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Canal du Midi Cycling, with Mirepoix and Montolieu

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Canal du Midi Cycling, with Mirepoix and Montolieu

France

Available Departures: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

10 days from

US$2,530

without flights

View Dates & Prices

Cycle

Self-Guided

LEISURELY

Indulge yourself on this 10-day self-guided cycling holiday, pedalling leisurely along the Canal du Midi from Toulouse to Sète.

Trip Code: SGCX

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

For occasional bike riders; these holidays are predominantly on paved roads and involve only gentle climbs. You can go at your own pace and there’s plenty of time off the bike, to explore and to take it easy. These leisurely journeys are normally on hybrid or electric bikes. Daily distances are usually between 25 and 50 kilometres.

View leisurely holidays

4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as regular walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

These are holidays for weekend cyclists looking for a fun challenge. Mostly on paved roads, forest tracks and gravel paths, daily distances can be as much as 60 kilometres a day on an adventure cycling holiday and as much as 80 kilometres a day on a road cycling tour. Expect to encounter undulating terrain and the odd, longer, steeper climb.

View moderate holidays

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

These holidays will provide a challenge for regular weekend cyclists. Adventure cycling holidays on mountain bikes at this level, can include anything from forest track riding, to technically challenging singletrack ascents and descents. These tours can be in isolated areas and/or at altitude, whilst Road Cycling tours in these grades will involve long (up to 100 kilometre) days and potentially very hilly terrain. A good level of fitness and regular training, including a couple of long days in the saddle each month, is standard for these trips.

View challenging holidays

10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

We recommend these epic rides for experienced cyclists only, who relish the challenge of long, consecutive and potentially very hilly days on the bike. Adventure Cycling tours will be ‘out-there’ and sustained, whilst Road Cycling holidays in these grades can have continuous steep stages (up to 100 kilometres and 3000 metres of ascent) with some long and serious descents which require care. Demanding a high level of endurance, these holidays are aimed at regular sportive / club riders.

View Tough holidays

All Grade Information

Section:

Canal du Midi Cycling, with Mirepoix and Montolieu

Highlights

Pedal on quiet cycle lanes and peaceful towpaths along the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore Toulouse and discover the magnificent architecture of the vibrant Pink City
Marvel at the magnificent timbered buildings of Mirepoix and delve into the medieval history of Carcassonne
Indulge yourself in the delicious cuisine and famed wines of the south of France
Relax in the comfort and charm of boutique hotels and guesthouses each evening

At a Glance

8 days cycling and sightseeing
Upgraded bike hire included
Upgraded hotel accommodation
Saturday departures
Join In Toulouse / End in Sete

Accommodation & Meals

9 Breakfasts
9 nights Hotel

Overview

Constructed in the 17th century, the Canal du Midi was designed to boost French trade by connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the importance of its engineering achievement. Over the course of this 10-day self-guided cycling holiday in the south of France, you will follow the course of this iconic waterway from Toulouse to Sète, and discover innumerable picturesque towns and villages steeped in centuries of history. You will have plenty of time to explore, immerse yourself into the culture and savour the delectable gastronomy and wines of the Occitanie. Staying in carefully selected 4-star & 3-star hotels and boutique guesthouses throughout, you will round off each day in comfort and delight in the hospitality of this magnificent region. This is slow travel at its finest – go on, treat yourself!

Is this holiday for you?

This leisurely self-guided cycling holiday is perfect for anyone that enjoys journeying on two wheels and indulging in the finer things in life. Over 8 days of cycling, you will ride between 40-65km a day, utilising a combination of canalside cycle paths and quiet side roads that gently undulate through the countryside, travelling at your own pace and with as many rest and sightseeing stops as you like. There is also the option to upgrade your hire bike to an e-bike if you wish to have the extra pedal power on your way.

Why KE?

With the choice of an 8-day or a 10-day itinerary for those with a little more time on their hands, we have designed this holiday with indulgence in mind, perfect for the discerning traveller to embrace slow travel and the French joie de vivre.

We have included upgraded bike hire, plus e-bike upgrades are available, to make this holiday feel even more leisurely.

Itinerary

Download Trip Notes

Day 1

Arrive in Toulouse and explore the vibrant "Pink City".

