Cycling Tour Canal du Midi France

Duration:
7 Days

Difficulty: Easy

From
$5785

This cycling tour Canal du Midi in France is one of our favourites. The cycling on this tour is graded as easy, mainly flat roads and canal paths, with lots of coastal aspects, peppered with fascinating villages, including the UNESCO-listed Carcassonne.

And of course, the food and wine. Unsurprisingly for France, this region has a strong wine-growing culture. Wine varieties include a Rosé called Vin de Sable,  or the crisp white of Picpoul de Pinet an ideal match to the local shellfish dishes. Near Pézénas there are prestigious vineyards producing full-bodied reds, and further south are the sparkling wines of Limoux.

We visit some amazing French towns and villages on this cycling tour, and the variety is wonderful. A highlight is the UNESCO-listed town of Carcassonne. The striking Citadelle of Carcassonne at the end of the tour was plundered for building materials until it was restored to glory in the early nineteenth century and is now one of the most visited sites in France.

EXCLUSIVE: Travelling via Paris? Tour de Vines is offering those who book a French cycling holiday before 31 December the preceding year an exclusive cycling day tour of Paris, complete with an expert local guide. Visit the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and many more highlights. This offer for your French cycling holiday is exclusive to Tour de Vines.

Tour Highlights

What We Love About this Cycling Tour on the Canal du Midi in France

  • Visit to Marseillan with a tasting at Noilly Prat
  • Two nights in the stunning ancient town of Beziers
  • Fantastic sea views around the Etang de Thau
  • Easy cycling along the tree-shaded Canal du Midi
  • The astonishing medieval fortress of Carcassonne

Tour Inclusions & Prices

Canal du Midi France Cycling Tour Dates

  • 10 May - 16 May 2026
  • 20th - 26th September 2026

Check the calendar below for prices and live availability and for any date changes or new dates.

2026 France cycling tour dates are being added currently, please check the calendar below.

Optional Extras

  • Quality Ebikes are available upon request on this France cycling tour and are currently priced at $A550 per bike for your tour.
  • Pre and post tour accommodation nights can be added to your booking upon request.

What's Included in your Cycling Tour of the Canal du Midi in France

  • Flexible collection from local airport or train station & onward transfers
  • Quality bicycles and helmets (if required)
  • Water bottles (to take home as souvenirs)
  • Detailed riding instructions and colour route maps
  • Charming 3* (occassionally 4*) auberges, inns and hotels
  • Buffet-style breakfasts with croissants, pastries, meats, cheeses and cereals
  • Gourmet dinners for all 6 nights of your holiday
  • Fine wine (or soft drink alternative) with all evening meals and coffee to follow
  • 2 experienced bilingual guides with each tour
  • Delivery of your luggage to your hotel room each day
  • Entry fees to attractions and historical sites
  • An unforgettable experience!

Map
Additional Details

Trusted Operator

Tour de Vines has been running tours in since 2002 and has been awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 and is now a Hall of Fame inductee. You can be assured we are a quality operator and want nothing more than for you to have an amazing travel experience.

Trusted Cycling Tour Operator

This tour is delivered by a quality 3rd party tour operator in the location. Tour de Vines has tested and quality assured the tours on offer in this destination.

The operator reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organizational requirements. Sometimes the tour will be conducted in reverse order or stated hotels may be subject to change. You will find further details in your booking information package once your booking is confirmed.

Bikes

Quality hybrid-style bikes are included in your cycling tour in France. These are ordinarily Trek FX-style bikes complete with water bottle cages, adjustable seat heights and a front saddle bag to carry incidentals.

Female-specific saddles are available on all French cycling tours.

Ebikes

Ebikes are available upon request on all France cycling tours. The actual model and make of the ebike will vary depending on location and the request for how many. 

Step-through ebikes are available, but please request this specifically if required.

What is the group size for guided tours in France?

Group tours are great for making new friends and sharing an amazing experience. Tours in France have a maximum of 16 guests, a good size to ensure a level of personal service. Minimum 6 guests.

What if I want a break from riding?

We encourage all guests to join in and cycle with the group however, there is a minibus travelling along with the group that is available for anyone at any point during the day. The bus will take you for as long or as little as you wish.

What is the weather like?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the weather however, dates are selected to be optimal for cycling - not too hot and not too cold! Considering the region and the temperate climate, it would be unlucky to experience more than one wet day.

What accommodation is used on this tour?

France Cycling Tour Canal du Midi Accommodation

Night 1: Le Grand Hotel, Sète

Perfectly located on the canal, the hotel occupies a magnificent 19th-century mansion house. The elegant restaurant specialises in seafood fresh from the fishing port.

Night 2 & 3: Hotel Particulier, Béziers

A former distillery has been transformed into a luxury hotel a stones throw from the old quarter of Pézenas. The hotel boasts an indoor/outdoor spa area with pool, and a bar holding a large selection of local wines. We eat out both nights here as we are spoilt for choice with good local restaurants.

or

Hotel InSitu, Beziers

Former mansion of the late nineteenth century, the 4-star hotel opened in 2015. The hotel is modern and contemporary, while retaining the old charm architecture.

Night 4: Château du Puits es Praxt, Ginestas

A gorgeous countryside chateau, this hotel offers a heated swimming pool (a luxury in France!) and two spas, perfect for refreshing those cycling legs!. Restaurant L’Es Pratx is a restored winemaking barn and offers colourful dishes based on the flavours of the Mediterranean.

Night 5: Bastide de Cabézac, Bize-Minervois

The Bastide, a converted fortified farmhouse dating in parts from the 15th Century, and its blue-shuttered ochre walls evoke the southern sunny climate. A stone’s throw from the Canal du Midi, it is perfectly positioned to be a stopping point on the Canal. The swimming pool is ideal for a dip to wash off the dust of the days ride, and suitably refreshed, you can visit the on-site winery for a tasting before dinner! The restaurant uses the fresh produce from the surrounding hills and the nearby Mediterranean to full advantage, often with a surprising twist!

or

Château de Siran - Hôtel & Spa, Siran

In the small village of Siran, time stops, allowing you to discover its numerous vineyards and other small villages typical of the south of France. Between its thick walls of this large family home, the Château de Siran preciously preserves some traces of its glorious past. The vaulted halls and staircase made from sandstone from Aigne are a reminder of crinoline gowns and sword fights that took place in the bastide in the 16th century.

Night 6: Hotel du Château, Carcassonne

Perfectly placed at the foot of the fortress of Carcassonne with spectacular views of the city walls, the 4* Hotel du Château features luxurious and individually decorated rooms and as an added reward for arriving in Carcassonne, there is a swimming pool with spa, sauna and hammam!

Note: Accommodation may change for reasons of room availability, minor adjustments to the route or upgrading the hotels. We will always endeavour to use hotels of an equal or higher level of comfort/facilities to those shown.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the group size for guided tours in France?

What if I want a break from riding?

What is the weather like?

What accommodation is used on this tour?