Cycling the Canal du Midi : Across Southern France from Toulouse to Sete

This 260km (162-mile) route takes you through a landscape of plane tree-lined towpaths, ancient locks, vineyards, and medieval towns. Flat, car-free, and taking around a week to complete, this route is suitable for beginners and experienced long-distance cyclists alike. This comprehensive guidebook describes the journey in 5 manageable stages, each between 40 and 63km (25–39 miles) in length, completable in a single day. Optional excursions to nearby towns and countryside—including Carcassonne, Narbonne, Minerve, and Béziers—make it easy to tailor the trip to your interests and schedule. You'll navigate with confidence using 1:200,000 maps and elevation profiles for each stage, while practical stage planning tables, accommodation listings, and notes on refreshments, cycle shops, and repair facilities ensure smooth planning throughout your journey. Discover the rich history, wildlife, and culture of the Languedoc with introductory sections covering the canal's remarkable engineering heritage, the region's varied landscapes and wildlife, and the food and drink traditions of southern France. Immerse yourself in one of Europe's easier and most rewarding long-distance cycle routes with this trusted Cicerone guidebook.