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Make your way to Toulouse on the River Garonne, also known as La Ville Rose (The Pink City), so-called for the many buildings made of blush-hued terracotta bricks. This charming city invites you to linger and embrace her laid-back pace of life on sun-warmed terraces and peaceful riverbanks. Depending on your time of arrival, you may have the chance to explore some of the unmissable highlights of the old town, such as the Place du Capitole, the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Saint-Sernin, and the medieval Jacobins Convent with its tranquil garden. Unsurprisingly, with quality seasonal produce cultivated in south-west France, Toulouse has a fantastic gastronomic reputation and foodies can delight in a vibrant culinary scene with any number of high-end restaurants, relaxed bistros and casual cafes available to choose as you please.

There is much to see and do in Toulouse; we recommend spending extra time here to really get under her skin. We can assist with arranging additional hotel nights if required - just get in touch with our sales team for more information.

Accommodation

Hotel

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Day 2

Pedal along peaceful tree-lined avenues to Castelnaudary.

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Collect your hire bike this morning. Our local representative will be on hand to help fit your bike and assist with any final questions you may have before you set off on your journey along the Canal du Midi. Picking up the cycle path, you will soon leave the city behind and emerge to rural pastures, pedalling languidly along tree-lined avenues and past sleepy villages on your way to Castelnaudary. En route is the Seuil de Naurouze, the highest point on the canal where the water flow goes either toward the Atlantic or to the Mediterranean. The distinctive obelisk of Narouze, rising to a height of 20m over the surrounding plains, marks this threshold in memory of engineer Pierre-Paul Riquet who was responsible for the construction of the Canal du Midi. Rolling in to Castelnaudary, take the time to hop off your bike and explore the old alleys or perhaps soak in the mini-Riviera-like atmosphere at the Grand Bassin, before making your way to your charming accommodation for the evening.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Ascent

190 M

Distance

65 KM

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Day 3

Discover the colourful medieval village of Mirepoix at the foothills of the Pyrenees.

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Fuel up on breakfast and maybe pack some extra snacks, for today's route is a gradual uphill affair as you aim for the foothills of the Pyrenees. Leaving Castelnaudary, your ride soon peels off from the main canal route toward the Cathar city of Bram, with streets laid out in a defensive circle around the 12th-century St Julien and Ste Basilisse Church. You will pedal on a cycle path built on an old railway line, taking you on a scenic ride through tunnels, over viaducts and bridges, to reach the delightful gem that is Mirepoix, where you will stay this evening. Arriving to the medieval fortified village, you will feel like you have stepped back in time, or straight onto a movie set. Ancient timbered houses and colourful facades around the central square are a feast for the eyes; you can also enjoy a feast for the taste buds with many charming restaurants and cafes offering al fresco dining here. Staying at a historic guesthouse in the medieval centre, you can really soak in the atmosphere of this charming village tonight.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Ascent

350 M

Distance

60 KM

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Day 4

Retrace your route through idyllic countryside and make your way to Carcassonne.

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After a leisurely breakfast, take a final stroll through the atmospheric streets or perhaps pay a visit to the impressive Gothic cathedral of Mirepoix, before hopping back on your bike. Rolling through the peaceful countryside and soaking in the calming rural scenes surrounding you, you will return languidly to the Canal du Midi, and not long after, arrive to Carcassonne where you will stay for the next two nights. You might like to make your way to your accommodation to freshen up before delving into the many layers of this historic city. The heart of the town is the Bastide Saint-Louis, an attractive and convivial district rich with handsome architecture and lively boulevards, where you can get a taste of the French 'joie de vivre'. On the eastern side of the River Aude, the UNESCO-listed Citadel stands proud on the hilltop as the largest medieval fortified town in Europe, which you may recognise from scenes in the 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Ascent

190 M

Distance

65 KM

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Day 5

Explore the arts culture of Montolieu, or relax in Carcassonne.

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Today you have the opportunity to ride out to Montolieu in the foothills of La Montagne Noire (The Black Mountains). Known as a village of books and arts, Montolieu is home to numerous independent bookshops and artists as well as a small museum dedicated to the history and craft of books. This really is a bibliophile's dream, and invites you to relax with a coffee at one of the small cafes within the village's characterful alleys. You will have plenty of time to linger and soak in the ambiance here, before making your way back to Carcassonne.

Alternatively, if you prefer to have a rest and take a day off the saddle, you might simply like to have a relaxed day exploring around Carcassonne.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Ascent

280 M

Distance

40 KM

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Day 6

Cycle through the fragrant vineyards of the Minervois region.

