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Canal du Midi
8 days Hotels Canals & Carcassonne The Best of Southwest France
CYCLE GRADE A
The remarkable Canal du Midi links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, its lower sections passing through historic centres such as Carcassonne and Narbonne together with some of the prettiest scenery in southwest France. Rich in culture, history and natural beauty our easy itinerary leads us along tree-lined towpaths, over beautiful stone bridges and into the heart of the Minervois region, famous for its wines. Anyone wanting longer rides than those planned can opt for additional sections, revealing more of this beautiful region.
From the Mediterranean.. We start in the historic town of Pezenas, famous for local dishes, such as petits pates, olives and honey, as well as fine regional wines. Riding along a network of quiet country roads we make our way south to the coast at Marseillan for a visit to the
famous Noilly Prat cave where the renowned vermouth can be sampled. Next we head west through several small villages to reach the Canal du Midi at Vias, then along the canal to pass the nine locks of Fonseranes before arriving in Narbonne, one-time capital of the Visigoths. Along the Canal du Midi.. A free day allows an opportunity to explore the towns narrow streets and squares at leisure or to make an optional ride along the Canal de la Robine or perhaps to the lagoon at Bages and Peyriac where an abundance of wildlife can be found including, on occasion, flamingos. Next we take an attractive, mainly level route along the Canal de la Robine to rejoin the Canal du Midi and make our way to the market town of Lesignan Corbieres. To Beautiful Carcassonne This is wonderful rural France at its best! Towpaths lined with wild flowers make for easy access to less visited corners of the area, revealing the true nature of the region. Traditional villages pass by one after another as we wend our way gently to beautiful Carcassonne, replete with its battlements
Itinerary Day 1 Eurostar and train from London via Lille to Beziers; transfer Pezenas. 2 Ride to Marseillan; option to continue to Marseillan Plage. 3 Cycle to Narbonne via Vias/Fonseranes. 4 Free in Narbonne; optional ride to Bages/Peyriac lagoon. 5 Along Canal du Midi or visit Fontfroide Abbey and on to Lezignan Corbieres. 6 Ride along canal to Carcassonne with option to swim at Jouarres or to make detour to the old Cathar village of Minerve. 7 Free in Carcassonne; optional rides along the canal to Bram and Villepinte or a hilly option to visit the old Cathar Chateau de Lastours. 8 Transfer to Beziers; train and Eurostar via Lille to London. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts hotel; 6 breakfasts included. See p45. Bicycle: 21 speed hybrid bicycles complete with pannier, water-bottle holder, lock and map holder. Daily distances day 01 day 02 day 03 day 04 day 05 day 06 day 07 day 08 Rest days or optional rides Grade & Terrain: Grade A easy (with the optional rides moderate) this is the ideal way for the occasional cyclist to explore southwest France at their own pace. Our route is mainly level or undulating enabling us to cover approx. 213km over 6 days, averaging around 40km per day. We cycle along towpaths and on quiet country roads which together take us to picturesque villages and historic towns, enjoying traditional food and the renowned wines of the region as we go. Several more challenging optional rides are available for those seeking longer routes. These require more stamina as they are often hilly. You can ride independently or with group members. 85% on tarmac and 15% on gravel tracks/canal towpaths although the amount on gravel can be reduced by cycling some of the alternative road sections. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader/driver to assist, advise and co-ordinate. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
and witches-hat towers. En route you can pause to swim in the lake at Jouarres or make a detour to visit the old Cathar village of Minerve. A last, free day brings with it an opportunity to explore Carcassonne town or for rides along the canal to Bram and Villepinte or, for those who enjoy a challenge, a hilly option to visit the dramatically sited remains of the Cathar Chateau de Lastours.
30/50km 60km 33/56km 45/60km 45/60km 25/60km
Canal du Midi Ref CCM
FRANCE
gne Noire Monta
Minerve Optional swim Jouarres D u
PEZENAS
Explore local area
To/from Lille
Or b
Oppidium Beziers dEnsérun
Etang de Thou
Marseillan Noilly Prat Wine Caves Marseillan Plage
Villepinte Bram
d
Ca
na
l
Mid
CARCASSONNE
Chateau de Lastours
e Au LESIGNANCORBIERES
Peyriac
Vias 9 Locks of Fonseranes
i
NARBONNE
Narbonne Plage
Mediterranean Sea
km 0 30
Etang de Bages
Cycling along the Canal/Brian Bestford
DATES & PRICES in £s per adult 8 days from London (Sat-Sat) 2008 deps 24 May-31 May 07 Jun-14 Jun 13 Sep-20 Sep 20 Sep-27 Sep 27 Sep-04 Oct 2009 deps 23 May-30 May 06 Jun-13 Jun Train Incl 739 619 649 669 619 Train Incl 749 629 Land Only 429 429 429 429 429 Land Only 449 449
Land Only tour: 8 days - start Pezenas day 1 (Sat), end Carcassonne day 8 (Sat) Plus Local Payment: ¬140 (approx £95) payable Pezenas These are guide prices, see p46 for full details
The walled fortress of Carcassonne/Ann Tubb
Essential information about our tours see pages 45-51
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