THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FROM CARCASSONNE TO THE SEA - 4 days / 3 nights (possible arrivals in Agde, Sète or Montpellier) - Veloccitane
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FROM CARCASSONNE TO THE SEA 4 days / 3 nights (possible arrivals in Agde, Sète or Montpellier)
THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FROM
CARCASSONNE TO THE SEA
4 days / 3 nights (possible arrivals in Agde, Sète or
Montpellier)
Self-guided cycling holiday - ONWARD JOURNEY
This cycling holiday along the canal du midi offers you an HIGHLIGHTS
itinerary from Carcassonne to Sète on the shores of the
Mediterranean. To start off, we suggest that you explore
the city of Carcassonne, before heading through numerous • A Toulouse-based
company, specialising in bike
wine-producing villages between Minervois and Corbières,
tours of the Canal du Midi
with plenty of opportunities for wine-tasting. Once past
Beziers, the sea air will accompany you to the Greek city of
• A selection of B&Bs and
Agde, where the Canal du Midi runs into the étang de charming hotels, very often
Thau. with a swimming pool
If you have the time, we invite you to continue your
• A bike trip with reasonable
journey along the seashore to the beautiful cities of Sète
‘étapes’ or stages in the most
and Montpellier. beautiful sites of the Canal
du Midi, chosen by our local
cycling specialists
• New, comfortable bikes,
adjusted to your size
DAY BY DAY Day 1: ARRIVAL IN CARCASSONNE B&B / 2* Hôtel Arrival in Carcassonne. Possible visit of the city of Carcassonne and/or a bike tour, starting from your B&B/hotel. Dinner of your choice, night in Carcassonne. Bike hire for the day is an option (15€ per person). We recommend a pretty tour that starts in Carcassonne, allowing you to discover the city as well as vineyards and the Cavayère lake. Day 2 : THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM CARCASSONNE TO HOMPS B&B / 2* Hôtel Your bikes are delivered direct to your B&B/hotel. After a good breakfast, you leave Carcassonne by the canal which, from now on, closely follows the course of the River Aude, to enter the region of Minervois. At the heart of these landscapes of vineyards, smelling evocatively of the south, you cross charming hamlets, before arriving at the port of Homps. This small and lively port is the perfect place to taste the good wines of the region at the end of the day. Dinner of your own choice and night in Homps. Cycling : 41 km Day 3 : THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM HOMPS TO CAPESTANG B&B / 2* Hôtel Downstream from Homps, the rugged terrain surrounding the canal necessitated the construction of impressive feats of engineering. This is why, in just 4 kms you encounter no less than 4 bridges and 4 aqueducts, one after the other. Once you arrive in Caspestang, you can discover its château, its 14C collegiate church dedicated to St Etienne and its lagoon, from which the village gets its name, « Lou Cap de l’estang ». Dinner of your own choice and night in Capestang. Cycling : 43 km
DAY BY DAY Day 4 : THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM CAPESTANG A AGDE B&B / 2* Hôtel This last day is infused with sea air. Your arrival at the étang de Thau will not be without emotion! The small lighthouse of la pointe des Onglous appears to be at the end of the earth. From this symbolic place, you can savour your arrival with a panoramic view over the Mont Saint-Clair, l’etang de thau, the oyster beds and the listed port of Marseillan. Return to the centre of Agde, where you drop off your bike with our partner, situated just a few steps away from the SNCF train station. Cycling : 50 km Your holiday ends on your arrival in Agde if you have chosen the 4 day/3 night trip from Carcassonne to Agde. A supplementary night is an option. Day 5 : THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM AGDE TO SETE This short stage between Agde and Sete lends itself to dawdling ! A beautifully wild stretch between the etang de Thau and the Mediterranean allows you to watch the flamingos. You have numerous spots for swimming. Once you arrive in Sète, you can make the most of the pretty fishing port known as the « Venice of the Languedoc ». Cycling: 35 km Your holiday ends upon your arrival in Sète if you have chosen the 5 day/4 night trip, from Carcassonne to Sète. A supplementary night in Sète is an option.