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We suggest a visit to the market at Place Carnot (open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning) to pick up some picnic supplies from the local producers here before you set off. The covered market in the Prosper Montagne Hall (open Tuesday to Saturday mornings) is also a good stopping point and a great way to experience the beating heart of the city. Your ride today will take you through the pretty vineyards of the Minervois in the famed viticulture region of Languedoc. Staying in either Olonzac or neighbouring Homps tonight, you will have plenty of opportunity to savour the delicious wines from this very region as you while away a relaxed evening and indulge in a slow and sumptuous pace of life.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Ascent

130 M

Distance

45 KM

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Day 7

Follow in the footsteps of Riquet on your way to Narbonne.

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Continuing on your way this morning, you are aiming for Narbonne where over 2,500 years of Roman and Medieval history await. As you pedal along the serene banks of the canal, the chateau of Argen-Minervois rises on a hill above the canal, making for a quintessentially French sight. This chateau once belonged to the De Niquet family: Antoine de Niquet was instrumental in the engineering of the canal structures in the late 17th century. You might like to visit the historic Chateau de Paraza winery where estate tours and tastings are on offer; the aforementioned engineer Riquet also stayed here during the construction of the canal. When you roll in to the picturesque village of Le Somail, an important checkpoint for traders utilising the waterway, we suggest making a pit stop here where you can enjoy a spot of lunch at a canalside restaurant and admire the centuries-old buildings set around the distinctive arched bridge forming the centre of the village. Joining the Canal de Jonction and the Canal de la Robine, you will be accompanied by the scent of the pines and ubiquitous vineyards lining the towpath as you pedal on the final leg toward Narbonne and your home for the evening.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Ascent

50 M

Distance

40 KM

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Day 8

Admire engineering marvels such as 'Les Neuf Ecluses de Fonseranes' as you cycle to Beziers.

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This morning, you will initially retrace the route that you had taken yesterday, back to Salleles-d'Aude where you will peel off to ride between seemingly endless vineyards and fields of olives, before picking up the canalside path again at the quaint village of Poilhes. At Le Malpas, we suggest a short detour to the hilltop town of Oppidum d'Enserune, an ancient Gallic settlement with expansive views over the marvellous Etang de Montady, a former wetland drained using a radial system of ditches that give the fertile land a segmented circular pattern akin to a giant sliced cake, or clock face. An archaeological museum here gives an insight into the centuries of Celtic history and influence over the region. Another iconic canal structure, the Tunnel le Malpas, is on your route today. Carved through the hill, this is the oldest navigation tunnel in Europe and it is worth hopping off the bike to marvel at Riquet's engineering as well as the intriguing pockmarked tunnel interior, caused by natural weathering of the soft tufa. Just before arriving to Beziers and your home for the evening, you can admire the picturesque 'Neuf Ecluses' of Fonseranes Lock, a series of nine locks cascading a height of 21.5m over a distance of 300m. Depending on your time of arrival to atmospheric Beziers (also the birthplace of Riquet), you might have the opportunity to explore the city on foot to discover the magnificent trompe-l'oeil ('trick of the eye') murals dotted around the historic city centre.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Ascent

170 M

Distance

45 KM

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Day 9

Ride to the end of the Canal du Midi at the Thau lagoon, on the Mediterranean coast.

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Today you will ride the final stage of your journey to Sète. As you get closer to the Mediterranean Sea, it will not be long before you start to smell the tang of brine in the air. Approaching Agde, you will cycle past the unique three-gated round lock designed by Riquet to allow boats to come and go in three directions. You might like to explore off the bike in Agde, an ancient Greek settlement with the nickname 'the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean', from its old town built of black volcanic stone from nearby Mont Saint-Loup. Soon after, you will reach the inland sea of the Thau lagoon, with just a narrow sandbar separating it from the Mediterranean. This saltwater lagoon, the second largest lake in France, is a great producer of seafood and shellfish, particularly the highly regarded Bouzigues oysters. Depending on the time of year, this is a great spot for birders to spot species such pink flamingos, herons, kingfishers and red kites. The final few kilometres of your cycling odyssey will take you along the Lido promenade, where welcoming sandy beaches invite you for a paddle in the Mediterranean Sea. Your journey along the Canal du Midi concludes when you roll in to Sète, the largest French fishing town on the Mediterranean, also called "Venice of the Languedoc" for the canals that criss-cross the port city. This evening, you can savour the delicious specialties of Sète, and raise a glass of Languedoc wine to toast a wonderful holiday cycling and indulging in France.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Ascent

70 M

Distance

50 KM

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Day 10

Departure day.

