The Canal du Midi: From Toulouse to Sète by Bike
Day 1
65 km
Toulouse → Castelnaudary
Your adventure begins at Paulette’s agency in Toulouse. Saddle up and roll out along the Canal du Midi’s dedicated bike path. Barges glide slowly past, and the trees arch overhead, forming a green tunnel as you ride. The landscape shifts gently as you enter the Lauragais, dotted with hilltop villages and iconic bell-wall churches.
Pause in Montesquieu-Lauragais to admire the village’s old facades and church. The Négra lock, once a stop for the Barque de Poste, is a scenic spot to rest. In Gardouch, settle in for a canal-side lunch. Then it’s on to the Seuil de Naurouze—the canal’s highest point—where waters split between Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Your day ends in Castelnaudary, the cradle of cassoulet. Relax by the Grand Bassin, glowing in the late-day light.
Day 2
40 km
Castelnaudary → Carcassonne
Back on the canal path, enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the ride. Optional detour: an 8 km loop to Saint-Papoul and its abbey-cathedral, founded in the 8th century.
Before reaching Carcassonne, stop at the Foucaud spillway, then leave your bike outside the gates of the medieval city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cité transports you through 2,000 years of history—from Roman to Visigothic, medieval to royal. A timeless place to explore on foot, especially at sunset.
Day 3
65 km
Carcassonne → Le Somail
You now enter the Minervois, pedaling under plane trees and parasol pines. The path winds through vineyards, villages, and storied wine estates.
In La Redorte, discover the Argent Double spillway, a feat of hydraulic engineering by Vauban. Near Homps, take a break at Lake Jouarres for a swim, a bite at the guinguette, or a nap in the shade. End your ride in Le Somail, a canal hamlet founded in the 17th century. It’s steeped in history and perfect for a quiet night.
Day 4
55 km
Le Somail → Béziers
Stick with the Canal du Midi, leaving the Canal de Jonction behind. In Capestang, detour to see the impressive Saint-Étienne collegiate church, then ride through the 1679-built Malpas Tunnel. A short climb brings you to the Oppidum of Ensérune, offering sweeping views over the geometric marshes of Montady.
Pass through Colombiers and continue toward Béziers, arriving via the spectacular Fonseranes Locks: 8 basins, 9 gates, and a masterpiece of canal engineering. A UNESCO site and Grand Site of Occitanie, it’s one of the most visited places in the region.
Finish the day in Béziers—stroll along the Paul Riquet alleys, admire the Saint-Nazaire Cathedral, and soak in the view from the Pont-Vieux.
Day 5
55 km
Béziers → Sète
The final stretch brings you to the sea. Ride past the Libron hydraulic works and the marshes of Estagnol. Halfway, Agde—the “Black Pearl of the Mediterranean”—offers a worthy break with its unique round lock and lively town center.
The Onglous Lighthouse marks the end of the Canal du Midi: where freshwater flows into the Thau Lagoon, a vast mirror between sky and sea. Ride along a bike path between lagoon and shore, flanked by beaches and reeds.
Arrive in Sète, a vibrant fishing port. Wander along its canals, savor fresh shellfish with a glass of Frontignan muscat, and toast to your cycling adventure in true Paulette style: swims, white wine, and salt-kissed horizons.