The Canal du Midi: From Béziers to Toulouse

Canaux

Patrimoine

Ville

Trace the history of a whole region as you follow the gentle flow of the Canal du Midi. Ride at the rhythm of the locks and take in the ever-changing scenery. Along the way, don’t miss the culinary delights—from fougasse and crispy fritons to tender duck breast. A feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.

Day 1

44 km

Béziers → Le Somail

Ease into your journey on the shaded towpaths of the canal, heading toward the spectacular Nine Locks of Fonseranes, a UNESCO-listed feat of engineering. This brilliant water staircase immerses you in the heart of canal history.

After a stop in Colombiers and a ride through the Malpas tunnel, climb to the Oppidum of Ensérune for panoramic views over the geometric fields of Montady.

The route continues through vineyards and villages—Poilhes, Capestang, and Argeliers—before reaching Le Somail, a charming hamlet once used as a postal barge stop.

Day 2

62 km

Le Somail → Carcassonne

You enter the Minervois region, where vineyards and waterways shape the land. After passing through Homps, cross the elegant Argent-Double aqueduct, designed by Vauban to manage floods.

Ride through the reclaimed lands of the former Marseillette lagoon, now fertile farmland. Shaded by plane trees, the path leads you to Trèbes—gateway to Carcassonne.

Soon, the towers of the medieval city rise on the horizon. A breathtaking end to your stage.

Day 3

40 km

Carcassonne → Castelnaudary

Take time to explore the medieval citadel of Carcassonne, a UNESCO gem with its ramparts, towers, and cobbled lanes.

Back on the canal, pass through typical Languedoc villages and a series of tranquil locks. In Bram, admire the circular layout of this ancient town, a rare medieval feature.

Arrive in Castelnaudary—the cassoulet capital—on the banks of the Grand Bassin, a perfect place for a gourmet stop and an after-dinner stroll.

Day 4

65 km

Castelnaudary → Toulouse

Your final day takes you to the Seuil de Naurouze, the highest point of the canal and a symbolic spot where waters split toward the Atlantic or the Mediterranean.

The path winds through rolling countryside and hilltop villages like Avignonet-Lauragais, before smoothing out in Haute-Garonne.

Houseboats multiply, the atmosphere shifts—Toulouse is near. You arrive in the Pink City in style, where urban energy meets the gentle flow of the canal.