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Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in your hotel and perhaps take a final stroll along the scenic Canal Royal. If you have the time, it is worth making the journey to the top of Mont Saint-Clair (175m) for wonderful panoramic views, before making your onward journey.

If you would like to explore this vibrant city a little longer, we can assist with arranging additional nights' accommodation. Just get in touch with our sales team for more information.

Meals

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The Route

Airport

Point

Direction

Cycle

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

Holiday

General

Equipment

What's Included

All accommodation as described
Luggage transfers
Meals as described in the Meal Plan
Self-guided information pack containing your route notes
Upgraded bike hire
Navigation App
GPX tracks available

What's not Included

Travel insurance
Travel to Toulouse
Travel from Sète
Visas (if applicable)
Any entrance fees to sights and monuments
Tourist Taxes may apply and are usually under 5 Euros per person per night
Some meals as described in the Meal Plan
Personal equipment
Any e-bike upgrades
Any additional activities/excursions indicated as optional

Your Self-Guided Pack & Route Notes

Each self-guided holiday comes with comprehensive route notes and a map or pocket guidebook of the area you are exploring. The route notes contain information about the places you will visit and the local transport you might need, along with the detailed route notes for your daily walks or cycle rides. We even include some tips for the best places to stop for lunch.

You can expect to receive your Self-Guided Pack containing your route notes, a map or guidebook, and all your relevant documents, no later than 3 weeks before your holiday start-date. We will send your documents using a signed-for courier so that you can track your package and know that it is safely on its way to you. For bookings of more than 4 people we will send an additional Self-Guided Pack. If you do not need this additional pack please inform our Sales Team. Your pack will be sent to the lead booker, so please remind them to pack it before setting off.

Should your self-guided trip be part of a longer adventure requiring you to leave home more than three weeks before your holiday start-date, please inform our Sales Team so that we can make alternative delivery arrangements.

GPS Travel App

This holiday includes a GPS navigation app, which contains the routes for you to follow each day, as well as attractions, coffee stops and points of interest along the way. The app does not need to have Wi-Fi connection to work, you simply follow the instructions we provide you to download the app to your personal smartphone device before you leave home and you are ready to go.

While the travel app is running, your phone battery charge can be consumed faster than normal, so we strongly recommend that you pack a power bank with you just in case you require it.

Self-Guided Families

Our Self-Guided Holidays are perfect for your next family holiday and are suitable for children of all ages.

Our partner hotels and accommodations are able to provide cots for young children, and some offer family rooms. We can also arrange hire of children’s bikes and tag along bikes for most of our self-guided cycling trips and with trips such as Lake Constance and the Danube offering routes on designated cycle paths you can rest assured in keeping your family safe.

As a parent we trust that you know your own child’s capabilities, so please read the itinerary details to ensure the distances covered each day are suitable for your family. If this is a first time walking or cycling holiday for your family, a centre-based trip is a fantastic option as it allows you to easily opt out of a day's walking if a day of building sand castles, swimming in the pool, or visiting museums is calling instead.

Please discuss this further with our Sales Team who will be happy to assist in picking the best trip for your family.

Joining Arrangements & Transfers

TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

In some cases you may choose to take a ferry and/or train to your holiday start and end destination. Please see further information on Travelling by Train.

If flying from the UK there are low cost airlines available to the start and from the end of your holiday.

To benefit from full financial protection, ease your holiday planning, and avoid dealing with airlines, we can book scheduled flights from the UK as part of a flight inclusive package. Scheduled flights are usually more expensive than low cost alternatives, however potentially less stressful if your flight is cancelled or delayed. If you book flights through KE Adventure Travel we will offset the carbon of your flight.

The trip starts in Toulouse and ends in Sète. All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you.

The nearest airport for this trip is Toulouse-Blagnac Airport with many departures from regional UK airports.

On arrival, an airport shuttle bus links Toulouse-Blagnac Airport with the city centre, with regular departures every 15-20 minutes. The journey takes approx. 20-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

When your trip ends in Sète, you can take the train (via Narbonne or Beziers) back to Toulouse Matabiau station, from where you can take the tram, airport shuttle bus or a taxi to the airport.

It is also possible to travel flight-free from the UK to France, making use of the Eurostar. From Paris Montparnasse you can take the direct train to Toulouse Matabiau (approx. 4.5 to 5 hours journey time), and return directly from Sète to Paris Gare de Lyon (approx. 3 hours 50 minutes journey time). Please visit www.sncf-connect.com for more information.

