THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FOR FAMILIES FROM CARCASSONNE TO THE SEA part 2-6 days / 5 nights (Agde) or 7 days / 6 nights (Sète)

Transcription

1 THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FOR FAMILIES FROM CARCASSONNE TO THE SEA part 2-6 days / 5 nights (Agde) or 7 days / 6 nights (Sète)

2 THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FOR FAMILIES 6 days / 5 nights (Agde) or 7 days / 6 nights (Sète) Self-guided family cycling holiday ONWARD JOURNEY This family cycling holiday along the canal du midi offers you an itinerary from Carcassonne to Sète, on the shores of the Mediterranean. To start off, we suggest that you explore the city of Carcassonne, before heading through numerous wineproducing villages between Minervois and Corbières, with plenty of opportunities for wine-tasting. Once past Béziers, the sea air will accompany you to Agde, where the Canal du Midi runs into the étang de Thau. If you have the time, you can continue your journey along the seashore to the beautiful city of Sète. HIGHLIGHTS A Toulouse-based company, specialising in tours of the Canal du Midi by bike A selection of B&Bs and charming hotels, as often as possible, with a swimming pool A bike trip with stages specially designed for families New, comfortable bikes, adjusted to your size

3 DAY BY DAY Day 1: ARRIVAL IN CARCASSONNE Arrival in Carcassonne. Possible visit of the city of Carcassonne and/or a bike tour, starting from your hotel. Dinner of your choice, night in Carcassonne. 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, where you can swim. Day 2: THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM CARCASSONNE TO MARSEILLETTE After this night in the land of medieval knights, an easy stage awaits you. You leave Carcassonne behind while making the most of the last views back to the city with its majestic towers and ramparts. The Canal du Midi now becomes wild, before joining the market gardens of the plain of Marseillette. Come the evening, dinner of your choice and night in Marseillette. Cycling : 22 km Day 3 : THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM MARSEILLETTE TO HOMPS You now follow the course of the river Aude, to enter the regions of Corbieres and 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. This small and lively port 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. Cycling : 20 km

4 DAY BY DAY Day 4: THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM HOMPS TO LE SOMAIL Downstream from Homps, the rugged terrain surrounding the canal necessitated the construction of impressive feats of engineering. This is why, in just 4 km you encounter no less than 4 bridges and 4 aqueducts, one after the other. The stage ends in the charming little port of Le Somail, where the adorable couple who welcome you to their home, keep alive the tradition of hospitality of the village. Cycling: 20 km Day 5: THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM LE SOMAIL TO CAPESTANG Between le Somail and Capestang, we suggest that you take a pause at the port of Argelier, a medieval village which, as well as many charming tiny streets, has interesting remains of an ancient château and ramparts. Once you have arrived in Capestang, you have plenty to discover with its château, collegiate church of St Etienne (14 th C) and lagoon or étang from which the village gets its name: Lou Cap de l'estang». Dinner of your own choice and night in Capestang. Cycling: 22 km Day 6: THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM CAPESTANG TO BEZIERS Today, you can discover two of the most impressive industrial works of the Canal du Midi. Firstly, the tunnel de Malpas, where the canal passes beneath the very beautiful roman Oppidum d Ensérune. Upon arriving in Beziers, you will discover the colossal 8-rise lock which allows the canal to cross the river Orb. Dinner of your choice and night in Béziers. Cycling : 20 km

5 DAY BY DAY Day 7 : THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM BEZIERS TO AGDE For this last day on the Canal du Midi by bike for families, you cross the plains which border the Mediterranean, enlivened by the bracing sea air. Your arrival in Agde, where the canal runs into the etang de Thau, will not be without emotion! Cycling : 23 km Your holiday ends in Agde if you have chosen the 7 days / 6 nights version. A supplementary night in Agde is possible. Day 8 : THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM AGDE TO SETE This short stage between Agde and Sete lends itself to dawdling! A beautiful cycle path between the etang de Thau and the Mediterranean allows you to watch the flamingos. You have numerous spots for swimming. Once you arrive in Sète, you can make the most of the pretty fishing port known as the «Venice of the Languedoc». Cycling: 35 km Your holiday ends upon your arrival in Sète if you have chosen the 8 days/7 nights trip, from Carcassonne to Sète. EXTEND YOUR STAY From Agde and Sète all of the Mediterranean coast is accessible by train. The Côte d Azur, the Côte Vermeille around Collioure, or the Spanish coast are all only just a few hours away. DATES DE DEPART Départs à la date de votre choix. POUR VOUS INSCRIRE Contactez nous par mail : sandrine.leberre@maisonduvelotoulouse.com Par téléphone :

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 (eveytime it s possible). Breakfast is included. We have selected for you characterful B&Bs 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 car-share or use public transport. IF YOU COME BY TRAIN Tariffs and timetables on the website: SNCF Train station of Carcassonne Your first accommodation in Carcassonnewill be close from the train station. IF YOU COME BY PLANE Carcassonne airport IF YOU COME BY CAR 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 tarmacked on the whole itinerary. Possible with sport-loving children of 10 years and older. GUIDING/MONITORING : Self-guided, unaccompanied holiday. 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, paniers 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 (ebikes) available as an optional extra CHARACTERISTICS Aluminium frame, 21 speeds, V-brake brakes, Royal saddle, puncture resistant tyres, 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 Childrens trailers Paniers 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 woollen/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 litre minimum) 1 repair kit (spare inner tube, pump, puncture repair kit) 1 bicycle lock paniers water carrier (optional) Personal Pharmacy Your usual medicines Vitamine 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. Si vous prenez votre propre vélo : 1 casque (non obligatoire en France mais

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 : sandrine.leberre@maisonduvelotoulouse.com BY MAIL Véloccitane - Maison du Vélo Toulouse 12 Boulevard Bonrepos, Toulouse VELOCCITANE, 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