Travel story South France Canal du Midi

Impressions Sète

Elevated view of Sète showing the coastal city with red-tiled roofs, harbor area, and blue Mediterranean waters surrounded by hills.

Fresh fish display at Canal du Midi market with red mullet, sole, and langoustines arranged on ice with blue price tags.

Harbor of Sète with white boats moored along colorful Mediterranean buildings under clear blue sky, part of Canal du Midi cycling route.

Harbor festival in Sète with traditional boats in water, crowds watching from waterfront buildings and quays along the Canal du Midi.

Sandy Mediterranean beach with gentle waves washing ashore near Sète harbor. Clear blue sky and distant coastline visible in background.

Because we booked an extra night, we use the day to explore the local mountain “Mont Saint Clair” (183 m). From there we have a fantastic view of the coast.

Aussicht "Mont Saint Clair"

Then we explore the market hall of Sète, where you can see fish in all varieties.

In the afternoon we use the time for a boat trip to the oyster farm of Bouzigues, where we learn a lot of interesting things.

Close-up of fresh fish at a market display. Large silver fish in foreground with red fish and prawns visible in background on ice.

The next morning we set off for the first cycle stage – from Sète to Cap d’Agde. We follow the Mediterranean coast first.

We continue through the nature reserve along the “Etang de Bagnas”, where we discover flamingos.

Cyclist riding on paved path between wooden fences near Mediterranean coast. Sand dunes and tall grass visible on both sides under blue sky.

Mittelmeerküste

In Marseillan we visit the winery of Noilly Prat, a famous French wormwood, which matures in oak barrels and of course also enjoy a glass.

After we have refreshered in a nice restaurant at the picturesque harbor, the drive continues to our destination – Cap d’Agde, a popular holiday and seaside resort. Let’s end the evening with a delicious three-course menu.

White wine glass on restaurant terrace overlooking Marseillan harbor with boats, traditional French buildings and Canal du Midi waterfront.

The next morning we set off freshly strengthened. Finally we have reached the Canal du Midi.

Two cyclists with helmets riding along the Canal du Midi on a paved path. Trees line the waterway with green countryside in background.

On the way we have the opportunity to visit some of the many locks.

Then we continue to our today’s destination of Bèziers. We use the evening for an exploratory tour through the beautiful old town.

Black bicycle with red panniers parked at Canal du Midi lock with wooden gates and mechanical wheel system visible in background.

In bright sunshine, our third cycling day takes us from Bézier to Narbonne. First we visit the impressive 9 locks of Fonseranes.

Cyclist with helmet and sunglasses standing with bicycle at Canal du Midi locks in Narbonne. Red panniers on bike, lock system visible.

Even today, the “Canal du Midi” remains our constant companion.

Cyclist riding along the tree-lined towpath of Canal du Midi with calm water reflecting green vegetation on a sunny day.

Canal du Midi in Narbonne with boats moored along stone quay, lined with plane trees and historic buildings under clear blue sky.

Waterfront restaurant with white awnings along Canal du Midi in Somail, with moored boats and traditional French buildings in background.

Then we pass the world’s first canal tunnel “du Malpas” from 1679, but we go around it and have to cross the mountain by bicycle.

Stone arched tunnel entrance of Canal du Midi at Malpas with water channel leading into dark passage, surrounded by limestone walls and vegetation.

We continue on to our today’s destination Narbonne. We explore the interesting city and end the evening with a dinner in the curious restaurant “Meli-Melo".

The next day we visit the beautiful old town of Somail.

We were particularly impressed by the impressive antique bookshop – books – as far as the eye can see.

Interior of Canal du Midi antiquarian bookstore with floor-to-ceiling wooden bookshelves on multiple levels, exposed beam ceiling.

Portrait of Meike wearing round glasses and blue earrings, with short brown hair and a warm smile against a green background.

I was on the Canal du Midi for you. If you have any questions about this region or other variants, I will be happy to help you.

Meike Engling

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We return to the Canal du Midi and follow it to today’s stage destination Homps. Our hosts at “Le Jardin d’Homps” welcome us in their charming “Chambre d’hôte” with a cool drink.

Sunny garden in Homps with palm trees, green lawn, modern loungers, and a glass of white wine on a table in the foreground.

The next day the path passes the lock “Ecluse d’Aiguelle” and we are immediately fascinated by the art objects of the lock keeper.

Metal art sculptures displayed on green grass near Canal du Midi, featuring various animal and abstract forms with a canal boat in background.

Who follow the “Canal du Midi” further. Again and again we pass locks and watch the ships on the canal.

Then we reach the imposing fortress town of Carcarssonne, which we can already see from afar. Our hotel “Le Donjon” is located within the city walls. In the evening we stroll through the beautiful, well-preserved city and let the evening end with a dinner.

Medieval fortress of Carcassonne with stone walls, towers and ramparts overlooking green countryside in southern France under blue sky.

The next day we make a round trip, where we first follow our constant companion again.

Medieval stone castle with two prominent conical-roofed towers and fortified walls. Cyclists stand at the entrance gate under clear blue sky.

The next day we make a round trip, where we first follow our constant companion again.We branch off towards the north and are lucky, because in the south we can even see the Pyrenees – seemingly within reach – in the background.

Snow-capped Pyrenees mountains in the distance behind vineyard fields with bare winter vines and scattered trees under clear blue sky.

Then we make a detour to the dreamy place “Montolieu. ” In this peaceful place, known for its many bookshops, time seems to have stood still. We enjoy the peace and quiet and stroll through the narrow streets.

Narrow cobblestone street in Montelieu with colorful shutters, potted plants, and traditional French village houses lining both sides.

Then we drive back to Carcassonne and enjoy the second evening in this beautiful city.

The next day we follow the “Canal du Midi” to our current destination “Castelnaudary. ”

After a short stop at the harbour we continue to our accommodation “Domaine de la Capelle”, where Maryse welcomes us warmly. We are impressed by the lovingly restored country house.

Rustic dining room with white table, wicker chairs, wooden armoire, exposed ceiling beams, terracotta floor tiles and plants.

Then she shows us her oven in the garden, in which the typical cassoulet of the area is already boiling. We’re already running out of mouth.

In the evening we enjoy the delicious dish at a long table in nice company.

Multiple terracotta pots of cassoulet cooking inside a traditional stone oven with arched opening and metal door at Canal du Midi restaurant.

Today’s final stage takes us to Toulouse. First we reach the highest point of the “Canal du Midi” – “Le Partage des Eaux” (193 m above sea level). Today’s stage is the longest of our tour. We follow the well-developed cycle path to Toulouse. We enjoy the flair of the vibrant student city.