The Canal du Midi: From Narbonne to Carcassonne

Canaux

Patrimoine

From Narbonne to Carcassonne, follow the gentle flow of water along the Canal de la Robine and the legendary Canal du Midi. This cycling journey unveils a tranquil tapestry of vineyards, shady towpaths, sleepy winegrowing villages, and iconic locks. With a hybrid or electric Allroad bike from Paulette, touring becomes easy and breezy—an invitation to slow down and experience France by bike, at the peaceful rhythm of the canals.

Day 1

35 km

Narbonne → Homps

Start your adventure in Narbonne, departing from our partner location near the train station. Just a few pedal strokes in, and you’re already riding alongside the Canal de la Robine. This quiet waterway linking Narbonne to the Canal du Midi offers an easy and scenic warm-up, with flat, well-kept paths leading to the village of Sallèles-d’Aude (around 12 km in).
It’s the perfect spot for your first break. Just beyond the village lies the Amphoralis archaeological park, an open-air museum that shares the story of the region’s Gallo-Roman potters—right beside the canal.

Back on the bike, you’ll soon join the Canal du Midi, passing through Roubia, Paraza and Ventenac-en-Minervois—three villages that sit just off the towpath. In Ventenac, the local wine cooperative is housed in a former château right by the canal, and offers direct sales of Minervois wines.
Your day ends in Homps, a former river port that’s kept its boating spirit and a few cozy accommodations. You’ll find restaurants, a small grocery store, and a swimming spot nearby at Jouarres Lake (just 2 km from the canal). From Sallèles, continue toward Le Somail, a peaceful hamlet famed for its second-hand bookshop, old ice-house, and charming little port. A great place to stop for lunch or a coffee.

Day 2

30 km

Homps → Carcassonne

Leaving Homps, the route continues along the towpath, passing locks and small canal structures. This stretch is more rural, with very little road traffic nearby. The path may be uneven in places—make sure your panniers are secure and your tires suited to mixed terrain. After 7 km, take a quick break in La Redorte to admire the épanchoir of Argent-Double, a clever water-regulation system designed by Riquet. The village also has a few shops if you need to stock up. Next, the canal leads you past Marseillette, then to Puichéric, a tiny wine village just minutes from the route.

Next, the canal leads you past Marseillette, then to Puichéric, a tiny wine village just minutes from the route. From there, the path winds through farmland toward Trèbes (about 23 km from Homps). This lively town is perfect for a longer stop, with bakeries, restaurants, and shops. Visit the Saint-Étienne church or relax at the little port. The final stretch to Carcassonne follows a shady section of the Canal du Midi. You’ll enter the city from the east and reach the centre via the canal port. From there, it’s easy to cycle up to the famous medieval citadel—either along the Aude riverbanks or skirting the ramparts.

Feeling inspired to go further?
This route is part of the full Canal du Midi cycling adventure. From Carcassonne, you can keep pedalling west to Toulouse… or turn around and head for the Mediterranean Sea.