THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FROM TOULOUSE TO NARBONNE 5 days / 4 nights or 6 days/5 nights

Transcription

1 THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FROM TOULOUSE TO NARBONNE 5 days / 4 nights or 6 days/5 nights

2 THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FROM TOULOUSE TO NARBONNE 5 days / 4 nights - (6 days/5 nights version available on request with night in Narbonne, allowing you to ride to Port-la- Nouvelle or Gruissan) SELF GUIDED BIKE TOUR This bike trip has you discover a delightful ride from Toulouse to Narbonne, in 4 unforgettable stops, with so many different landscapes. You ll discover first our lovely pink city, with its incredible historical heritage, museums and mansions. Then, from Toulouse, you re going through the Lauragais. This Land of Cocagne will amaze you with its its typical southern fortified villages. When in Castelnaudary, you can finally enjoy a Cassoulet, a well-known traditional recipe. By following the Canal, you ll arrive in Carcassonne, a unique fortified city around an impressive Castle coming straight from a fairytale, and a Unesco s World Heritage. Then, you enter the Minervois and Corbières, through the charming vineyard and Chateaux. Why not tasting the local wines, it worths the visit! Then, you may discover the Cave du Château de Ventenac Minervois, a mighty house over the Canal, where you can learn everything about traditional life in the vineyard. Riding to Narbonne, you ll be surprised to see how fast the landscape is changing. For its heritage, this city is a must. If you still have time, why don t you stay a couple nights in Narbonne to feel the atmosphere or maybe to reach the sea by Port-la-Nouvelle or Gruissan! HIGHLIGHTS A Toulouse-based company, situated on the banks of the canal du midi and opposite the SNCF Toulouse main train station Matabiau A selection of B&Bs and charming hotels, very often with a swimming pool A bike trip with reasonable étapes or stages in the most beautiful sites of the Canal du Midi, chosen by our local cycling specialists New, comfortable bikes, adjusted to your size

3 DAY BY DAY Day 1 : VISIT TOULOUSE BY BIKE OR ON FOOT B&B / 2* hotel Arrival in Toulouse. Time to soak up the atmosphere of this latin town, with its numerous lively squares. Whether on foot or by bike, explore the many narrow, historic streets of la ville rose (the pink town), with its exceptional architectural heritage. Le Capitole, la basilica Saint Sernin and the Jacobins are amongst the unavoidable sights. Passionate ourselves about our city of Toulouse, we will know how to help you discover the very best and most authentic places. Night in Toulouse with dinner of your own choice. Additional nights available on request Day 2 : LE CANAL DU MIDI FROM TOULOUSE TO CASTELNAUDARY B&B / 2* hotel From 9A.M., you can collect your bike, equipment and trip documents from our offices. These are situated near your hotel, where we will take care of your luggage. Our team will welcome you and give you plenty of good advice for your journey. After 50km of tarred green lane you arrive at the highly agreeable seuil de Naurouze, watershed between the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Night at Castelnaudary, the largest inland port between Toulouse and the Mediterranean. Dinner of your own choice. Cycling : 65 km (40 miles) Supplementary stage possible to allow you to divide this first stage into 2 stages of approximately 30 km/18 miles

4 DAY BY DAY Day 3 : THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM CASTELNAUDARY TO CARCASSONNE B&B / 2* hotel You set off along the banks of the Grand Bassin de Castelnaudary, a small lake at the foot of the town. Suddenly, far away, you can see the unbelievable splendor of the medieval city of Carcassonne. This short stage leaves you free to explore Carcassonne during the afternoon. Dinner of your own choice, night in Carcassonne. Cycling : 40 km (25 miles) Day 4 : THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM CARCASSONNE TO HOMPS B&B / 2* hotel You leave Carcassonne by the canal which, from now on, closely follows the course of the River Aude, to enter the region of Minervois. At the heart of these landscapes of vineyards, smelling evocatively of the south, you cross charming hamlets, before arriving at the port of Homps. Don t miss the Aiguille s lock in Puicheric, where you will discover the incredible sculptures by the artist Joël Barthès. The small and lively port of Homps is the perfect place to taste the good wines of the region at the end of the day. Dinner of your own choice and night in Homps or in Olonzac (delightful and lively village 1 km further). Cycling: 40 km (25 miles)