Meal Plan

This trip is arranged on a bed & breakfast basis to allow you the most flexibility during your holiday.

Special Diets

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide for special diets. Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your meals with food/snacks from home. If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice. Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

Food & Water

Water from the taps is perfectly drinkable on this holiday - please use this to fill your personal bottles for your daily activities. We do not encourage the purchase of single-use plastic bottles.

With a Mediterranean climate boasting over 300 days of sunshine annually, the Occitanie region of the south of France is famous for delicious produce, sumptuous cuisine and exceptional wines. This is the perfect opportunity for a holiday indulging in the local specialties!

While in Castelnaudary, the “cassoulet capital of the world”, you simply must sample said cassoulet! A hearty slow-cooked stew made with beans and various cuts of meat such as duck and pork, the dish takes its name from the earthenware pots called ‘cassoles’ that it is traditionally cooked in.

Some of the freshest shellfish and seafood comes from the Etang de Thau that you will visit at the end of your trip; you will want to make sure you sample the delicious oysters and mussels on offer in this region.

The cuisine of Sète draws influence from Italy, Spain and North Africa. Specialties to try include tielle sètoise (a pie filled with octopus cooked in tomato sauce), moules farcies (mussels stuffed with minced meat), and zézette (a moreish biscuit made of flour, white wine, sugar, egg and olive oil).

And of course, wine aficionados can delight in the viticulture of the world-famous Languedoc region. Most well-known for full-bodied reds with varieties such as Grenache and Syrah, the region also produces crisp whites like Picpoul de Pinet and buttery rich Chardonnays, as well as light rosé wines like Cinsault. Delicious!

Accommodation

This holiday has been designed with indulgence in mind. You will stay in carefully selected hotels and boutique guesthouses of typically 4-star and 3-star French standard, all with their own unique character. Whether they are beautifully-converted classic mansions or contemporary hotels and holiday apartments, each location will be sure to charm you and provide a great space to relax after a day in the saddle. All hotels offer French breakfasts with plenty of delicious pastries to fuel you on your way, and Wi-Fi connectivity is available at all locations.

It is possible to arrange additional nights accommodation if you would like to extend your time in Toulouse or Sète. Please speak with our sales team for more information.

Bike Hire

Upgraded bike hire is included in the cost of this holiday. Your bike will be available to collect in the morning of Day 2 of your holiday, when our local representative will be on hand to assist with fitting your bike.

Upgraded bikes are lighter than standard hybrid bikes and have a crossbar for improved stiffness and stability, offering a sportier ride. Utilising higher-grade bike components such as hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano 30-speed gears, you can enjoy more precise handling and smoother gear changes. High quality front suspension forks and a more athletic saddle offer increased comfort over a variety of surfaces and distances.

All bikes come equipped with a pannier bag for your daily essentials, plus a bike lock, pump, and repair kit. Hire bikes do not come fitted with bottle cages as these impede with securing the bikes during transportation.

We strongly recommend that you bring your own helmet with you for the best comfort. We also recommend packing a gel seat for extra comfort or a pair of padded cycling shorts; whilst the cycling is leisurely and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore it is always nice to have some padding for a comfortable ride.

We can arrange children’s bikes upon request. Please get in touch with our sales team for further information.

Upgrade to an E-bike

If you are looking for a bit of extra support whilst in the saddle, you can upgrade to an e-bike to make your ride even more leisurely.

Equipped with a battery and motor, these electric bikes give you a helping hand whilst you are pedalling, making it easier to climb hills, and travel further with less effort and more comfort.

E-bikes are available on this holiday at an additional supplement of £130. Just request this upgrade option with our sales team at the time of booking.

Baggage Allowance

Your main luggage will be transferred between each of your hotels while you are out on your bike. We ask that you please ensure your luggage is limited to 20kg per piece and that your luggage is ready for collection each morning.

Passport & Visas

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders.

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

For other nationalities, please refer to your own Government website for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents including vaccinations and health certificates (see Health & Vaccinations below), and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check the FCDO for the latest advice for each country visited before travel.

Health & Vaccinations

Vaccinations:

You should be up to date with the routine vaccinations recommended in the UK for overseas travel.

You must also contact your doctor or travel clinic to check if there are specific vaccinations or other preventive measures that you need for the area you are visiting, in good time before you are due to depart.

On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dental check-up.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents including vaccinations and health certificates.

Please check the FCDO and Travel Health Pro. For all of your intended destinations for up-to-date advice.

