On arrival in Toulouse, make your way to the joining hotel. Toulouse is France’s fourth largest city and has a rich heritage. Known for its ultra modern aerospace industry, it also has a charming centre, distinctive for its rose-red brick buildings. Take time to visit some of the city's great sites including St Sernin church, the largest Romanesque church in France, ‘Capitole’ square, and numerous other examples of fine architecture. Overnight in Toulouse.

Meals:  Nil

Toulouse is where the ‘Canal du Midi’ begins. Leaving town via the Paul Riquet bridge and cycling along the canal, you'll enter the pastel-coloured country of Lauragais. Take a break in Avignonet, the centre of the battles during the Albigensian crusades with lots of medieval remains, statues of crusaders and enormous churches. The highest point of the canal is at the foot of the Montagne Noire - this is the Seuil de Naurouze (watershed), the strategic point of the Canal du Midi that separates the Atlantic and Mediterranean basins. You then drop down to Castelnaudary. This region is particularly famous for its gastronomy, especially Cassoulet. Overnight in Castelnaudary. (Monday is market day here.) 467m/4532ft ascent, 433m/1420ft descent

Meals:  B

Today's cycle takes you through the heart of Cathar country along original, thousand year old tow paths to the river harbour of Bram. The landscape changes from cornfields to vineyards. You'll pass old villages and the Béteille and Lalande locks. Carcassonne and its impressive medieval citadel is a highlight of the tour. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you should plan to spend some time exploring this beautiful fortification. The towpath along this stage is quite uneven. From Bram to Carcassonne the route is not specifically laid out for cyclists, but the hardened earth track is fairly easy to cycle along. 258m/846ft ascent, 294m/964ft descent

Meals:  B

After visiting Carcassonne you go back to the peace and quiet of the Canal. Along the cycle path today you can admire the bridge at Orbiel, the overflow of canal water at Argendouble and the church Saint Etienne at Trebes. Take a rest in the Gallic village of Marseillette and walk over to Capendu (just over 2km) to view the remains of the 13th century Roman chapel. Continue through undulating vineyards to your destination of Homps. This stretch is fairly easy to cycle along with no particular difficulties however from Marseillette to Homps the cycle route is quite rough, going along a stretch of towpath that has not been laid out specifically for cyclists. 247m/810ft ascent, 336m/1102ft descent

Meals:  B

From the lock at Argens you'll follow a winding path along the hillside to the hamlet of Le Somail, where you can take a break and visit the old library. Continue along the Canal de la Robine to Capestang with its collegiate church, visible from afar. From the tower there are views of the sea and a nearby 14th century castle. As you cycle once again you will pass some Gallo-Roman remains, the village of Poilhes la Romaine and ancient hill town of Oppidum d'Ensérune. You can also admire the Malpas tunnel and the nine locks of Foncerannes en route to your destination, the township of Béziers, known particularly for wine and bullfighting. You can enjoy great views from the cathedral. There are a few short stretches on roads with traffic today that require you to cycle with care, between Roubia to beyond Ventenac before you reach Le Somail. The towpath track you take between Samail and Capestang is of uneven quality. The track along the towpath between Capestang and Béziers is not specially laid out for cyclists and is rough in patches. 508m/1666ft ascent, 494m/1620ft descent

Meals:  B

Although the sea is not yet visible, you can sense it. The landscape becomes flatter and you will encounter dunes, swamps and lagoons. In this coastal region you will pass the unique Pont Bache du Libron and the round lock of Agde. At Agde you cross the Herault river and head towards the Thau Lagoon. The Canal du Midi ends at the lighthouse in Onglous. From Marseillan you cycle along the beach to Sete, the last stop on your cycle trip. Sete is a major fishing port and is well know for its beaches. We recommend visiting the large covered market, and there are many seafood restaurants near the harbour. The first part of the stage makes for easy cycling on the towpath to the Roque Haute bridge. Later, between Agde and neighbouring Marseillan-Plage the route is not specially laid out for cyclists and care is needed. 302m/990ft ascent, 364m/1194ft descent

Meals:  B

Your trip concludes in Sète after breakfast. If you'd like to stay an extra night, please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B