5 DAY BY DAY DAY 5 : FROM HOMPS TO NARBONNE BY THE CANAL DE LA ROBINE B&B / 2* hotel Below Homps, the hilly landscape around the Canal du Midi has required the construction of some nice pieces of engineering: lots of donkey bridges and aqueducts to see for the delight of visitors. Soon you ll be able to visit the Cave du Château de Ventenac. Then, stopping by the tiny village of Somail, «Le Trouve-Tout du Livre», an amazing bookstall with a wide range of ancient books, is a must. You will then reach the crossing of two channels: the Canal de la Jonction, which is 4 miles long, on your right, allows you to get at the Canal de la Robine that brings you to Narbonne. This city of arts and history is full of heritage to explore. Archaeological museum, Palais des Archevêques, Roman horreum (the last roman monument you can still visit in Narbonne), Art museum, Sculpture museum: there is something for everyone! Cycling: 38 km (23 miles) or 54 km (33 miles) if you re willing to see wonderful Minerve village

6 DAY BY DAY DAY 6 : SHORT TRIP TO PORT-LA-NOUVELLE BY THE CANAL DE LA ROBINE If you please, what about spending a 5 th night in Narbonne, and riding along the Canal to the sea? You will ride along the lake of Bages and of Sigean, and along the wildlife park of Sainte Lucie, before reaching Port-la-Nouvelle - to finally have a swim in the Mediterranean sea! Please note that this is a round trip Cycling: 38 km (23 miles) or 76 km (47 miles) if you choose to go to Saint-Pierre sur mer by Mandirac EXTEND YOUR STAY From Narbonne, you have access to the gorgeous historical Center of Béziers, which is very much worth the visit, and you can possibly continue your trip to Sète (58 km - 36 miles) This area has many train connections, so you may want to extend your trip on the côte d Azur, the côte Vermeille or in Collioure s region, unless you would prefer to enjoy a few days in Spain, which is just a few hours away. DEPARTURE DATES Departure on the dates of your choice TO BOOK Contact us by contact@veloccitane.fr By telephone: +33 (0)

7 OUR SELECTION OF ACCOMMODATION «Standard» You sleep in pretty Bed and Breakfasts, or welcoming 2* hotels, ideally situated for your overnight stays along the length of the canal. As often as possible, the swimming pools will give you the chance of a refreshing bathe at the end of the day. Breakfast is included. Upgrade comfort (+120 per person) You stay in particularly B&Bs with cachet and in 3* hotels. Relaxation assured, with a swimming pool on most nights for a refreshing bathe. Breakfast is included. We have selected for you B&Bs with cachet where you will find a warm welcome and often a swimming pool (3 nights). These are ideally situated along the length of the canal. According to availability at the time of your inscription, it could be possible that you are booked into a different B&B of the same category or into a 2* hotel. DISCLAIMER The names and the photos of accommodation are given for information purposes. According to availability, the B&Bs or hotels could be modified and replaced without warning by another accommodation of the same category.

8 PRACTICAL INFORMATION HOW TO GET HERE In order to limit your CO2 emissions, we encourage you to car-share or use public transport. IF YOU COME BY TRAIN Tariffs and timetables on the website: SNCF Train station Toulouse Matabiau. Our offices are located opposite the train station Matabiau. IF YOU COME BY PLANE Toulouse Blagnac Airport Shuttles bus allow you to go from the airport to the railway station in 30 minutes. MEALS: YOUR STAY To give you maximum flexibility, we have left you free to choose your own dinners rather than include these in the holiday price. There are numerous restaurants possible on each night. LEVEL: Stages of 35 to 60 km per day. Almost entirely flat, bike paths are tarred only at the beginning of the itinerary. Possible with sport-loving children of 10 years and older. GUIDING/MONITORING: Self-guided, unaccompanied holiday. Our offices are located just opposite the bus station in Toulouse. IF YOU COME BY CAR Find your route on the website: or

