassonne to Sainte-Hilaire 47km/29miles cycling Along the riverbanks we leave Carcassonne in direction of the Abbey of Sainte Hilaire. Following the river Lauquette we pass through a long canyon before returning to our centrally located hotel in Carcassonne.
6th day: Carcassonne - Homps ca. 48km/30miles pedaling Today we pass by the old Abbey of Caunes before entering the old pilgrimage site of Notre-Dame de Cros. Cycling through Rieux-Minervois with its beautiful church we continue to Homps.
7th day: Homps – Narbonne 66km/41miles on the bicycle The final stage brings us to Lezignan-Corbières and on to the ruins of the castle of Montseret. Along the Abbey of Pontfroide and a property of the winery Rothschild, we arrive in the communal forest of Narbonne.
8th day: Departure after breakfast or extra night and extension of your trip
PRICES SEASON 2012:
Price per person in Euro
Double room, half-board
595
Supplement single room
145
All taxes are included.
WHAT´S INCLUDED IN THE SELF-GUIDED TRIP:
Departures
Every Saturday and Sunday from April until October, 2012
Days/nights
8 days/7 nights
Included services
8 days/7 nights in 3-star hotels
Room with shower/bath and toilet
7x breakfast
7x evening dinner (3-course meal)
Luggage transport (1 piece/person, maximum 20 kilos)
Map, touristic information and road description
Reductions
Children sharing a room with 2 paying adults:
From 0-3 years: -100%, 3-6 years: -50%, 7-12 years: -25%, third person in a double room: -10%
Bike rental
7-gear touring bike Euro 70
Included are pannier, pump, roadbook holder, lock, repair kit
Bike insurance
Euro 20 per bike
Cancellation fees
We recommend Cancellation insurance
Payment
Euro 150 per person upon reservation, final payment 30 days before tour departure
Not included
Outward and return journey
How to get there
Airport in Carcassonne, 10 min. busride to the train station and 30 min. train ride to Narbonne. The centrally located hotel lies at 700 meter from the station.