DAY BY DAY
Day 6 : THE CANAL DU RHONE FROM SETE TO
MONTPELLIER
From Sète, you ride along the « small » Camargue, following the
Rhone-Sète canal. This takes you across an ornithological reserve,
not far from Palavas, where with a bit of luck, you can observe
flamingos. A cycle path leads you into the heart of the beautiful city
of Montpellier.
Cycling : 45 km
Your holiday ends upon arrival in Montpellier if you have chosen the
6 day/5 night trip, from Carcassonne to Montpellier.
A supplementary night in Montpellier is an option.
EXTEND YOUR STAY
From Agde, Sète and Montpellier, all of the Mediterranean coast is
accessible by train.
The Côte d’Azur, la Côte Vermeille around Collioure, or the Spanish
coast are all only just a few hours away.
DEPARTURE DATES
Departure on the dates of your choice
TO BOOK
Contact us by email :
sandrine.leberre@maisonduvelotoulouse.com
By telephone : +33 (0)7.68.64.02.02
OUR SELECTION OF ACCOMMODATION
« Standard »
You sleep in pretty Bed and Breakfasts, or welcoming 2*
hotels, ideally situated for your overnight stays along the
length of the canal. The swimming pools will give you the
chance of a refreshing bathe at the end of the day (eveytime
it’s possible). Breakfast is included. Upgrade “comfort”
You stay in particularly characterful B&Bs and
in 3* hotels. Relaxation assured, with a
swimming pool on most nights for a refreshing
bathe. Breakfast is included.
We have selected for you characterful B&Bs where you will
find a warm welcome and often a swimming pool (3 nights).
These are ideally situated along the length of the canal.
According to availability at the time of your inscription, it could
be possible that you are booked into a different B&B of the
same category or into a 2* hotel.
DISCLAIMER
The names and the photos of accommodation are given for
information purposes. According to availability, the B&Bs or hotels
could be modified and replaced without warning by another
accommodation of the same category.
YOUR STAY
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET HERE MEALS :
In order to limit your CO2 emissions, we encourage you to To give you maximum flexibility, we
car-share or use public transport. have left you free to choose your own
dinners rather than include these in the
IF YOU COME BY TRAIN holiday price. There are numerous
restaurants possible on each night.
Tariffs and timetables on the website:
https://www.oui.sncf/
LEVEL :
SNCF Train station of Carcassonne. Your first
Stages of 35 to 60 km per day. Almost
accommodation in Carcassonne is close to the train
entirely flat, bike paths are tarmacked
station.
on the whole itinerary. Possible with
sport-loving children of 10 years and
IF YOU COME BY PLANE
older.
Carcassonne airport
GUIDING/MONITORING :
Self-guided, unaccompanied holiday.
IF YOU COME BY CAR
Find your route on the website: www.viamichelin.fr or
www.mappy.fr
QUALITY BIKES AND EQUIPMENT
● Arcade hybrid bikes made in France, perfectly adapted
to the Canal du Midi
A fresh stock of more than 60 bikes of different sizes,
2017 models
Ride the latest, up to date bikes!
Our bikes are renewed each season and checked after
each hire by our specialist mechanics.
● All your equipment is included : helmet, paniers front
and back, lights front and back, lock, repair kit, yellow
high visibility jacket.
● A bike that fits you, we have 6 sizes available
● Electric bikes (ebikes) available as an optional extra
CHARACTERISTICS
Aluminium frame, 21 speeds, ‘V-brake’ brakes, ‘Royal’ saddle, puncture resistant tyres, 28" wheels,
mudguards, weight 14 KG.
Given the nature of the terrain, 2 wheel trailers for children are not possible on the
section between Toulouse and Castelnaudary.
WE CAN ALSO PROPOSE
Tandems Bob Yak bike trailers Childrens’ trailers Paniers
Security deposit is to be given at the time of taking the rented equipment.
