The Canal du Midi: From Sète to Carcassonne
Day 1
55 km
Sète → Béziers
Your journey begins in Sète, between the canal and the sea, where the scent of salt and the spirit of freedom fill the air. Ride along the Étang de Thau, with flamingos and sea breezes as your companions. At the Onglous lighthouse—where the lagoon meets the Canal du Midi—you reach a legendary junction, marking the true start of your canal adventure.
Pedal toward Agde, an ancient Greek settlement where you can marvel at the unique round lock and the ingenious Libron works—clever hydraulic structures designed to harmonize the canal and the river. Pause here to take in this brilliant feat of 17th-century engineering.
The path continues peacefully through vineyards and olive groves. Upon reaching Béziers, unwind along the Allées Paul Riquet, then climb to the Pont-Vieux. The view of the Saint-Nazaire Cathedral, perched above the Orb River, is breathtaking—a scene that even inspired Game of Thrones.
Day 2
55 km
Béziers → Le Somail
Just outside Béziers, you’ll encounter the stunning Nine Locks of Fonseranes—a UNESCO-listed marvel of canal architecture and one of the most visited sites in Occitanie. Watching the cascading basins in action is mesmerizing, a testament to the genius of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the canal’s creator.
Next comes the Malpas tunnel, dug into the rock in defiance of a royal ban. Just above, the archaeological site of the Oppidum of Ensérune offers sweeping views over the star-shaped fields of the drained Montady lagoon.
The route winds through small villages and over old stone bridges—Poilhes, Capestang, Port-la-Robine… You follow the gentle current of the canal, cross the Canal de Jonction, and end the day in Le Somail. This charming hamlet, once a postal barge stop, feels frozen in time—perfect for a peaceful evening by the water.
Day 3
65 km
Le Somail → Carcassonne
On your final day, head into the heart of the Minervois. Ride through the flower-filled villages of Paraza and Homps before reaching the Argent Double spillway—an overlooked but brilliant design by Vauban, built to control flooding. A little further on, the whimsical sculptures at the Aiguille lock add a playful touch to your ride.
Cycle between vineyards, vegetable farms, and ancient plane trees. The grand finale awaits as Carcassonne’s silhouette emerges in the distance—its fortified walls and crenellated towers rising from the landscape.
Take time to wander its cobbled streets, enjoy a well-earned cassoulet, and perhaps spend the night within the walls. It’s the perfect close to a bike trip through France rich in history, nature, and freedom on two wheels.