The Canals of the Midi and Robine: From Toulouse to Narbonne by Bike
Day 1
65 km
Toulouse → Castelnaudary
Leave Toulouse behind on the peaceful cycle path along the Canal du Midi. With slow-moving barges and birdsong as your soundtrack, the Lauragais countryside opens up—sunflower fields, soft hills, and villages with iconic bell-wall churches. Stop in Montesquieu-Lauragais to admire its church, facades, and old château.
At the Négra lock, once a stop for the 17th-century Barque de Poste, history comes alive. Pause for lunch at the cyclist-friendly Gardouch lock. Along the way, don’t miss Avignonet-Lauragais and the legendary Seuil de Naurouze, where canal waters divide between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
Arrive in Castelnaudary in the golden light of late afternoon. Known as the cassoulet capital, it’s the perfect place to unwind beside the Grand Bassin.
Day 2
40 km
Castelnaudary → Carcassonne
A shorter day, but rich in sights. Continue toward Carcassonne, following the Canal du Midi lock by lock in a peaceful, pastoral atmosphere. On arrival, leave your bike and step into the medieval Cité. This UNESCO-listed fortress spans millennia of history—Roman, Visigothic, feudal, and royal.
Wander its cobbled streets, walk the ramparts, visit the basilica. Why not stay the night to soak in the atmosphere? With the freedom of cycling, you set the pace.
Day 3
38 km
Carcassonne → Homps
Pedal on beneath plane trees and umbrella pines, heading into the Minervois. In Trèbes, admire the Orbiel aqueduct—a historic canal bridge. Further on in La Redorte, pause at the Argent Double spillway, a brilliant 11-arch flood control system by Vauban.
The canal winds through vineyards, stone-built villages, and timeworn locks. Your day ends in Homps, a charming port. Detour to Lake Jouarres for sunbathing, a guinguette lunch, or a splash in the water.
Day 4
36 km
Homps → Narbonne
Your final leg leads you toward the sea. Pass through Paraza and its Répudre aqueduct—the only one built by Riquet himself. Stop for a tasting at Château de Paraza before continuing to Le Somail, a delightful canal hamlet born with the canal in the 17th century.
At Port la Robine, follow the Canal de Jonction to the Canal de la Robine, which guides you into Narbonne. This is where the canal network connects Toulouse to the Mediterranean—a historic waterway link.
In Narbonne, stroll the Roman streets, visit the cathedral, the Archbishops’ Palace, and the medieval keep. And don’t miss the Halles—a lively food market and true temple of southern flavors.
Want to extend the journey?
Add a day toward Gruissan and the Sainte-Lucie Nature Reserve. A route starting from Narbonne is available on our site. Between lagoons, wetlands, and the Mediterranean, the adventure turns wild.