The Canal du Midi: From Toulouse to Carcassonne by Bike

Arrière-Pays

Canaux

Patrimoine

This two-day ride along the Canal du Midi takes you between two iconic landmarks of this legendary waterway: Toulouse, its starting point, and Carcassonne, the medieval fortress city. You'll cross the gentle countryside of Lauragais, moving lock by lock, village by village. And when you finally arrive at the foot of the awe-inspiring medieval Cité—it will feel like a true reward.

Day 1

65 km

Toulouse → Castelnaudary

Leave the Pink City behind, cycling the dedicated path along the Canal du Midi, where slow-moving barges and shimmering reflections accompany your ride. Soon, the hills of Lauragais unfold before you—fields, bell-wall churches, and red-brick villages.

Pause in Montesquieu-Lauragais to admire its facades, church, and castle. Just beyond lies the Négra lock, steeped in history. This was once a stop for the Barque de Poste, a 17th-century passenger boat service connecting Toulouse to Agde.

Stop for lunch at the Gardouch lock—a quiet, welcoming spot by the water. Further on, Avignonet-Lauragais and the Seuil de Naurouze offer both cultural interest and symbolic weight, marking the watershed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

End your day in Castelnaudary, home of the famed cassoulet. Watch the sunlight turn golden over the Grand Bassin as evening sets in.

Looking for a gentler pace? Break the ride in two and enjoy a peaceful night in Montesquieu-Lauragais—perfect for soaking up the region’s charm.

Day 2

40 km

Castelnaudary → Carcassonne

Before returning to the canal, take a cultural detour to Saint-Papoul (8 km extra round trip) to visit its 8th-century abbey-cathedral, nestled in lush countryside. Then rejoin the canal at Bram, a quiet bastide town.

From here, the towpath leads you on beneath the plane trees, with the rhythm of the locks as your soundtrack. Before reaching Carcassonne, you’ll pass the charming Foucaud spillway and its flower-decked lock keeper’s house.

Then comes the grand finale: Carcassonne’s medieval ramparts rise before you, an unforgettable sight. Take your time exploring the cobbled streets, walking the walls, and soaking in centuries of history. A majestic end to your journey, in one of France’s most iconic UNESCO-listed sites.