Severe Allergies:

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips.

Currency

The currency for part or all of this holiday is the Euro.

Preparing for your Holiday

The advantage of a self-guided cycling holiday is that you decide the pace. This trip is designed for leisure cyclists and does not require you to be in peak fitness. Having said this, it is always sensible to get some additional exercise before going on an active holiday. After all, the fitter you are the more enjoyable your cycling will be. You should be comfortable with cycling up to 65km a day on undulating cycle paths for multiple days, and we advise you to dust off your bike and head out on a few rides before your holiday.

Climate

This region of southern France has a predominantly Mediterranean climate, with hot, sunny summers and mild, dry winters. Spring and autumn temperatures are mild and average around 18-24 degrees centigrade during the day, dropping to a cool 10-14 degrees on average in the evening. The summer months feel hot with the mercury reaching the low 30s during the day and a balmy 18 degrees at night. Showers can occur at any time of the year so it is always worth packing your waterproofs just in case.

Travel Aware

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

Single Use Plastic

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

Books

Canal of the Sun King: The Birth of the Canal du Midi – Les E Smith

The Friar of Carcassonne – Stephen O’Shea

Travel Insurance

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct. Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Equipment List

Cycling shorts
Cycle helmet
Functional base layer
T-shirts
Scarf
Hat
Windproof jacket
Fleece / extra layer
Rain protection
Rucksack (approx. 20 l)
Small first aid kit for your rucksack
Sunscreen
Water bottle or hydration pack
Camera (batteries/memory card)
Mobile Phone (ensure your data package covers your destination)
Handlebar mount that is compatible with your smartphone
Power bank
Waterproof phone cover
Sun glasses
Personal wash kit
Reusable cloth bag for shopping to avoid the use of plastic bags
Tupperware for picnics

View Dates & Prices

Canal du Midi Cycling, with Mirepoix and Montolieu
With Flights

Without Flights
Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

Please note our 'from price' listed is based on 4 persons in double or twin occupancy, however we can quote for any number of travellers, including solo travellers, contact our sales team for a quote.

This trip is available for departures on Saturdays throughout the dates listed.

When considering your travel dates, you might like to investigate any seasonal opening times of attractions and points of interest.

All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. You may even wish to make this holiday part of a bigger adventure or pair it with one of our other holidays. We can arrange additional nights accommodation before or after your self-guided trip, ask our sales team to find out more about this.

Our sales team will be happy to provide you a quote for scheduled flights or alternatively you may wish to book your own flights with a low cost carrier from your nearest regional airport.

Please DO NOT book your flights before you have received your booking confirmation and your deposit has been taken.

TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

In some cases you may choose to take a ferry and/or train to your holiday start and end destination. Please see further information on Travelling by Train.

If flying from the UK, low cost airlines are available to convenient airports to the start and from the end of your holiday.

To benefit from full financial protection, ease your holiday planning, and avoid dealing with airlines, we can book scheduled flights from the UK as part of a flight inclusive package. Scheduled flights are usually more expensive that low cost alternatives, however potentially less stressful if your flight is cancelled or delayed. If you book flights through KE Adventure Travel we will offset the carbon of your flight.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)

Trip is Locked

Canal du Midi Cycling, with Mirepoix and Montolieu

Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

1 - 3 LEISURELY

4 - 6 MODERATE

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

10 - 12 TOUGH

Canal du Midi Cycling, with Mirepoix and Montolieu

Highlights

At a Glance

Accommodation & Meals

Overview

Is this holiday for you?

Why KE?

Itinerary

The Route

Essential Information

TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

DATES & PRICES

2026

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Land Only Information

Flight Inclusive Information

TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

Download Trip Notes

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Trip is Locked

Canal du Midi Cycling, with Mirepoix and Montolieu

Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

1 - 3 LEISURELY

4 - 6 MODERATE

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

10 - 12 TOUGH

Canal du Midi Cycling, with Mirepoix and Montolieu

Highlights

At a Glance

Accommodation & Meals

Overview

Is this holiday for you?

Why KE?

Itinerary

The Route

Essential Information

TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

Other Trips You Might like

E-Biking Holiday in the Loire Valley

Cycling The Rhine - Strasbourg to Mainz

Walking in Provence

DATES & PRICES

2026

More Information

More Information

More Information

More Information

More Information

Land Only Information

Flight Inclusive Information

TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

Download Trip Notes

Get our latest articles and promotions straight to your inbox

KE 2728 Online Reviews

97%

Your Wishlist

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