Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi

Our trip begins at Toulouse airport (airport code TLS) at 7.15pm. If you would like an airport transfer today, the latest your flight can arrive is 6.30pm. We'll then transfer to Carcassonne. On arrival there will be time to wander the ramparts of this amazing site at the time when it's at its most charming, the evening.

Today we will get on our bikes for the first time and explore the peaceful surrounding countryside while day-trippers occupy the citadel of Carcassonne. Our route takes us to the beautiful villages of Conques-sur-Robiel, Bouilhonnac, and the tiny village of Les Rustiques, once a Templar commandery. We will then join the Canal du Midi at the village of Trebes to make our way back into Carcassonne and once again enjoy this marvel beautifully lit in the evening, and without the chaos of the daytime crowds. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 35 kilometres/21.7 miles (Total 89 metres/300 feet ascent and 89 meters/300 feet descent )

Today we cycle along the famous Canal du Midi and arrive at our destination le Chateau de Jouarres in Homps, a pleasant yet simple resort with a pool, our base for the next three nights. On the way we'll leave the canal for a short while at Marseillette to for a winetasting at Chateau l'Amiral where the family have been producing Minervois wine for 7 generations. As the whole of the Canal du Midi is a World Heritage Site, UNESCO is keen to keep the historical aspects of the area in keeping with its origins. Cyclists should be aware that the towpath was originally built for horses to pull cargo barges, hence many sections do not have a modern surface. Ever changing, due to climatic conditions, the sections cycled do include earth and gravel paths with some holes and tree roots and can be narrow and overgrown in places. These towpath sections show the area in the beautiful way it has always been but in places is a bumpy ride! Our total cycling distance today is approximately 43 kilometres/26.6 miles. .

Our route today is a leisurely loop taking in the village of La Laviniere. Made up largely of stone houses typical of the region the village has a wine making tradition going back to Roman times and is surrounded not just by vineyards but also by olive groves. We'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant serving seasonal, local produce.before getting back on our bikes to head back to the hotel. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 28 kilometres/ 16 miles

One of the principal reasons to stay in Jouarres is to have the option to visit one of the most enigmatic sites of the Cathar Crusade, the stronghold of Minerve. Today we can choose to cycle to this wonderful town perched on a rocky outcrop between two gorges. This inevitably means a hilly ride, however it is worth the effort as Minerve has been awarded the prestigious label of one of the most beautiful villages in France - something only bestowed on 176 villages in a country with over 30,000. Alternatively, you can relax in Jouarres or self-guide on a shorter, and mainly flat cycle ride near the hotel. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 37 kilometres/23 miles (450 meters/1480 feet ascent)

Today we pack our bags again and continue our Canal du Midi adventure. We will reach the junction of the canals, making sure to stop for coffee and lunch, where the Canal du Midi loops north to avoid the hills, and the Canal de la Robine which was later dug to connect the City of Narbonne to the canal network. Narbonne is a hidden gem with many treasures for those who take the time to look for them. Once the second town of the Roman empire (more than a century before Caesar's conquest of Gaul) and flourishing during the early medieval times, before the silting up of the harbour ended its glorious period, but leaving us with a nicely preserved time capsule. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 45 kilometres/26.6 miles.

Our trip wouldn't be complete without ending up on the shores of the Mediterranean and today's ride will follow the Canal de la Robine almost to the shores. We cycle towards Gruissan, once a pirates' nest, and now a wonderful coastal town. Make sure to bring your swimwear. Heading back, there is the option of a slightly different route depending on time, as we aim to be back back in town early enough to visit the recently opened Via Narbo museum or enjoy an aperitif in one of the many cafés . The total cycling distance today is approximately 30 to 45 kilometres/18.6 to 26.6 miles.

The trip ends at Toulouse airport at 10am. The earliest your flight can depart is 12pm.