9 QUALITY BIKES AND EQUIPMENT Arcade hybrid bikes made in France, perfectly adapted to the Canal du Midi A fresh stock of more than 60 bikes of different sizes, 2017 models Ride the latest, up to date bikes! Our bikes are renewed each season and checked after each hire by our specialist mechanics. All your equipment is included: helmet, panniers front and back, lights front and back, lock, repair kit, yellow high visibility jacket. A bike that fits you, we have 6 sizes available Electric bikes (e-bikes) available as an optional extra CHARACTERISTICS Aluminium frame, 21 speeds, V-brake brakes, Royal saddle, puncture resistant tires, 28" wheels, mudguards, weight 14 KG. Given the nature of the terrain, 2 wheel trailers for children are not possible on the section between Toulouse and Castelnaudary. WE CAN ALSO PROPOSE Tandems Bob Yak bike trailers Children s trailers Panniers Security deposit is to be given at the time of taking the rented equipment. A guarantee (a swipe of your credit card) as well as a proof of identity are also requested. The guarantee is reimbursed upon the safe return of the bikes.

10 WHAT TO BRING Bring one bag or suitcase for a change of clothes during your week. Transported by vehicle, you will find your bag each evening in your B&B or hotel. Clothes 1 sun hat or baseball cap 1 neck scarf 1 woolen/fleece hat or bandana Breathable T-shirts Avoid cotton, which takes a long time to dry; bring short sleeve t-shirts in breathable material I base layer (breathable material) or 1 shirt with long sleeves 1 fleece 1 jacket made of Gore-tex or similar, waterproof and breathable I long and 1 short pair of cycling shorts, preferably padded for more comfort cycling 1 pair of trousers for the evening Under wear Socks. Avoid cotton tennis type socks which are slow to dry 1 swimming costume for the swimming pools and your arrival at the sea Shoes 1 pair of shoes multi-activity for cycling and walking Pumps or sandals for the evening This list should be adapted according to the season. Equipment 1 pair of sun glasses of excellent quality 1 head torch (optional): our bikes are equipped with lights 1 pocket knife (to be put in the hold luggage on the plane) 1 small waterproof bag for valuables and money Necessary toiletries: preferably biodegradable products 1 quick drying towel Toilet paper Sun cream and protective lip balm Soothing cream If you take your own bike 1 helmet (not obligatory in France but strongly recommended) 1 pair of cycling gloves (optional but strongly recommended) 1 map carrier (optional) 1 water container (1,5 liter minimum) 1 repair kit (spare inner tube, pump, puncture repair kit) 1 bicycle lock panniers water carrier (optional) Personal Pharmacy Your usual medicines Vitamin C ou multi-vitamins Pain killers: preferably paracetamol Adhesive tape (eg: Elastoplast) 6 cm wide Plasters of different sizes and antiseptic wipes 2 nd skin dressings for blisters (eg: Spenco) Mosquito repellent For all additional information or in case of emergency, please contact A bike specialist who knows the itinerary will be at your disposal.

11 YOU HAVE A QUESTION? WE HAVE AN ANSWER! Sandrine, your travel agent This cycling and hiking tours-enthusiast will be your privileged interlocutor in order to conceive a tailor-made quotation. Sandrine has a long experience in customer relationship and she likes challenge and new experiences. She s ready to help you! CONTACT US BY TELEPHONE (0) or (0) BY To : contact@veloccitane.fr BY MAIL Véloccitane - Maison du Vélo Toulouse 12 Boulevard Bonrepos, Toulouse VÉLOCCITANE, THE CYCLING TRAVEL AGENCY Véloccitane is a travel agency dedicated to self-guided biking tours. Our office is ideally located along the Canal du Midi in Toulouse, in front of the train station Matabiau. From there, why not visiting the gorgeous routes of the south-west of France? The Canal du Midi, Canal de Garonne, Canal de la Robine, Rigole de la Plaine are waiting for you! Our website Our facebook: Registration under the travel agencies register Atout France : IM Financial guarantee : Groupama Assurance Crédit - 5/7 rue du Centre Noisy le Grand Professional liability insurance : MMA 14, bd Marie et Alexandre OYON LE MANS