THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FOR FAMILIES FROM TOULOUSE TO CARCASSONNE Part 1-6 days / 5 nights

Transcription

1 THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FOR FAMILIES FROM TOULOUSE TO CARCASSONNE Part 1-6 days / 5 nights

2 THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FOR FAMILIES This first part of this cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi proposes an itinerary from Toulouse to Carcassonne. To start off, we suggest a tour of Toulouse, before crossing the Lauragais. This is a gentle first stage and you spend the night in a pretty B&B with a swimming pool. We recommend a family boat trip on the Canal du Midi in this magical landscape. You arrive next in Castelnaudary, home of Cassoulet, where we advise you on the best restaurants to delight your taste buds! Half way between Castelnaudary and Carcassonne, you spend the night in a Guesthouse just outside the charming village of Bram. The Canal leads you finally to the medieval city of Carcassonne. HIGHLIGHTS A Toulouse-based company, situated on the Canal du Midi, in front of the main railway station A selection of accommodation ideal for your family, very often with a swimming pool An itinerary specially designed for families, with a variety of other activities proposed New, comfortable bicycles, adapted to all sizes

3 DAY BY DAY Day 1 : TOUR OF TOULOUSE BY BIKE OR ON FOOT B&B/ 2* Hôtel 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 basilique 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. Tour of Toulouse by bike and supplementary nights possible. See our supplementary services Day 2 : THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM TOULOUSE TO RENNEVILLE 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 35km of tarred cycling path, you arrive at your B&B in the charming village of Renneville. Cycling: 35 km

4 DAY BY DAY DAY 3 : THE CANAL DU MIDI DE RENNEVILLE A CASTELNAUDARY B&B/ 2* Hotel Today s route takes you to the delightful seuil de Naurouze, watershed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. This is the perfect place for the children to understand how the canal works, in a heavenly setting. At Castelnaudary, a family boat trip on the Canal du Midi is possible. Dinner of your own choice and night in Castelnaudary, the largest inland port between Toulouse and Carcassonne. Cycling: 25 km Day 4 : THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM CASTELNAUDARY TO BRAM B&B/ 2* Hôtel Upon your arrival in Bram, you have another chance to hire a boat for your family on the canal (25 per hour). Dinner of your own choice and night in a lovely Guesthouse in Bram. Outdoor pool. Cycling: 17km NB: According to availability at the time of inscription, you could be accommodated in another nice Guesthouse or in a 2* hotel in the village.

5 DAY BY DAY Day 5: THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM BRAM 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 splendour of the medieval city of Carcassonne. This short stage leaves you free to explore Carcassonne during the afternoon. Cycling: 25 km Day 6: CARCASSONNE Your holiday ends after your breakfast. Bike hire for the day is an option (15 per person). We recommend a pretty tour that starts in Carcassonne, allowing you to discover the city as well as vineyards and the Cavayère lake. THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FOR FAMILIES- (Part 2) It is possible to prolong your trip to go as far as the sea, with the 2 nd part of the Canal du Midi by bike, from Carcassonne to Agde, Sète or Montpellier. DEPARTURE DATES Departure on the dates of your choice TO BOOK Contact us by contact@veloccitane.fr By telephone: +33 (0) Au fil des jours

6 OUR SELECTION OF ACCOMMODATION You sleep in pretty Bed and Breakfasts, or welcoming 2* hotels, ideally situated for your overnight stays along the length of the canal. The swimming pools will give you the chance of a refreshing bathe at the end of the day (always possible). 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.

7 PRACTICAL INFORMATION HOW TO GET HERE In order to limit your CO2 emissions, we encourage you to carpool 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 Aéroport de Toulouse Blagnac Navettes 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 25 to 35 km per day. Almost entirely flat, bike paths are not tarmacked on the whole itinerary. Possible with young (less than 12 years old). 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

8 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.

9 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.

10 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