A guarantee (a swipe of your credit card) as well as a proof of identity are also requested. The guarantee is
reimbursed upon the safe return of the bikes.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring one bag or suitcase for a change of clothes during your week. Transported by vehicle, you will
find your bag each evening in your B&B or hotel.
Clothes
• 1 sun hat or baseball cap • Necessary toiletries: preferably
• 1 neck scarf biodegradable products
• 1 woollen/fleece hat or bandana • 1 quick drying towel
• Breathable T-shirts • Toilet paper
Avoid cotton, which takes a long time to dry; • Sun cream and protective lip balm
bring short sleeve t-shirts in breathable • Soothing cream
material
• I base layer (breathable material) or 1 shirt If you take your own bike
with long sleeves
• 1 fleece • 1 helmet (not obligatory in France but
• 1 jacket made of Gore-tex or similar, strongly recommended)
waterproof and breathable • 1 pair of cycling gloves (optional but strongly
• I long and 1 short pair of cycling shorts, recommended)
preferably padded for more comfort cycling • 1 map carrier (optional)
• 1 pair of trousers for the evening • 1 water container (1,5 litre minimum)
• Under wear
• 1 repair kit (spare inner tube, pump,
• Socks. Avoid cotton ‘tennis’ type socks which puncture repair kit)
are slow to dry • 1 bicycle lock
• 1 swimming costume for the swimming pools • paniers
and your arrival at the sea • water carrier (optional)
Shoes Personal Pharmacy
• 1 pair of shoes ‘multi-activity’ for cycling and • Your usual medicines
walking
• Vitamine C ou multi-vitamins
• Pumps or sandals for the evening
This list should be adapted according to the • Pain killers : preferably paracetamol
season. • Adhesive tape (eg : Elastoplast) 6 cm wide
• Plasters of different sizes and antiseptic
Equipment wipes
• 2nd skin dressings for blisters (eg : Spenco)
• 1 pair of sun glasses of excellent quality • Mosquito repellent
• 1 head torch (optional): our bikes are
equipped with lights For all additional information or in case of
• 1 pocket knife (to be put in the hold luggage
emergency, please contact +33 7 68 64 02 02.
on the plane)
A bike specialist who knows the itinerary will
• 1 small waterproof bag for valuables and
money be at your disposal.
Si vous prenez votre propre vélo :
• 1 casque (non obligatoire en France mais
fortement conseillé)
• 1 paire de gants de vélo (facultatif mais
fortement conseillé)
• 1 porte-carte (facultatif)
• 1 gourde (1,5 litre minimum)
• 1 kit de réparation (chambre à air de
YOU HAVE A QUESTION ?
WE HAVE AN ANSWER !
Sandrine, your travel agent
This cycling and hiking tours-enthusiast will be your privileged interlocutor in
order to conceive a tailor-made quotation. Sandrine has a long experience in
customer relationship and she likes challenge and new experiences. She’s ready
to help you!
CONTACT US
BY TELEPHONE
00 33 (0)5 34 40 64 72 or 00 33 (0)5 61 71 00 55
BY E-MAIL
To : sandrine.leberre@maisonduvelotoulouse.com
BY MAIL
Véloccitane - Maison du Vélo Toulouse
12 Boulevard Bonrepos, 31000 Toulouse
VÉLOCCITANE, THE CYCLING TRAVEL AGENCY
Véloccitane is a travel agency dedicated to self-guided biking tours. Our office is ideally located along
the Canal du Midi in Toulouse, in front of the train station Matabiau. From there, why not visiting the
gorgeous routes of the south-west of France? The Canal du Midi, Canal de Garonne, Canal de la
Robine, Rigole de la Plaine are waiting for you!
Our website www.veloccitane.fr
Our facebook : https://fr-fr.facebook.com/veloccitane/
Registration under the travel agencies register Atout France : IM031160002
Financial guarantee : Groupama Assurance Crédit - 5/7 rue du Centre 93199 Noisy le Grand
Professional liability insurance : MMA – 14, bd Marie et Alexandre OYON 72000 LE MANSYou can also read
